UCLA Architecture and Urban Design (AUD) is now welcoming applications to AUD's Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design (MSAUD), and MA/PhD programs, with an application deadline of January 6, 2025 for Fall 2025 matriculation.

Official application for MArch, MSAUD, MA, PhD: click here

Please note: Our undergraduate program in architectural studies draws UCLA students in their second year of undergraduate studies, to transfer in to AUD for their junior and senior years.

As you consider and prepare your materials, AUD is eager to assist in the process.

The basics

Applications for the MArch, MSAUD, and MA/PhD programs are completed via the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission, and are due January 6, 2025.

Candidates will be notified of admissions and financial decisions in March 2025.

Admitted candidates who wish to accept the offer of matriculation must submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by April 15, 2025.

Please review our application checklists for each respective program:

MArch application checklist
MSAUD application checklist
MA/PhD application checklist

Join our Fall 2024 admissions events

We are pleased to offer a variety of online events this fall to help you get to know UCLA AUD.

We'll hold our Fall 2024 Virtual Open House for graduate programs (MArch, MSAUD, MA, and PhD) on Tuesday, October 29, 4:00 to 7:00 pm PST. Bookmark the Open House event page to stay tuned for further details, and please register on Eventbrite.

AUD will host Open Studio Day on Monday, November 4, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm. Open Studio Day will begin at 1:00 pm in Perloff Hall Gallery with a welcome presentation from Vice Chair Kutan Ayata, before visitors are welcome to browse the range of reviews and studio activities taking place. Visitors will also be invited to take Perloff Hall tours led by current AUD students, getting a full look at the AUD experience.

Then, we'll hold a series of Fall 2024 Virtual Info Sessions on Tuesday, November 19, 4:00 to 7:00 pm PST. Bookmark the Info Sessions event page to stay tuned for further details, and please register on Eventbrite.

And, this year, we are pleased to add a Fall 2024 Portfolio Workshop on Wednesday, November 20, 4:00 to 6:00 pm PST. This workship offers an insightful, candid look at some of the priorities, processes, and inspirations behind the design portfolio. We hope this event complements our Open House and Info Sessions by taking a behind-the-scenes look at a vital piece of the admissions process. Bookmark the Portfolio Workshop event page to stay tuned for further details, and please register on Eventbrite.

GRE is optional

The GRE standardized exam is NOT required as part of your application to UCLA AUD. No preference will be given to those who choose to submit GRE scores as part of their application. More information on this standardized exam can be found via the ETS website.

However, if you do take the GRE exam and wish to include it as part of your application: In addition to uploading your GRE scores, please direct ETS to send us your official score sheets. We recommend you take the exam at least three weeks before the application deadline as it usually takes 2-3 weeks for ETS to send us the test scores. AUD's ETS codes for the GRE are:

UCLA Architecture and Urban Design
Institution Code: 4837
Department Code: 4401

Tips

While there is no "perfect application," we offer some general guidance and tips that might enrich your application.

Your statement of purpose and your personal statement offer an opportunity to present not only your accomplishments and your studies, but also your goals and interests. We review these with great care, alongside your portfolio and other application materials, so we encourage you to begin drafting these written statements early.

Applicants must upload a scanned copy of the official transcripts from each college or university you have attended both in the U.S. and abroad. If you are accepted into the program you will be required to submit hard copies. These can either be sent directly from each institution or hand-delivered as long as they remain in the official, signed, sealed envelopes from your college or university. As a general rule, UCLA Graduate Division sets a minimum required overall grade-point average of 3.0 (B), or the foreign equivalent.

For MArch and MSAUD candidates: Your digital portfolio of original creative work is a central part of your application. Please upload your portfolio in the “Architecture” section of the online portal. Your portfolio should be formatted at 8-1/2" x 11", and saved as a single PDF file no greater than 15 MB. We suggest designing your portfolio as single sheets, with your name clearly stated on the cover page. Image sizes should be at least 150 dpi and no more than 300 dpi for print. Content is not restricted to any particular subject area, the material should form a cohesive presentation and represent your previous experience and creative abilities. It can be used to showcase both academic and professional work and can include both graphic and written material. If you are including professional work please be sure to properly credit others and / or explain your role as part of a team.

Tip: check out our Fall 2023 Portfolio Workshop, led by Natasha Sandmeier, as you work on your portfolio

What happens AFTER you apply

Applications for all AUD graduate programs (MArch, MSAUD, and MA/PhD) must be submitted online by January 6, 2025 via the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission

AUD admissions committees will meet throughout January and February 2025 to review applications and reach admissions decisions.

All applicants will be notified of an admissions and, if applicable, departmental aid decision in March 2025, via UCLA's Division of Graduate Education; your admissions decision and departmental aid decision will most likely arrive in separate letters. You will hear and receive information directly from AUD throughout the process, too -- however, please note that you will receive the official notification and all terms of your admission from UCLA's Division of Graduate Education. We at AUD will ensure your admissions communications are as efficient and informative as possible.

AUD will hold a Spring Open House session in person in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 10, 2025, and a virtual Spring Open House session on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Admitted students will have until April 15, 2024 to submit what's called a Statement of Intent to Register, or SIR, in order to confirm their place at AUD; the SIR is submitted and administered through the Division of Graduate Education.

Be in touch

If you wish to visit AUD at our Perloff Hall home, please contact AUDOffice@aud.ucla.edu.

If you wish to get more information about the application process or resolve any admissions questions, please contact Admissions@aud.ucla.edu.

Further details for each program's application process are available via our program webpages:

MArch
MSAUD
MA/PhD