Graduate Program
The architecture program offers an accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) as its professional degree in architecture. A professional degree is a requirement for licensure with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredits professional programs in architecture.
The deadline for submitting completed applications for admission in Fall 2025 is Jan. 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Entry to the M.Arch Program is limited to the beginning of the academic year, fall semester. Due to the structure of the first year of coursework, applications for the fall semester should be received by Jan. 31, 2025, to be given full consideration. Applications are reviewed once per year for fall admittance to the university and program.
SDSU and the Architecture Program must receive all items by the deadline for an application to be considered complete. Sending all items to the Architecture Program only is not considered a complete application. The university Graduate Application, including fee payment, is critical to completeness of the application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The review process takes approximately six to eight weeks. Applicants receive notification of their application status by the end of March.
Accelerated Master of Architecture
In the spring of their third year, Architecture undergraduate students at SDSU are eligible to apply to the accelerated program. Before applying, students interested in the program should contact the architecture program coordinator.
Two-year Master of Architecture
Students with an undergraduate degree in architecture from SDSU or from other institutions (national and international) are eligible to apply.
Three-year Master of Architecture
Students with an undergraduate degree in disciplines outside of Architecture from national or international institutions are eligible to apply.
Application Materials
Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships
Architecture offers graduate assistantships on a semester-by-semester basis to graduate students who possess classroom leadership skills, a capacity for critical conversation and a curiosity about how architecture is taught, practiced and researched. To apply for a graduate assistantship (only after the online program application is complete), contact the architecture program coordinator via email with the subject line "Architecture Graduate Assistantship (academic year applying for)". Following the application deadline, the admissions committee makes a list of potential GA candidates from requests received and sets up interviews with finalists. This process is completed before the enrollment/start date. Graduate Assistantships will be offered with admission in some cases.
Additional information about graduate assistantships at SDSU can be found here:
Graduate Assistantships
Each candidate will provide a portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in many areas useful in architecture instruction and research. This often includes hand drawings, sketching, photography or other skills in addition to design. The GA candidate shall also provide a 1–2-page personal statement that outlines their goals for their career plan, their skill sets and abilities, and experience that would be useful in the classroom or research effort.
Transfer Evaluation
Candidates admitted to the M.Arch. degree program are reviewed in part using a Transfer Evaluation Advising Form to verify that professional program prerequisites have been met. Evaluation is made by the Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor. Equivalency in non-architecture courses are evaluated by the department administering the course. Students may challenge for transfer credit by portfolio or petition for equivalency for architecture coursework. For professional level courses, both the academic objectives and requisite NAAB student performance requirements have to be evident in the record supplied by the student for approval of equivalency.
SDSU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all benefits, services and educational and employment opportunities. This includes discrimination on the basis of sex in admission to or employment in SDSU’s education programs or activities.
Complete South Dakota State University Graduate School Application.
- The Graduate School requires filling out a form, paying a $35 fee, submitting transcripts and showing proof of immunization, as well as TOEFL for international students.
Architecture has additional application materials that need to be completed. All required materials need to be submitted via email to Cynthia Runia, by Jan. 31, 2025. Email subject line: Architecture M.Arch. Application 2024
- One Personal Statement
- Provide a brief, 500 to 800-word statement specifying the program you are applying to (2-year or 3-year M.Arch.), describing the specific reasons why you want to study at SDSU Architecture and sharing the ambitions you have for your potential graduate studies.
- Digital Portfolio
- Submit a portfolio (10-15 pages/slides) via email (15mb max). A digital portfolio of an applicant's creative work is required for all applications. The file name must list the program, degree option, last name, first name, portfolio; each field separated by an underscore ("_"). File naming example: M.Arch._2-yr_Smith_Jane_Portfolio.pdf
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Students with an undergraduate degree form SDSU architecture do not need to submit letters of recommendation. All other applicants must submit two letters from faculty or other professionals that are familiar with your academic work. Seek out people who can comment on the ambitions described in your personal statement and the quality of your portfolio. Recommenders should send letters directly to Cynthia Runia, Program Assistant.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- Test scores for the GRE are not required.
- Unofficial Transcript
- Submit an unofficial transcript as a PDF. A minimum 3.0 GPA is highly preferred for admission.