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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q |
How does our program rank
nationally? |
| A |
The University of Oregon Department of Architecture is one of the best all around schools of "environmental design." US News and World Report has ranked the Masters of Architecture program 15th in the nation in a listing that includes all public as well as private schools -- a total of 116. All first professional degree programs are fully accredited. |
| Q |
What is the most important
part of my application submission? |
| A |
Each application is evaluated by members
of the design faculty to establish its strength with respect
to:
Creative capability (50%); based on biographical essay,
recommendations, statement of intent and portfolio.
Academic capability (30%); based on transcripts, GRE or
SAT scores, and the gpa of undergraduates.
Program potential contribution (20%); based on life experience,
accomplishment, travel, extra-curricular activities, maturity,
demonstrated motivation and potential contribution to
the breadth of the program. |
| Q |
What is the average GRE
score/SAT score/GPA of admitted students? |
| A |
For graduate students admitted for the academic year 2003-2004, the average GRE score was 1867.
For undergraduate students, the average total score for the SAT was 1239.
The average GPA for undergraduate students admitted to the department was 3.68. The department has no GPA requirement for graduate students. The University does not have a minimum GPA requirement. |
| Q |
Are formal interviews
part of the application process? |
| A |
No, but we encourage future applicants to
visit the department, design studios and final reviews
and to speak with representatives of the program. |
| Q |
What percentage of applicants
are offered admission? |
| A |
Interest in our programs exceeds capacity.
Acceptance rates vary depending on the program applied
for, but generally, 30% - 60% of qualified applicants
are admitted. |
| Q |
Is there any prerequisite coursework? |
| A |
No. Graduate applicants should exhibit a breadth of general knowledge and achievement in a scholarly or design-related endeavor. It is recommended that Option III architecture graduates with no previous background in physics take at least two terms of general physics and have College Algebra and College Trigonometry in order to be prepared for structures. Undergraduates should prepare themselves with a broad liberal arts background and artistic/design development. Undergraduate architecture majors take two terms of General Physics in their first and second year. |
| Q |
How long is the undergraduate
program? |
| A |
The undergraduate program takes five years
from the date of entry. Transfer students who have already
taken some of their general requirements may complete
the program in four years by taking two summer studios
at the intermediate level. |
| Q |
How long is the Master's
program? |
| A |
Option III students must complete ten terms
(quarters) of design studio and 80 subject area credits
for a total of 144 credits. The Option III program typically
takes three years plus one term and begins in the summer.
Option II students must complete six terms (quarters)
of design studio, 30 subject area credits, 9 seminar credits,
6 research credits and complete a research terminal project
for a total of 81 credits. The Option II program typically
takes two years. Option II Architecture which is available
in Portland and Eugene, begins in the fall term.
Option I students typically complete their research /thesis
program in 1 1/2-2 years. The Option I program typically
begins in the fall term. |
| Q |
As a transfer student,
what credits will transfer into the program? |
| A |
Only general requirements or architectural
course/studio credits from an NAAB accredited program
will transfer into the bachelor degree program. |
| Q |
Does the department offer
distance learning courses? |
| A |
We do not offer distance learning courses. |
| Q |
Is financial aid available? |
| A |
Federal financial aid in the form of grants
and loans is available to domestic students through the
University's Office of Financial Aid. International students may apply for the International Cultural Service Program. Students selected to participate in ICSP receive scholarship assistance in the amount of $2,000 per term ($6,000 per academic year). To apply for a GTF position, click here. |
| Q |
What about scholarships? |
| A |
The Department of Architecture does not have scholarships for incoming students. A limited number of supplemental scholarships are given each year to enrolled students. |
| Q |
What about residency?
Can I become a resident while I am going to school? |
| A |
Key considerations used to determine classification
as a resident are:
1.Establishment of a domicile in Oregon for a period of
12 months or more prior to the beginning of the term for
which residency is sought.
2.Financial dependence on an Oregon resident or financial
independence.
3.Primary purpose for being in Oregon other than to obtain
an education.
4.Nature and source of financial resources.
5.Various other indicia of residence (e.g. ownership of
Oregon living quarters, permanent Oregon employment, payment
of Oregon income taxes.)
Generally students can take up to 8 credits while they
are establishing residency. All residency issues should
be discussed with the University's Office
of Admissions. |
| Q |
If admitted, can I defer
my enrollment? |
| A |
Deferral requests are granted to graduate
students only. Requests must be made in writing to the
Admissions Committee and are for one year only. |
| Q |
Are there any summer programs
available to the public? |
| A |
The Summer Architecture Academy is a six week program offered each summer for prospective students who would like to "try on" the profession. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to attend. For further information, visit our Summer Architecture Academy page. |
| Q |
What computer should I
buy? |
| A |
Computer recommendations are available on our computing & facilities information page, under specifications. Freshman undergraduates are not required to have a computer until Spring term of their first year. |
| Q |
What are the
job prospects for architects? interior architects? |
| A |
Architecture is highly dependent upon the economy. Oregon graduates continue to find good first placements if they are willing to "move where the action is" - particularly to large cities.
Interior architecture graduates also need to have some flexibility about their employment location, but there is a shortage of interior designers with the skills acquired in a program like Oregon's. Placement is usually in the larger cities with architectural firms that utilize a design team approach.
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