Applications and admissions information
Recommended Preparation for Application to M.S. in Architecture-Heritage Conservation and Preservation concentration
The degree program is primarily oriented toward the following:
- People who have completed a B.A. or B.S. in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, art history, geography, anthropology, or related field.
- Current graduate design students who seek a dual-degree.
- People with professional degrees in architecture or landscape architecture.
- Working professionals in historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, and related fields.
- Others. ***
*** Applicants who have no previous training in architectural history, theory, or criticism may be admitted with the requirement they complete ARCH 3411, The History of Architecture to 1750, and ARCH 3412, The History of Architecture since 1750, before registering for graduate-level courses. Please note that because both courses are offered during the summer, they may be completed before the accepted student begins the program in the fall. These course credits will not be included in the M.S. degree program.
Guidelines for applications
Applicants for the M.S. in Architecture-Heritage Conservation and Preservation concentration (33 credits) must clearly indicate their preparation for pursuing the M.S. degree. The requirements include:
- A baccalaureate degree from an approved U.S. institution or its foreign equivalent.
- The necessary academic preparation or other appropriate background (e.g., professional experience and achievements) for graduate work in the selected specialization.
- A GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or the equivalent on other grading systems is preferred. Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the director of graduate studies with consideration for such factors as higher grades in architecture- and preservation-related subjects, a transcript that shows rising grades over time, professional achievements, or personal circumstances.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take an English language test unless they have already completed a full year of academic residence as a full-time student at a recognized college or university in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.
- Applicants must submit acceptable scores from one of four options:
- TOEFL paper test: a score of 550 is the minimum; a score of 600 or higher is preferred.
- TOEFL computer test: a score of 213 is the minimum.
- IELTS test: a score of 6.5 is the minimum.
- MELAB test: a score of 80 is the minimum.
Requirements for specific areas of study
Applicants to the M.S. in Architecture degree program must indicate the area of concentration or track (in this case, concentration in Heritage Conservation and Preservation) they plan to pursue when they apply. Students in the program may switch from one concentration or track to another, but because they will be required to complete the requirements of the new concentration or track they may need to take more than 33 credits to complete the program. Such a switch requires approval of the director of graduate studies and a change of status application to the Graduate School.
Heritage Conservation and Preservation concentration
Admission to the Heritage Conservation and Preservation concentration is open to those candidates who show promise to pursue graduate study in the field, demonstrated through one or more of the following:
- Previous undergraduate or graduate education in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, art history, geography, anthropology, or related field.
- Personal and professional experiences and/or a commitment to the field.
Applicants who have no previous training in architectural history, theory, or criticism may be admitted with the requirement they complete ARCH 3411, The History of Architecture to 1750, and ARCH 3412, The History of Architecture since 1750, before registering for graduate-level courses. Please note that because both courses are offered during the summer, they may be completed before the accepted student begins the program in the fall. These course credits will not be included in the M.S. degree program.
Deadline
Application materials are due on March 1 for admission to the program for the following fall semester. Those who wish to be considered for a graduate fellowship (for which a minimum grade point average of 3.8 is preferred) are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by December 20 so their applications may be considered and processed in time to meet the Graduate School deadline.
The M.S. in Architecture-Heritage Conservation and Preservation admissions committee will be comprised of the director of graduate studies and two graduate faculty members who will review applications and select students for admission to the program.
Notification of acceptance to the M.S. Program will be made by early April through letters from both the Graduate School and the Department of Architecture. The School of Architecture requests acceptance of the offer before May 1 to reserve space and to facilitate graduate assistantships or other financial aid. The school will only defer an admissions offer under exceptional circumstances, to be determined by the director of graduate studies.
Application material
Applicants applying to the M.S. in Architecture-Heritage Conservation and Preservation concentration must submit all application materials to the Graduate School, with the exception of the writing sample, which should be sent directly to the School of Architecture at the address listed below.
Application checklist
- Graduate School application form.
- Transcripts
Official transcripts of all college/university coursework. Transcripts must be forwarded directly to the Graduate School at the address below.
- Essay
The essay is uploaded to your online application at the "personal statement" button. Please write a brief statement up to 1000 words outlining heritage conservation and preservation as an area of study. Please define possible research topics to be pursued, your experience and preparation for the field, career goals, and other relevant information that supports the application.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Applicants should take the general test and submit scores for verbal, quantitative and analytical skills. The UMN-Twin Cities Graduate School code is 6874.
- TOEFL (International Applicants)
Submit scores from one of the four English language tests. Applicants must have a minimum score of 550 (TOEFL paper test); 213 (TOEFL computer test); 6.5 (IELTS Test); or, 80 (MELAB test). Preference is given to applicants with an equivalent TOEFL paper test score of 600 or higher.
- Three letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are processed through the online application. Details are available at the Graduate School Web site listed above. At least two letters must be from faculty. For professionals who completed their degrees more than 5 years ago, one letter from a faculty member and two letters from practitioners in a position to evaluate their work will be acceptable.
- Research/writing sample (paper, report, or article)
Provide a sample of your writing, in English, from a recent architecture, landscape architecture, art history, preservation, or related course or project. Applicants may submit a professional report or published article. This requirement is intended to provide the committee with a sample of your research, communication, and analytical skills.
Send research/writing sample (paper, report, or article) directly to the School of Architecture at the address below. Writing samples will be returned to applicants only if a self-addressed mailer and sufficient postage is included.
Send research/writing sample to:
School of Architecture
University of Minnesota
89 Church Street SE - Room 145
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Telephone 612-624-7866
Send official transcripts to:
Graduate School Admissions
University of Minnesota
307 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Telephone 612-625-3014 |
