Admission

The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the School of Design, Architecture and Art.

1. Apply to North Dakota State University and mark your intended major.
2. The following information is required to apply:
   • High School Information
   • Official Transcript
   • Test Scores
   • GPA

During the first year, students will complete the required specified courses and suggested General Education courses.

High School Preparation

The best courses to study in high school are those that would be recommended for any demanding college program -a sound mixture of courses in sciences, humanities and social sciences. For Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture trigonometry or calculus are good foundations for your work on the engineering side of design. For Graphic Design and ARMD, a good mixture of business, art, freehand drawing and literature are recommended. Courses in mechanical, architectural, and digital drawing are not necessary and, in fact, may be less useful than general academic or fine arts subjects. Prospective students are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school in the following ways: AP (Advanced Placement), PSEO (Post-secondary Enrollment Options), CIS (College in Schools), IB (International Baccaureate), or CLEP (College Level Examination Program).

The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Architecture program:

1. Apply to North Dakota State University and mark your intended major
2. The following information is required to apply:
   • High School Information
   • Official Transcript
   • Test Scores

Four or five years of study are required for completion of the degree. A transfer student’s prior credits allow them to take fewer credits per semester than a student entering from high school, but they do not shorten the 10-semester degree program, as studio courses are sequential in nature. This lighter load allows for the potential of obtaining a substantial minor or a complementary certificate program, which enhances their employment opportunities in design. Transfer students may be granted advanced studio standing, depending on their previous course-work from an accredited architecture or art program.

For architecture and landscape architecture students only: Students will apply to the professional program (year 2-4) in the spring semester of the first year. Admission to the 2nd year is based on space available, weighted GPA, and additional essay and/or brief portfolio.

Current NDSU Students who are looking to change their major to Architecture, Landscape Architecture should meet with Stacy Rob Glarum, the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Academic Advisor. Students wanting to change to Graphic Design, Art Education or Studio Arts should contact Michael Strand to learn how credits will apply, the duration of the major and the types of courses required. Students who are looking to change their major to Interior Design should contact Susan Ray-Degges. Click here to learn more.

The program is accredited as a 4 + 1 program. Students entering as Freshman typically see the graduate degree as the final outcome at their time at NDSU. Students with a minimum 3.0 GPA will apply to graduate school during the fourth year. Our “seamless admission” policy guarantees a spot for any of our undergraduate students who meet this GPA requirement.

Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis and will need to consult with Dominic Fischer, Landscape Architecture chair or Susan Kliman, Architecture chair to begin the approval process.

• Admission to Architecture
• Admission to Landscape Architecture