Graduating seniors who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree will be evaluated for placement within the FALL semester upon receipt of their Architecture Application. The School of Architecture only accepts 50 students into the fall semester each year.

How to Apply

The School of Architecture’s admission process is twofold. First, you must complete the online MSU application and indicate “Architecture” as your major. Once you have been admitted to Mississippi State University, you will see an “Apply to the School of Architecture” section in your my.msstate.edu page. You will use the "Click here to apply to the School of Architecture" link to complete our supplemental application package.

For a complete guide to applying to the School of Architecture, please visit the Application Process page.

Important Information for High School Students:

Application Checklist
How to Prepare in High School
Math Requirements

How does Program Work?

The School of Architecture offers the Bachelor of Architecture degree, a five-year professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and has been accredited continuously since its inception in 1973.

The School of Architecture’s curriculum prepares students in a rapidly changing world for the comprehensive practice of architecture. Through diverse coursework, it provides them with a broad-based liberal-arts education, including a consciousness of ethical standards and social responsibility. The curriculum emphasizes design excellence, ideological diversity, intellectual rigor, individual development, and the techniques of building. All aspects of the curriculum are synthesized in the design-studio sequence, which attempts to balance theory and practice.

Fall Design Studio Admission is considered full admission into the Bachelors of Architecture degree program. The School of Architecture does not require an upper division portfolio review.

Transfer Students who wish to pursue a Bachelors of Architecture degree will be evaluated for placement within either the FALL or SUMMER Semester upon receipt of their Architecture Application. Semester placement is determined by previously completed college coursework.

For a complete guide to applying to the School of Architecture, please visit the Application Process page.

Important information for Transfer Students:

Application Checklist
Math Requirements

Attending a community college can often be the best way for a student to start his or her college experience – for economic and/or academic reasons.

Students who wish to attend a community college as preparation for study at the School of Architecture should be aware of some critical information.

The following courses are recommended while in community college: English Comp I, English Comp II, Drawing I, Drawing II, Physics I, Physics II, fine arts elective, and a social behavioral science elective. Course work beyond this may not apply toward your Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Because community colleges are not NAAB-accredited, community college "architecture" courses will not substitute for any School of Architecture courses at Mississippi State University.

Only students who have taken Physics I, Physics II, Drawing I and have a 2.5 GPA will be considered for Summer Semester. Students who have not completed the necessary Physics coursework may not be eligible for summer admission. Please contact the Architecture advisor for further information.

Students who are currently attending Mississippi State and are interested in a career in the field of Architecture are required to make an appointment with the Architecture Advisor.

During this appointment your previous coursework will be evaluated to see which semester (FALL or SUMMER) will best fit your needs and potential classes that need to be taken before officially applying to the School of Architecture.

In order to officially change your major to “Pre-Architecture,” you will need to fill out and get signed an MSU Change of Major form and submit it to the Registrar’s office.

Pre-architecture students will typically take all of the same core coursework that full ARC students take with the exception of ARCH Design IA and IB. Pre-architecture students should schedule regular meetings with the Architecture Advisor to confirm that they are on the appropriate curriculum path.

Successful completion of one year of the Undeclared Architecture [Formerly Pre-Architecture] curriculum including Physics I, Physics II and Drawing I will allow a student to apply for the SUMMER admission.

Admissions

When are the application deadlines?

Early Acceptance (26 ACT, 3.5 GPA) December 15
Fall Semester Application Deadline – January 15
Summer Semester Application Deadline – February 15

Is there any prerequisite coursework?

First year Architecture students are required to enroll in Physics I. In order to enroll in Physics I some prerequisite coursework is required. Please see the Math Requirements listed here.

Is a portfolio required for entrance into the undergraduate program?

No, the Portfolio is an optional component of the Fall Studio Supplementary Application. However, if you are applying for admission as a transfer student into the Summer Semester, a portfolio IS required.

What should be included in my portfolio?

Your portfolio should include materials that illustrate your ability to draw, design, and be creative. They may be freehand drawings done in school or on your own; photographs of model airplanes, buildings, etc. that you have made; photographs of clothes or costumes you have crafted; sculpture, furniture or building construction and other appropriate materials. Please include no more than two drafted or mechanical drawing. Only include your BEST work! See portfolio guide lines for more information

As a transfer student, what credits will/will not transfer into the program?

The majority of general education core curriculum classes (English Comp 1, English Comp 2, etc) will transfer to Mississippi State, please consult the MSU Registrar’s Office for verification of particular classes. Technical classes such as those offered in a Drafting and Design Technology program may not apply toward a degree.

I am interested in applying to the School of Architecture. What is the process?

The School of Architecture’s admission process is twofold. First, you must complete the online MSU application and indicate “Architecture” as your major. Once you have been admitted to Mississippi State, you will see an “Apply to the School of Architecture” section in your personal my.msstate.edu page. You will use this link to complete our supplemental application package.

Where can I locate the curriculum for your undergraduate programs?

You can find a suggested curriculum for the Bachelor of Architecture program (B.Arch) here, and for the Pre-Architecture program here. Please consult the MSU curriculum website here for official coursework.

I have Advanced Placement, CLEP, and/or credit from another institution. How can I find out if the credit will transfer to MSU?

Please contact the office of Admissions or the Registrar’s office for confirmation on your transfer credits and general education courses.

What are the admissions requirements for the Architecture program?

