Admission
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
High School Students
The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Architecture program:
- Apply to North Dakota State University (https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/apply) and mark architecture as your intended major.
- Refer to the information on this NDSU webpage for application requirements: https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/how_to_apply/first_year/requirements
During the first year, students will complete NDSU’s Environmental Design courses (11 credits total), Architecture history courses, and suggested General Education courses.
High School Preparation
The best courses to study in high school are those that would be recommended for any demanding college program -a sound mixture of courses in sciences, humanities and social sciences. Physics, trigonometry or calculus, art, freehand drawing and literature are recommended. Courses in mechanical, architectural, and digital drawing are not necessary and, in fact, may be less useful than general academic or fine arts subjects. Prospective students are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school in the following ways: AP (Advanced Placement), PSEO (Post-secondary Enrolment Options), CIS (College in Schools), IB (International Baccalaureate), or CLEP (College Level Examination Program).
Transfer Students
The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Architecture program:
- Apply to North Dakota State University (https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/apply) and mark architecture as your intended major.
- Refer to the information on this NDSU webpage for application requirements: https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/how_to_apply/transfer/requirements
- Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis and must consult with Rob Glarum, the architecture academic advisor, [email protected] prior to applying to the program. Students will know prior to matriculation what their plan of study will look like.
Students transferring to NDSU from non-Architecture programs:
Five years of study are required for completion of the degree. A transfer student’s prior credits allow them to take fewer credits per semester than a student entering from high school, but they do not shorten the 10-semester degree program, as studio courses are sequential in nature. This lighter load allows for the potential of obtaining a substantial minor or a complementary certificate program, which enhances their employment opportunities in design.
Students transferring to NDSU from other architecture programs:
In addition to the information listed above, students wishing to transfer to NDSU from other architecture programs must submit the following documents:
- Official Transcripts from prior institutions
- Portfolio and syllabi for architecture/design courses (if requested). This information should be submitted directly to the Department Chair, Susan Schaefer Kliman at [email protected]
Each transfer student will have a custom plan of study created based on prior course work. A detailed evaluation is completed to determine alignment of completed courses with the content of the courses in the NDSU curriculum. Any deficiencies must be met within the plan of study at NDSU.
Current NDSU Students transferring into Architecture
Current NDSU Students who are looking to change their major to Architecture should meet with Rob Glarum, Architecture Academic Advisor, to learn how credits will apply, the duration of the major, and the types of courses required. [email protected]
Selective admissions into 2nd year
Students will apply to the professional program (years 2-4) in the spring semester of the first year. Admission to the 2nd year is based on GPA for architecture (ARCH) and environmental design (ENVD) courses, statement of interest, and brief portfolio. The template for this portfolio and detailed information regarding submission is provided by the instructor for ENVD 172 in the spring semester of the first year.
The Department of Architecture strives to have a student population that reflects the demographics of the broader community of the Upper Midwest; however, admissions are based on student performance in the first year at NDSU. The Admissions committee ranks applications, and the top 68 students are granted admission to the second year of the program. Demographics are not considered in this process.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Current NDSU Architecture Students
The program is accredited as a 4 + 1 program. Students entering as Freshman typically see the graduate degree as the final outcome of their time at NDSU. Students with a minimum 3.0 GPA will apply to graduate school during the fourth year. Our “seamless admission” policy guarantees a spot for any of our undergraduate students who meet this GPA requirement.
Transfer Students
The NDSU Master of Architecture is an accelerated 4+1 degree program and is specifically intended for our undergraduate students to continue seamlessly into the graduate program. Applicants who have not completed the pre-professional degree at NDSU will require at least 2 years to complete the degree.
Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis and will need to consult with Rob Glarum, the architecture academic advisor, [email protected] to begin the approval process prior to applying to the program.
- Applicants must submit a portfolio in addition to transcripts, and course syllabi when requested. Every applicant is evaluated individually, and a tailored plan of study is created based upon the completed coursework and the alignment of the prior degree with the NDSU curriculum.
- All International graduate students must complete an additional year at NDSU during which they will be enrolled in between 18 and 27 credits.
- Domestic students transferring to NDSU typically need to complete an additional year at NDSU. Curriculum and coursework from the prior program will be evaluated for these students to align their completed coursework with the NDSU curriculum. In most cases, transfer students admitted to the M.Arch. program must enroll in between 18 and 27 credits beyond the standard 1 year of graduate courses.
- All transfer students to NDSU must consult with the Academic Advisor, Rob Glarum ([email protected]), during the application process so that they know prior to matriculation what their plan of study will look like. Once advised and admitted, students will have access to the registration system.
Architecture Advising
Every student entering or enrolled in either the B.S. Arch or the M. Arch programs will be advised every semester by an academic advisor to ensure that they stay on track to graduate.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERIOR DESIGN
High School Students
The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Interior Design program:
- Apply to North Dakota State University (https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/apply) and mark as your intended major:
- Interior Design
- The Following information will be needed to apply:
- High School Information
- Official Transcript
- Test Scores
High School Preparation
Interior design is a dynamic and creative profession that blends art, science, and technology to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. To prepare for success in an interior design college program, high school students should take a well-rounded and rigorous course load that supports both their creative development and academic foundation.
Courses in art and freehand drawing are essential to developing an eye for design, as well as the ability to sketch and communicate creative ideas visually. Math classes play a key role in understanding measurements and scale -- fundamental for space planning and design accuracy. Computer-aided design (CAD) courses help students gain familiarity with the digital tools and software commonly used in the field. A strong foundation in sciences, humanities, and social sciences supports the holistic nature of interior design. Finally, students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically and potentially earn college credit through programs like AP (Advanced Placement), PSEO (Post-secondary Enrollment Options), CIS (College in the Schools), IB (International Baccalaureate), or CLEP (College-Level Examination Program).
Transfer Students
The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Interior Design program:
- Apply to North Dakota State University (https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/apply) and mark as Interior Design your intended major:
- Refer to the information on this NDSU webpage for application requirements: https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/how_to_apply/transfer/requirements
- Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis and must consult with Susan Ray-Degges ([email protected]), the Interior Design Program Coordinator, prior to applying to the program. Students will know prior to matriculation what their plan of study will look like.
Current NDSU Students
Current NDSU Students who are looking to change their major to Interior Design should contact [email protected]. Click here to learn more.
Selective admissions into 2nd year
Admission into the second-year professional program comes at the conclusion of the first year of the pre-professional program and is based upon demonstrated professional interest and involvement, a 3.0 institutional cumulative GPA, a minimum grade of C in all major core requirements, and a student portfolio. Students must maintain the 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA requirement and a grade of C or better in all major core requirements throughout the remainder of the program.
Interior Design Advising
Every student entering or enrolled in either the B.S. or B.A. in Interior Design will be advised every semester by an academic advisor to ensure that they stay on track to graduate.