How can I find out more information about degrees and admissions?

The College of Architecture hosts information sessions for undergraduate applicants. For times and dates or to sign up to attend a session, please call 713-743-3463.

I am a current UH student looking to change my major and need to submit a general petition. How do I fill it out?

1) Complete the top portion of the general petition by writing legibly. You do not need to complete the top right box.

2) Mark option five, “Student request plan (major) change from” if you are planning to change your major. State your current major and the major you intend to pursue. Undeclared students must list their current major as UScholars. For example, fill it out as “UScholars to Industrial Design” or “Biology to Architecture.”

• Post-baccalaureate students can check off option three and then check off the option “second bachelor’s degree.” Follow the third and fourth steps outlined below.
• Students seeking to double major can check off option eight and specify intended major. Follow the third and fourth steps outlined below.

3) Complete the explanation of request by briefly stating the reason for your major change request.

4) Lastly, sign and date the form and submit to the Student Services Office located in Room 151 of the College of Architecture Building along with your portfolio.

How should I prepare for the College of Architecture?

Exploring various art and design media is an excellent way to prepare for the College of Architecture. Sculpting, drawing, painting, graphic design, and creative writing are just a few examples of art and design. Academics are also important to your application to the College of Architecture. Strong UH and transfer GPAs and demonstration of creative ability will make you a competitive applicant.

What is a portfolio (also referred to as supplementary information) and what can I include in it?

a) About the Supplementary Information

Applicants are allowed, but not required, to submit supplementary information to the College of Architecture to help the College Admissions Committee better evaluate applicants. Supplementary information may include: examples of creative work, awards, work experience, recommendations, and personal letter of intent.

b) Creative Work

Evidence of creative work is not limited to architectural, interior architecture, or industrial design work. Examples of creative work may include designs, drawings, photographs, paintings, sculpture, writing, etc. Creative performance work such as music or dance may be submitted via CD or DVD. Be aware that drafting work, either by hand or computer, is usually not the best example of creative work. It may be included to show a skill attained, but other work may be better for demonstrating creativity. Be sure to include a brief explanation of each work including when it was done.

c) Format for Submitting Supplementary Information

All information must be submitted in one 8.5 x 11 inch binder (maximum thickness is 1.5 inches thick), clearly marked with the applicant’s name and contact information. Do not submit original work. Submit reproductions only. The college cannot guarantee the work will be returned. The college will attempt to return the work if a self-addressed, stamped envelope or mailer is included. Slides should not be submitted. Use prints of slides. A brief statement describing each of the items submitted will help the committee better evaluate the work. Your portfolio may be submitted to the Student Services Office, room 151, of the College of Architecture.

Is it necessary to submit a portfolio when applying to the College of Architecture?

While not required, it is strongly recommended that a portfolio be submitted upon applying. Keep in mind that spaces are limited, making the application process very competitive. Submitting a portfolio might help influence admission decisions. It also helps the admissions committee determine where admitted students will be placed in the design sequence.

If I miss the February 1 priority deadline, can I still submit an application and a portfolio?

The College of Architecture continues to accept applications after the priority deadline.
All applications and portfolios can be submitted until April 1. All applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of February 1 because of the competitive admissions process.
Please note that any applications submitted after February 1 are admitted on a space available basis. Because of space restrictions, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

When can I turn in my application and portfolio if the February 1 priority deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday?

The applications and portfolios should be submitted on the following Monday.

Can I apply for spring?

No. The College of Architecture does not admit students for spring semester because of the studio sequencing. The curriculum is designed for courses to be taken in sequence, beginning in fall.

I heard that you have a summer program. How do I apply for it?

The College of Architecture offers a summer program to a select group of students who have completed a specific set of courses and who demonstrate strong academic and creative ability. This program is by invitation only, and does not require an additional application. Every student who applies to the College of Architecture is automatically screened for summer program eligibility. Students who participate in the Summer Program will complete ARCH 1200, ARCH 1500, and ARCH 1501 during the summer sessions.

Only students who have completed the following courses by the time of application are eligible:

English Composition I
English Composition II
College Algebra
College Pre-Calculus or higher

Application Decisions

How will I be notified if I’ve been accepted?

All applicants will be notified by mail.

The College of Architecture does not have specific deadlines of when applicants will be notified. Generally, letters are sent out during the spring. If an applicant has not received a letter stating the admissions decision by summer, then the academic advisor should be notified.

