Welcome and thank you for your interest in the undergraduate degree programs in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP) at the University of Maryland. All prospective students must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are interested in pursuing architecture as your major at the University of Maryland, make sure that you indicate this on your undergraduate admissions application. The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture is not a restricted program, so if you are accepted to the University of Maryland, you will be accepted into the Bachelors of Arts degree program.
Undergraduate Admissions sponsors many events throughout the year for prospective students. We encourage you to visit campus! Explore opportunities for visiting Maryland on the Admissions website.
Contact Undergraduate Admissions at applymaryland@umd.edu.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Architecture.
Application Requirements
Apply via the undergraduate admissions website.
All applicants must meet the university’s requirements for admission and are evaluated in a holistic review process. For a comprehensive list of the requirements for admission, please see the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
Freshman and transfer applicants should select “architecture” as their intended major on the application.
A portfolio is not required for freshman applicants.
Preparation in High School
The undergraduate program in architecture is focused on both of the arts and the sciences. Applicants are typically strong in one or both of these areas. To prepare for this program, you should:
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Pursue the highest level math classes you can in high school through senior year. AP Calculus is encouraged if offered.
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Take physics in high school. AP Physics is encouraged if offered.
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Take freehand drawing and art classes in any and all media. Computer drafting courses are not required.
High school students interested in majoring in architecture are encouraged to join us at the University of Maryland for our High School Summer Program, ARCH150: Discovering Architecture.
Degree Placement Review Process
In order for students to be placed in the degree that best suits their individual needs, skills, interests, and professional goals, there is a Degree Placement Review Process undertaken before junior year. This process will determine if a student follows the requirements for the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
Current UMD Students
If you are intending to apply for the Bachelor of Science, you will need to submit an application, more details can be found on this page. This will determine which undergraduate degree you will pursue. If you are intending to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science, a portfolio is required. If you intend on pursuing the Bachelor of Arts, you will not be required to participate in the Degree Placement Review Process.
All the information and requirements can be found on the Undergraduate Advising page by clicking on the Degree Placement Review Process section.
Deadline
Fall Application Deadlines:
U.S. and International Freshmen:
Early Action: November 1
Regular Deadline: January 20
U.S. and International Transfer:
Early Action: March 1
Regular Deadline: June 1
Spring Application Deadlines:
U.S. Freshmen:
Early Action: December 1
International Freshmen & Transfer:
Early Action & Regular Deadline: August 1
U.S. Transfer:
Early Action: August 1
Regular Deadline: November 15
Additional information can be found on UMD’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply by the early action deadline.
Profile of Applicants
Applicants to the architecture program are typically highly motivated individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the visual arts, as well as mathematics and science. Many of our students are admitted to and participate in the University Honors Program, the College Park Scholars Program, or the Gemstone Honors Program, while enrolled at the university.
Get a sneak peak of student life at MAPP with these short videos featuring Salam, JT, and Jake below.
Transfer Students
All transfer applicants should list Architecture as your intended major on the application.
Pre-Transfer
The Pre-Transfer Advising program provides support to prospective transfer students from two-year and four-year schools before they apply to the University of Maryland to complete an undergraduate degree. Students are encouraged to use pre-transfer advising services to assess their readiness to transfer and estimate their time to degree completion. To sign up for a pre-transfer advising appointment, please visit: https://www.pretransferadvising.umd.edu/.
Transfer Credits
The transfer credit evaluation process usually begins for newly admitted students two weeks after you receive your admission letter. To learn more about this process, please visit the Transfer Credit Services website.
Transfer courses that have already been evaluated can be found in the Transfer Database. If you would like to request an evaluation of a course(s) not appearing in the database, simply send an email to transfercredit@umd.edu with your name, UID (if you are a current student), name of the institution where the course was taken, the course ID and course title at the transfer institution, along with a detailed course syllabus.
Transfer Student Requirements
Go to the Undergraduate Admissions website for transfer application requirements.
Deadline
For best consideration, transfer applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline. For fall, this is March 1st and for spring, this is August 1st. All transfer deadlines to the University of Maryland can be found at:
https://www.admissions.umd.edu/apply/ApplicationDeadlines.php
Technology Requirements
The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software. In addition to these requirements, many students also purchase monitors so that they can expand their digital workspace.
We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements. Many software applications are available to all matriculated students. We recommend you check the following website to see a complete list, https://terpware.umd.edu/. A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.
Preferred Hardware Specifications
VR-Ready/Gaming PC/Laptop ~ $2,400.00 (Great for multi-purposes overall)
- Processor: Intel Core i7 or greater
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB - 32 GB DDR4
- Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD for Operating System and 1TB for data storage
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX3060 or greater
- Extended warranty with accidental coverage.
MacBook Pro (16 inch model) ~ $2,700.00 (Great for graphic design, not for VR or modeling)
Many students also purchase monitors so that they can expand their digital workspace. Additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.
- External monitor 27-inch 4K monitor or larger
- University-provided cloud storage (Google Drive and/or Box)
KEEP IN MIND: Some coursework software are NOT compatible or supported on macOS such as AutoDesk Revit, NavisWorks and Lumion. A separate software called Parallels Desktop and a Windows 11 license must be purchased and installed to get your Apple device working with aforementioned software.
Software– Approximately $ 244.00 Total
The following are the required software applications for architecture students:
Adobe Creative Suite (or Adobe Creative Cloud) -- FREE through UMD TERPware program (https://terpware.umd.edu/Windows/Title/1971):
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe inDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
Autodesk – FREE through Autodesk Education portal (https://www.autodesk.com/education/home):
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
Microsoft Office 365 – FREE through UMD TERPware program (https://terpware.umd.edu/Windows/Title/3107):
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Microsoft Excel
Other specialized programs - Subscription or License is required:
- Rhinoceros (through www.creationengine.com, $195)
- SketchUp Pro (through www.creationengine.com, $49)
Tuition and Fees
For current tuition and fees, please visit the Student Financial Services and Cashiering website.