Graduate Program Application
 
Applying for Admission

To inquire about admission to the graduate program in architecture, or to obtain information, write directly to:

Loukas Kalisperis
Chair, Graduate Program
Professor of Architecture
324 Stuckeman Family Building
University Park, PA 16802

(814) 865-0877

 

An information packet will be sent to you. You will need to submit your graduate application electronically. The deadline to submit your application for Fall 2009 admission is January 16, 2009. The fee for the online application is $45.00.

The following materials need to be sent directly to the department. The misdirection of any of the above materials will cause unfortunate delays. All materials shall be written in the English language or be accompanied by verified English language translations.

1. A Statement of Intent - This statement written by the applicant plays a critical role in consideration for admission. The Statement of Intent should succinctly describe your architectural philosophy and long-range professional objectives. The bulk of this statement should clearly convey the applicant’s academic objectives and interests so that the faculty can accurately assess the fit with the program’s offerings and the faculty’s expertise. The statement should be as specific as possible in describing the candidate’s interests and objectives, including the area of anticipated architectural inquiry, chosen option, and even a thesis topic area. Whenever possible, relate academic interests to the program resources, faculty, courses, etc. General statements of interest (e.g., “become more professionally competent, expand my breadth of knowledge ... learn about the new theories and technologies being used in the United States) and/or a long list of diverse interests discourage admission by the faculty.
2. A portfolio of design work (architecture, urban design, planning, etc.) - A portfolio of creative and design work is required. This document shall include examples of advanced work at the undergraduate level. It may also include design work executed independently or under professional guidance, provided that the latter is documented as having been executed by the applicant. A minimum portfolio representation of one project for each year of academic undergraduate study, or its equivalent, is required. Within the same context, the portfolio may also include major papers, theses, or reprints authored by the applicant on subjects relevant to the study of architecture.
3. The applicant is encouraged to include other evidence of academic excellence, such as academic and/or professional awards, creative, design, and scholarly achievements, and other significant recognitions.
4. Substantive evidence of probable success at the graduate level based on academic record in undergraduate (and graduate) studies. This evidence is usually represented by an officially issued transcript of grades. Class ranking is also useful for this purpose.
5. Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required in order to apply to our graduate program.
6. A minimum of three recommendations. At least two of these shall be from university faculty acquainted with the applicant’s undergraduate (and graduate) academic history and performance and/or from an undergraduate review committee. Where the applicant has had relevant professional experience, one recommendation from a qualified superior is appropriate.
7. In addition to the requirements established by the Graduate School regarding the TOEFL for international students, the Department of Architecture requires that international students whose first language is not English or who have not received baccalaureate or master’s degrees from an institution in which the language of instruction is English take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE). A score on the TOEFL of 580 or higher and on the TSE of 250 or higher is required for regular admission. Applicants with scores on the TOEFL below 580 but above 550 or on the TSE below 250 but higher than 215 may be admitted provisionally.
    
   These materials should be sent directly to the department. The misdirection of any of the above materials will cause delays. All materials must be written in the English language or be accompanied by verified English language translations.
   
   Penn State
   Architecture Department
   Graduate Program
   121 Stuckeman Family Building
   University Park, PA 16802

Fall admission. For consideration for admission, complete application materials should be received no later than January 15th of the preceding academic year. In special cases, applications may be considered after this date. To be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, a Graham Fellowship, or a Graduate School Fellowship, complete application materials must be received no later than January 15th of the preceding academic year and even earlier applications are recommended.

Spring admission. The program is structured to build on the methods and theory core courses that are offered only in the fall. Therefore, only under extraordinary circumstances are students considered for admission at mid-year, i.e. for spring semester. The final date to apply for spring semester acceptance and entry is November 10th of that academic year. Notification will occur no later than December 15th. Students interested in applying for acceptance in the spring semester are advised to discuss the matter with the chair of the graduate program, Loukas Kalisperis, prior to submitting the application.

Financial Aid
The department offers a limited number of teaching assistantships, which enables it to provide tuition and a stipend to about 60 percent of the students in residence. From time to time, the department is able to provide limited financial aid to others in the form of part-time employment. These assistantships are extremely competitive. Their recipients are chosen primarily on the strength of their applications, as well as on their ability to satisfy the teaching and/or research needs of the department. The University offers other sources of aid, which are described in the Graduate School Bulletin sections titled Summary of Financial Aids for Graduate Students and Information for Prospective Graduate Students. The Graduate School application form contains a section where you can indicate your intention to seek financial aid. If you wish to be considered, check the appropriate boxes; in addition, complete and return the financial aid application form attached. You do not need to submit a separate request to the department.