I was accepted to the College of Architecture. Now what?

All change-of-major students are required to attend an orientation for the College of Architecture. During this program, you will meet with academic advisors and enroll in your College of Architecture courses. More information about dates and times will be sent to you via email. If you have not received notification of the orientation by April 1, please call 713-743-3463.

Why was I denied acceptance?

Remember that applying to any school is a similar process to applying for a job. Depending on the applicant pool for an admissions cycle, some applicants will not be selected. Admission to the undergraduate program is very competitive due to space constraints.
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications, portfolios and additional materials as early as possible. Items submitted after the priority deadline of February 1 make gaining admission to the College of Architecture more difficult.

If I am denied, what should I do?

Applicants who are denied can try again next fall. Enrolling in core courses and other exploratory courses is highly recommended. Be sure to do well in your courses at UH, and continue to explore art and design.

Course Selections

What courses can I take before I’m admitted to the College of Architecture?

Students interested in taking Architecture courses before they are admitted to the College may choose from:

ARCH 1200 Introduction to Architecture
ARCH 2350 Survey of Architectural History I
ARCH 2351 Survey of Architectural History II
ARCH 3331 Computer Aided Design in Architecture
ARCH 3375 Architectural Design for Non-Majors
ARCH 4333 Advanced Computer Modeling in Architecture

I’ve already completed my core courses. What else should I enroll in?

Students have several options for their educational path. Students who do not need to be full-time may elect to be a part-time student while they complete their College of Architecture major. Students who are required to be full-time are recommended to pursue a minor in a different discipline. To see a list of minor options at the University of Houston, please see the Minor Listing page.

If my core is complete, how long will the program take?

The Bachelor of Architecture will require five years to complete, and the Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design will require four years to complete. The requirements for studio coursework dictate the length of the programs. Students are unable to take more than one studio per semester, which is why the programs cannot be completed in fewer semesters.

The only exception to this is for students who are admitted to the Summer Program. Please see the section above for more information about the Summer Program.

Program Specific Questions

Where do I get academic forms such as general petitions, CoA scholarship applications, study abroad applications, etc?

The Student Services Office of the College of Architecture, located in room 151, is your one-stop-shop for all academic forms within the College of Architecture. This is also the location of portfolio and application submissions and retrievals.

What type of technology does the College of Architecture use?

The College of Architecture uses a variety of software programs including
Adobe Creative Suite 5, AutoCAD, 3DSMax, Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, Rhino 4.0 with Grasshopper, Solidworks.

Do I need a specific computer for the College of Architecture?

Though many of the programs have Mac counterparts, programs such as SolidWorks and 3D Studio are PC only. Though Rhino has a Mac counterpart, it will not run plugins such as RhinoCAM and Grasshopper. Therefore, if you do decide on a Mac, please be aware you will have to also run Windows in order to use several programs that are widely used.

Are internships required?

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design is the only program within the College of Architecture that requires an internship. The Bachelor of Architecture degree does not require an internship, however, internships are highly encouraged. To become a licensed architect, individuals must have completed and documented the “experience” component of the licensure requirements. Internships are an excellent way to complete this component of the licensure. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards oversees the monitoring of internship hours and experiences for future licensure, also known as the Intern Development Program (IDP). For more information, please go to www.ncarb.org.

What is studio culture like?

Students must successfully complete ten studios for the Bachelor of Architecture degree, and eight studio courses for the Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design. Each studio is five credit hours, and provides students with a hands-on learning environment. Each student in the College of Architecture is assigned a desk and locker each semester. Additionally, students within the College are given 24-hour access to the building. Students have the opportunity to work on projects at any time during the day to assist in the creative process.

What is the difference between Architecture and Architectural Engineering?

Architecture programs concentrate on the aesthetics and functional/spatial layout of buildings. Architectural engineering programs emphasize the engineering aspects of building systems, heavily utilizing mathematics and physics principles. For other specific questions about the Bachelor of Architecture, please go to the Architecture FAQ page.

What is Interior Architecture? Is it the same as Interior Design?

Interior Architecture and Interior Design are different. Please go to our Interior Architecture FAQ page for more information.

Career Information

Where can I receive more information about a career in architecture?

National Architectural Accrediting Board
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Careers in Architecture
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
Occupational Outlook Handbook