Change of Major

Students desiring to be considered for a change of major to architecture must submit a portfolio for review by the faculty of the department of architecture. The following is a complete description of requirements for the portfolio submission.

Students receiving a favorable consideration from the faculty review committee must have the minimum 2.00 cumulative average to officially process the change of major. In all cases students selected via this process must understand that the program requires four years of design in order to complete the Bachelor of Science pre-professional degree program and an additional fifth year of design in order to complete the Bachelor of Architecture professional degree program. It is not possible to accelerate by taking make-up work during the summer session or by scheduling two design courses in a single semester.

Portfolio Submission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the program in Architecture, a candidate is required to submit a portfolio of work, which exhibits the candidate's experience, talents, skills, creativity, and interest in architecture.

Portfolio Content: What is included in a portfolio?

The portfolio should include anything that demonstrates the candidates potential as an architecture student. It can include examples of architectural design, drawing, and construction, as well as fine arts and crafts. It may include drawings, sketches, paintings, photography, models, ceramics, sculpture, woodworkings, crafts, etc. It may include work that shows project development (sketches, study models, etc.), in addition to finished products. Selected examples of architectural and mechanical drafting certainly may be included in the portfolio; however, mechanical drafting alone does not constitute adequate material for evaluation.

Portfolio Format: How should the portfolio be structured?

• The Binder: The work must be presented in a portfolio or loose-leaf binder no larger than 9 x 12 inches.
• (8 1/2 x 11 sheet size). These are easily available at any art, office, or photographic supply store.
• Title Sheet: Please include a title/cover sheet at the front of the portfolio, which contains your name, address and Penn State ID number. You might also include a brief summary of your background, experience, interests. and a short statement of "why you want to study architecture."
• Reproductions: The work included may be originals; however, black and white or color reproductions often communicate more clearly. Photographic reproductions (prints or photostats) are recommended; however, photocopies (color or B/W) can provide a high quality and more economical alternative.
• Labels: Each and every item in the portfolio should be clearly and concisely labeled and identified. This labeling should include an identification of the project, the medium used, the approximate size of the original, the approximate date when accomplished, and a short explanation of the work. If the work was done as a part of a class, please identify the class and the intent of the assignment. If any project was a group or cooperative effort, please clearly identify your specific role and the scope of your contribution to the work.

What is not accepted?

• Photographic slides or transparencies will not be accepted.
• Any portfolio larger than 9 x 12 inches will not be accepted.
• Drawings or blue prints contained in drawing tubes will not be accepted. Reproduce and reduce all work.
• Actual 3-dimensional work, such as models, sculpture, or constructions, will not be accepted. They should be photographed and included in the portfolio.

Portfolio Evaluation: What makes a strong portfolio?

• Variety: An effective portfolio demonstrates a variety of interests, abilities and skills. A portfolio that is well rounded, with a diversity of media and project types, is stronger than one that is dominated by just one type of work, no matter how good that work may be. Try to achieve a balance.
• Quantity: Five or fewer examples of work are not adequate to make a fair evaluation of the work. Try to include as much as you can, for the committee to acquire an accurate view of your experience and skills. At the same time, avoid "padding" the portfolio with too much work. Be judicious and select only your best work.
• An Interest in Architecture: Even though many candidates have not had any architectural experience or training, your work should demonstrate an interest in the nature of the built environment. A portfolio with nothing but skillful portraits of family and friends does not necessarily reflect your interests and desires to study architecture.
• Organization and Order: Make sure the portfolio possesses a clear organization in which projects are thoughtfully grouped and arranged thematically. Give special attention to the sequence of projects so that they flow with a thoughtful and logical progression.
• Clarity, Neatness, and Effective Presentation: Nothing demonstrates a candidate's potential as an architectural student as well as the apparent "care" with which the portfolio is assembled and presented. Attention should be paid to details, titles, and composition of the portfolio pages themselves.
• Good Photographs and Reproductions: Quality work is often handicapped by poor reproductions, which make the projects difficult to see, appreciate, and evaluate. Lots of time and effort went into your work; therefore, it is a valuable investment to ensure that it is clearly and accurately represented. Try not to compromise your efforts with poor lighting, fuzzy focus, or extraneous images in the background. Unless you are experienced with a camera, it is wise to havea professional shoot your work.

Procedure and Schedule: What is the deadline and when will I know the results?

• Portfolios will be received in the department of architecture between January 1 and February 16, 2009.
• No portfolios will be accepted after the February 16 deadline.
• The portfolios will be evaluated by a committee of faculty members from the Department of Architecture.
• Recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.
• The quality of the portfolio will be the main determinant in the decision; however, space available in the program will determine the actual number of students who will be offered admission.
• Students who are accepted will enter the program in the fall of 2009.
• Students who have submitted portfolios will be notified of the decision in writing by April 1, 2009.

Mailing Information: Where do I send the portfolio and how do I get it back?

Portfolios should be sent to:
Talent and Transfer Review Committee
Department of Architecture
121 Stuckeman Family Building
University Park, PA 16802

***When mailing the portfolio, you must include a prepaid UPS (United Parcel Service) package/envelope in order for us to return the portfolio to you.  You may also provide a phone contact and we will notify you when you may pick up your portfolio. If not, we are not responsible for keeping your portfolio and it will be discarded.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the portfolio submission, please feel free to contact the Department of Architecture at (814) 865-9535. We look forward to seeing your work. Good luck!