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.
- How to apply to Mississippi State University.
- Once admitted, a student will have the major “undeclared-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)
3. Under “Helpful Links,” click on “Click here to apply to the School of Architecture” (shown here)
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.
A Note to Transfer Students about Transferring Credits
Any student transferring from any other institution, including accredited and non-accredited architecture programs, other universities, colleges, or community colleges, or any student who has earned a degree from another institute is recognized as a transfer student for the Bachelor of Architecture program. High school graduates who have taken college-level courses for credit during high school are not considered transfer students.
Submitted official transcripts provide the first step in identifying previous coursework that may be transferred for credit for transfer students. Mississippi State University reviews and grants credit for all general coursework. For architecture and architecture-related coursework to be considered for credit for courses specific to the Bachelor of Architecture, the School of Architecture will review and evaluate transcripts, portfolios, and syllabi, providing credit when content and credit hours are met. The School of Architecture will be in communication with each transfer student regarding the evaluation of their work prior to their enrollment. Any credits awarded will be documented as part of the student’s electronic records. Placement in the studio and coursework sequence will be guided by the School of Architecture Academic Advisor. Transfer students are encouraged to contact the advisor at the School of Architecture for more information.
School of Architecture Acceptance Timeline
Our Commitment
The School of Architecture at Mississippi State University believes that any individual who wishes to pursue a career in architecture should have the opportunity to do so. In keeping with Mississippi State University’s Roadmap to Guide Our Future, the School of Architecture is committed to this work and acts on it through outreach programs throughout the region; scholarships for Design Discovery Camp; pathways for transfer students; scholarships and awards for tuition, materials and supplies and travel; student organizations; study abroad opportunities and more. For more information, please contact the School of Architecture at 662-325-2202 or sarc-admissions@caad.msstate.edu.
Questions?
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.