Admission to the School of Architecture is contingent upon acceptance to MSU. There is not a minimum ACT or GPA requirement other than what MSU requires for acceptance. The School of Architecture bases its admission on the Supplemental Application Admissions package which, evaluates students on a wide variety of criteria.

What is the TOEFL requirement for International Applicants?

The Mississippi State University minimum is 525, the School of Architecture is 550. TOEFL scores must be no more than two years old, official and verifiable.

When will I hear about the result of my application?

If you meet the qualifications for Early Acceptance AND submit your application prior to December 15, you will have a response within one week of the School of Architecture receiving your application. Applications received by the January 15th deadline will be processed and reviewed upon arrival. Acceptance letters will be mailed out March 1st. (Applications may continue to be reviewed and ranked after deadlines; contact the SARC Admissions Coordinator for further details)

General Program Questions

How long is the undergraduate program?

The Bachelor of Architecture program is a 5-year professional curriculum with 4 years in Starkville and the 5th year at our award winning facility, the “Jackson Center,” located in the historic downtown district of Jackson, MS.

What degree will I receive if I complete the undergraduate program in architecture?

You will receive a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch)

Does SARC offer a professional degree in Architecture?

Yes. We offer the state of Mississippi’s only NAAB-accredited Architecture program. Our program has been continually accredited by this professional body since its inception. The B.Arch degree will lead to registration and licensure.

Where are you located?

We are located in the city of Starkville on the campus of Mississippi State University. The School of Architecture is housed in Giles Hall.

How large is the architecture program?

The School of Architecture has between 200-250 enrolled students with a full time faculty of 16. This number allows us to provide a student to faculty ratio of 15:1. All architecture students have 24/7 access to Giles Hall which, provides them with a studio desk and work space.

Cost, Tuition, Money

What about scholarships?

The School of Architecture offers a number of scholarships specific to Architecture majors; that information can be found here. MSU recognizes outstanding students with a number of academic scholarships; please contact the Office of Admissions and Scholarships for more information. Out-of-state tuition scholarships are possible for students with high ACT and High School GPA scores. Please check with the Office of Admissions for the current year’s ACT requirements.

What costs should I expect?

Due to the “project-based”, “hands-on” method of instruction, there are additional fees and expenses associated with Architecture school; they include Field Trip Fees, Lab Fees, Books and Supplies, as well as a computer and materials associated with different projects.

Technology

What computer should I buy?

Please review the Computer Requirements found here.

What type of computing/fabrication facilities are available?

The School of Architecture has a fully equipped Wood and Metal Shop for student use. The School also has three laser cutters, one vacuum former, one powder 3d printer, one plastic 3d printer, one 4x8 CNC router, as well as extensive printing and plotting labs. The labs have a total of seven large format plotters, two large format scanners and four 24/7 laser printers.

Career Questions

What are the steps involved in becoming a licensed architect?

In order to become a licensed Architect, you must first receive a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited Architecture program. Once you have completed school, or while still enrolled in school, you will need to complete roughly three years of internship (NCARB). Once your internship is completed and you have passed all of your Architectural Licensing exams, you will receive your license to practice from the state which you apply.

What types of career services are available?

Mississippi State University has a Career Center that provides a number of programs to help students. They also help place our students in externships (one week), internships (short-term), or long-term co-cops in large firms across the nation.

Preparing to Apply

I am thinking about changing my major to Architecture; what do I need to do?

Make sure to read through the information on our website concerning transfer and community college students. Plan a visit to the School of Architecture to speak with the Director, an Academic Advisor and tour the facilities.

Are Architecture courses available to high school students during the summer?

We offer a week-long workshop during the summer called Design Discovery. This is a wonderful opportunity for juniors and seniors in high school to experience what Architecture school will be like and help students make an informed career decision about architecture and its related disciplines. Please visit the Design Discovery website here.

What classes should I take in high school to best prepare me for a major in Architecture?

One semester of HS Trig with a “B” or better is highly suggested. It is highly recommended, but not required, that students take art courses in high school and “play with” the Adobe suite of software (Illustrator, Photoshop, In-Design) in order to familiarize themselves with the interface.

Student Life

What type of academic advising and assistance is available?

The School of Architecture employs an Architecture Advising Coordinator to ensure all students (including High School and Community College students) are meeting requirements and taking the correct classes. Every member of our Architecture Faculty is available and willing to mentor students with career questions and academic pursuits.

What is studio like?

The studio experience is an integral part of an Architectural Education. The studio is a place where you will have 24/7 access to your own personal desk and work environment with resources. We encourage students to work in the studio as much as possible to learn from one another and to foster a collaborative environment. As a student you will develop your own studio ethos and habits based on your work ethic, time management, expectations and attitude. Studio Culture Document.

Are there opportunities for international study (study abroad)?

Yes. We offer two study abroad opportunities throughout the year; please visit the study abroad page here to learn more about these programs.

Where will I eat?

Mississippi State University Dining Services has a number of dining options available for students; these include The Colvard Student Union, Perry Cafeteria, and a number of other locations across campus. McArthur Café Express happens to be directly across the street from the School of Architecture.

What can I do for fun?

MSU offers a wide variety of campus activities for students, including Football/Baseball/Basketball games and tailgating, fraternities/sororities, intramural sports, and activity clubs. The School of Architecture has four separate student organizations that host numerous activities throughout the year including the annual Beaux Arts Ball and Trashion Show. Check out our Student Organizations page here for more information.

What if I get sick?

MSU has a Health Services department that includes the Longest Student Health Center which provides comprehensive medical care similar to what you would find in a family medical practice.