FAQ

When you submit your application, you will not need to specify which of our Master of Architecture programs you intend to pursue. In fact, placement within one of our MArch programs is a task that is handled during the admission review process by our committee of applicant reviewers. This occurs after our January 15 deadline, when all of your materials have been received and are ready for review.

The criteria that affect placement decisions include the extent of previous of experience in design studios (number of studios, range of projects undertaken, and complexity achieved in the most advanced work), as well as the level of sophistication and skill evidenced in the graphic representation. Integration of technical considerations is also significant. Obviously a strong portfolio is very important to us in the evaluation of an application, although the academic transcript and statement of intent are also important.

Those who have completed architectural studies in undergraduate school are more likely to gain advanced placement (MArch2 program), but ultimately such decisions are only made when the full set of application materials are considered by our faculty review committee.

MLA applicants must demonstrate satisfactory completion of at least one college-level course in the natural sciences and at least one college-level course in the visual arts, such as drawing, sculpture, graphics, and/or basic design. Applicants with an accredited degree in landscape architecture may be admitted to the MLA 2 program, thus entering the program in the second year of study. Note that the Admissions Committee reserves the right to place students in the program that it deems appropriate, on the basis of portfolio evaluation, transcript evaluation, and overall preparation.

To apply to the MUD degree as a discrete program (i.e., not as part of a dual degree arrangement), candidates must hold first professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, or planning (as long as the planning program emphasizes physical design of the built environment). Those who do not hold professional degrees may apply to the MArch/MUD dual degree program.

Within our online application, it is possible to indicate your interest in pursuing more than one Sam Fox School program. For instance if you want to pursue an MArch degree as well as an MLA degree, you can indicate this by choosing the MArch/MLA dual degree in the online form. It is only necessary to submit one online application with this dual degree choice. Your application will be reviewed by faculty representatives from both programs; if admitted, you will be informed of your admission status in each program. If you are admitted to both programs and you determine that you only want to pursue one of them, you can indicate this to us when you inform us of your enrollment decision (by April 15).

Each division at Washington University conducts reviews of graduate program candidacy independently. It is possible to pursue a joint degree involving one of the Sam Fox School’s degree programs while simultaneously applying to pursue a degree offered by the Olin Business School (Master of Business Administration), the Brown School of Social Work (Master of Social Work or Master of Public Health), or the School of Engineering & Applied Science (Master of Construction Management or Master of Engineering in Computer Science & Engineering).

To gain approval to pursue a joint degree involving two different Washington University divisions, you must submit an application for admission to the Sam Fox School while also applying to the other program of your choice (MBA, MSW, MPH, MCM, or MEng). Visit the Dual & Joint Degrees page for more info.

All non-native English speakers must submit English language scores. An exception to the English language score requirement is made for candidates who have studied a minimum of 3 years toward a baccalaureate degree in the United States or another English-speaking country.

For fall 2023, accepted test types and minimum acceptable scores are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT): 90 (traditional iBT only—we do not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5
- Duolingo: 115

We do not offer conditional admission in our department. If your English language score does not meet our minimum for admission, we ask that you continue your English language studies to prepare for a later application to the Sam Fox School. Our faculty insists that language skills meet our TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo minimums before an applicant’s candidacy as a graduate student can be seriously considered.

Washington University does not offer the type of intensive language study to significantly impact a candidate’s English language test scores. Therefore, we suggest that English language studies be conducted elsewhere prior to the preparation and submission of an application for admission.

In our graduate programs, assistantships are treated as employment opportunities rather than financial aid awards. Student assistants are drawn from those graduate students who have been in the Sam Fox School for at least one semester and have done quite well academically. Faculty members prefer assistants who are well acquainted with our programs of study and the student population before they apply for teaching assistantships. New graduate students can look toward the possibility of applying for an assistantship position to be held in their second semester or later; a call for applications will be circulated during their first semester of study. Note that for some positions, academic performance and GPA at Washington University are reviewed to determine eligibility.

Assistantships do not provide any additional tuition waivers or living stipends. Payment for assistantships is offered as an hourly wage for actual time worked. Checks are distributed on a biweekly basis throughout the term of the appointment. Payment levels and number of hours required vary according to the specifics of the particular position. The hours worked are typically about 5-20 per week.

Yes. There are a number of shops (wood, metal, photography) and labs (computer, 3-D, digital fabrication) that are staffed by student employees throughout the semester, as well as opportunities to assist faculty with special projects such as research or exhibits. Students can also find employment opportunities in other departments or libraries on campus. Once you are on campus, you can ask about any such opportunities—you won’t be able to pursue them until then. Note that these jobs also pay by the hour, and the rates and hours vary according to the type of work involved.

To schedule a campus visit, learn more about the programs, or ask an application question, please contact Kathleen O'Donnell. All campus visitors must comply with current University visitor protocols.

For more details, check out our Visit page.

Admissions: Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
Washington University in St. Louis
MSC 1213-209-105
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130