prospective transfer students FAQ
How do I apply as a transfer student?
The UT Austin Office of Admissions administers transfer student admission to the School of Architecture. Please visit their website at www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/
What courses should I take before I transfer to The School of Architecture at UT Austin?
Coursework that is equivalent to the following UT Austin courses:
M 408C (or M 408K and M 408L)
PHY 302K, 102M
PHY 302L and 102N
E 316K
RHE 306
HIS 315K and HIS 315L (or 2 other History courses that fulfill the legislative requirement)
GOV 310L and GOV 312L
You will most likely use the remainder of the transfer credit as electives in your degree program. Refer to the degree plan that you are interested in for the various elective requirements. If you are in a design program, the transferability of your design courses will be determined after you are admitted to the program.
How do you determine the equivalency of my transfer coursework?
If you attended a Texas school, a great tool to use is the Automated Transfer Equivalency (ATE) system at www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/ate/. In addition to the online system, or if you attended a school outside of Texas, you may contact university transfer counselors in the Office of Admissions. Once you have applied to UT Austin, the transfer counselors may help you with questions about the transferability of courses, but please note that until you are admitted you will only be given general guidelines about how courses taken outside UT Austin will transfer. The transferability of architecture coursework taken at another college is determined after a student is admitted to the program.
How competitive is it to get in to the School of Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin?
Admission is very competitive. We receive around 150 applications per year and can only accept a few. Typically, those accepted are coming from other architecture or interior design programs. If not admitted directly into the program but admitted to U T Austin, students may be eligible to apply as a change of major into the School of Architecture. Please visit soa.utexas.edu/admissions/undergraduate for information regarding changing majors into the School of Architecture.
How long will it take for me to earn my degree?
It depends on when you were admitted to the School of Architecture, the chosen degree plan, and the number of architecture/architectural interior design courses that transfer into the program. Typically, admitted transfer students are admitted as first or second year design students.
What is required in a portfolio?
Portfolio pieces may include drawing, painting, and/or sculpture (photographs of original pieces); however, the inclusion of photography as an art form is discouraged. Work may have been completed as part of formal coursework or independently. It is recommended that applicants identify the media and date of the work being shown. If the work was part of a course previously taken, please also indicate the instructor's name and affiliation. Work must be reproduced to fit in a bound portfolio measuring no larger than 9" by 12" and the applicant's name and degree program must be clearly marked on the cover of the portfolio. Applicants must supply a self-addressed, stamped envelope of sufficient size if the return of the portfolio is desired.
I've never taken any architecture or interior design courses. What should I put in my portfolio?
We want to get an idea of your basic artistic talent; any drawings, paintings, or photographs of sculptures and/or models, etc. that you have done on your own or for a class are acceptable. The inclusion of photography as an art form is discouraged. We do not accept electronic portfolios or slides.
If I have an Associate's Degree, do I apply as a transfer student or a freshman?
Since you already have college credit, you should apply as a transfer student.
I already have an undergraduate degree, but would like to pursue a degree in Architecture. How do I apply?
Students who already hold an undergraduate degree, or who are very close to attaining an undergraduate degree, are referred to our graduate program. That program is designed for those who have a degree in something other than architecture. Please visit www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/grad/ for more information.
I already have an undergraduate degree, but would like to pursue a degree in Interior Design. How do I apply?
Students that already hold an undergraduate degree are typically referred to our graduate program, which is designed for those who have a degree in something other than architecture or interior design; however, the graduate program in Interior Design is currently in the planning stages. Alternative accredited degrees in Interior Design programs in Texas are offered at UT Arlington, the University of North Texas, Southwest Texas State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Christian University, and Texas Tech University.
I was accepted into a different College/School at UT Austin. Should I come to UT or attend a community college and apply as a transfer student into the The School of Architecture next year?
We admit more change of major students than transfer students, so it would probably be best for you to consider coming to UT Austin if you're admitted. During your first spring semester, you may apply for a major change into our school (you must complete 24 hours at UT Austin to be considered).