Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the program requirements as listed below. See the School of Architecture website for the most up-to-date application requirements.

Baccalaureate Field of Study No restrictions. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any field may apply.

Grade Point Average 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study

Tests Required None; GRE General Test optional. If an applicant feels that GRE scores represent their readiness for graduate study, they are encouraged to submit them.

Minimum English Competency Test Score (one of the following is required unless English competency is exhibited by prior work or education in the U.S.):

• TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
• IELTS Academic 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
• PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.

Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic, professional, or creative work. Letters from professors who can assess the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for graduate school are the most useful. Letters from employers are also acceptable.

Statement of Purpose The statement should address the reasons for applying to a graduate program in design criticism, particularly at the UIC School of Architecture. See the School of Architecture website for the complete personal statement prompt.

Other Requirements An additional short essay and a written portfolio are required as a part of the application process for the Master of Arts in Design Criticism program. Portfolio content is not restricted to any particular subject area, but the material should be representative of the applicant’s previous experience and creative ability. See the School of Architecture website for details.

Deadlines The application deadline for this program is earlier than the Graduate College deadline; for information about current deadlines, please see the School of Architecture website. 

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 56
• Coursework: At least 44 hours must be at the 500 level in architecture

• Comprehensive Examination: None
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework only