Architecture Frequently Asked Questions

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

The undergraduate program in architecture is a four-year, pre-professional program leading to the bachelor of science degree. This program provides a foundation in the field architecture and prepares the student for continued education in a professional degree program.

Does Georgia Tech award the professional degree in architecture?

Yes. The professional degree in architecture at Georgia Tech is a graduate, two-year program that awards the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree. An undergraduate student who is planning to seek the professional degree, will follow the 4/2 program plan (four years of undergraduate work and two years of graduate work).

If I complete the Bachelor of Science degree in architecture at Georgia Tech, will I be guaranteed admission to the graduate program in architecture?

Admission to the graduate program in Architecture at Georgia Tech is competitive and based upon merit as evidenced in the applicant's previous academic performance, G.R.E. and/or T.O.E.F.L. scores, portfolio, and other supporting documentation. Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply to Georgia Tech's graduate program in architecture; however, they are not guaranteed admission. Those who show good academic progress during their undergraduate studies are generally well-prepared and meet with success in gaining admission to a graduate program of study.

How many credits are required for the undergraduate degree?

The four-year undergraduate program in architecture is comprised of 131 semester hours of course work. This includes 45 semester hours of general Georgia Tech requirements in Math, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, General Skills, Computing and Health and Performance Sciences; 43 semester hours of Architecture Program core courses in design, history, technology, and visual communications; 12 semester hours of Architecture Program electives; 10 semester hours of cluster electives; and 21 semester hours of free electives.

Is a portfolio required for entrance into the undergraduate program in Architecture at Georgia Tech?

A portfolio is not a requirement for admission to the undergraduate program in architecture at Georgia Tech. All students, including transfer students, must complete a three-course sequence (COA 1060-Introduction to Design and the Built Environment, COA 1011- Fundamentals of Design and the Built Environment I, and COA 1012 - Fundamentals of Design and the Built Environment II) referred to as the 'common first year.' During the spring semester of the first year, students enrolled in COA 1012 will prepare a portfolio and an application to one of the three majors in the College of Architecture (Architecture, Industrial Design, or Building Construction).

Are undergraduate students in architecture allowed to participate in a cooperative plan of study at Georgia Tech?

Cooperative programs typically require the student to alternate one semester of work with one semester of academic studies. Architecture students are required to complete design studios in sequenced order. If the studio sequence is interrupted, the student will have to wait an additional semester to resume studio work. It is for this reason that undergraduate architecture students are unable to participate in a cooperative program.

With regard to admission, is the Architecture program more or less competitive than other programs at Georgia Tech?

The same set of standards is applied to all undergraduate applicants for admission to Georgia Tech, regardless of major. Since the applicant pool changes each year, so do the standards. Admission decisions are based on a combination of factors, including, academic GPA, test scores (SAT I or ACT), leadership record, and personal statement.

As a transfer student, how will I know which classes will transfer to Georgia Tech?

A complete course transfer evaluation will be done when you have been accepted to Tech. The Institute will determine whether you have completed courses that June 2, 2006 transfer credit for design studio work or other architecture-related course work, you should provide course descriptions, syllabi, and a portfolio for review by the Associate Director of the Architecture Program.

How many students are enrolled in the undergraduate program in architecture?

The undergraduate program in Architecture has approximately 300 students.

After I complete the professional degree, what must I do to become a licensed architect?

Licensure requirements include a professional degree, a period of practical training (internship), and successful completion of all of the sections of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Each state determines the specific requirements with regard to initial training, examination, and professional practice. In Georgia, for example, a candidate for licensure is required to have a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited program and three (3) years of acceptable IDP (Intern Development Program) training to be qualified to sit for the Architect Registration Examination.

For more information, contact : arch@coa.gatech.edu