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Acceptance Process and Requirements

Acceptance Process and Requirements

Acceptance to the School of Architecture is limited and highly competitive. Admission to Mississippi State University does not guarantee acceptance to the School of Architecture.

The acceptance process consists of two steps for all students:

1. Apply to Mississippi State University and indicate a major in architecture.

2. Apply to the School of Architecture

Applications for the School of Architecture open on October 15th. Follow these steps on or after that date:

1. Log into your “MyState” home page

2. Under “My Resources,” click on “More” (shown here)

screenshot showing page in MyState portal with "more" button outlined with red square

3. Under “Helpful Links,” click on “Click here to apply to the School of Architecture” (shown here)

screenshot showing page in MyState portal with the architecture channel outlined with a red square

4. Complete the application, which consists of:

  • A 500- to 800-word essay on why you are interested in architecture (reviewed for content as well as composition, grammar, and spelling, pdf or word doc format).
  • A one-page resume of academics, work experience, service, awards and recognitions, and skills (pdf or word doc format).
  • Two required drawings:
    • On unlined paper, in pencil, draw a tennis shoe or a set of keys.
    • On unlined paper, in pen, draw a tennis shoe or a hand.
      (Reviewed for communicating surface qualities, materials, textures, and details)
  • A portfolio that consists of six to twelve creative or artistic pieces, such as drawings, paintings, written compositions, poems, videos of performances, built works, ceramics, photography, sewing, knitting, and other similar works. Because the portfolio is a digital submission, all work needs to be photographed or scanned. '
  • From your application to MSU, the following will be transferred to the application to the School of Architecture:
    • Grade Point Average (high school GPA for high school applicants, community college GPA or university GPA for transfer applicants, MSU GPA for current MSU applicants)
    • Test Scores (ACT or SAT) While test scores are optional at MSU, students who do not submit test scores will receive no points for this portion of the application and not be considered for early acceptance.
  • These six parts are considered equally, with each part being scored between 1 and 6. Your submission of your GPA, essay, resume, two required drawings, and portfolio completes the application to the School.

School of Architecture Acceptance Timeline


If you have questions about or problems with the online application, please contact the School of Architecture at 662-325-2202 or Laura Mitchell, S|ARC Advisor, at lmitchell@caad.msstate.edu.

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Contact Us
School of Architecture

  • 899 Collegeview St
  • 240 Giles Hall
  • Post Office Box AQ
  • Mississippi State, MS 39762
  • Phone: (662) 325-2202
  • Campus Mailstop: 9633
  • Jackson Center:
  • 509 East Capitol Street, Jackson
  • (601) 354-6480
sarc-admissions@caad.msstate.edu School of Architecture Directory FIND US
Building Construction Science

(662) 325-8305

Interior Design

(662) 325-0530

Dean's Office

(662) 325-5150

Architecture

(662) 325-2202