Architecture Admissions
Howard University has graduated over 1,500 students from its architecture programs since 1923. Our tradition of design excellence in architecture has contributed to the broad global footprint of the university.
All first year and transfer undergraduate applicants are encouraged to apply using the Common Application. Please visit the Howard University Office of Admissions for more details including deadlines and instructions for domestic and international admissions. Information specific to the study of architecture follows.
Requirements for Prior Academic Performance
Students may be eligible for admission by presenting acceptable secondary school records which should include: 3 units of English; 3.5 units of mathematics with 1.5 to 2 units in algebra; 1 unit in plane geometry and trigonometry; 1 unit in a foreign language, and 5 units in any academic courses counted toward graduation, preferably in solid geometry, physics, and chemistry.
All applicants must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and receive a minimum score of 500 in the verbal section and 550 in the mathematics section or 22 on the American College Test (ACT) equivalent. Preference will be given to applicants who rank in the upper one-third of their graduating class and have achieved a grade of C or better in the recommended high school courses.
Creative Work Component
A portfolio of creative work is required and should include a minimum of one and a maximum of three examples of creative expression in graphic, written or audiovisual form. All submissions should be submitted to CEA_Architecture@Howard.edu.
- Graphic submissions of drawings, painting, renderings, photographs, models, sculpture, etc., should be no larger than 11" x 17". The work should be sent as a high-resolution PDF. Please do not send original work.
- Written submissions may be in the form of a 400-word essay describing a creative activity in which you have been involved. Alternatively, you may submit examples of creative writing in any form. Written work should be sent as a PDF.
- Audiovisual submissions may be appropriate to convey the range of capabilities of the applicant. Such submissions must not exceed five minutes even though the entire work may be longer. The work may document a creative activity that is either complete or in progress as well as the actual creative entity. Submissions may be in any digital format (mp4, wav, etc.).
International Students
Admission requirements for international students are the same as for domestic students with the exception that all international applicants including those from U.S. institutions must submit evidence of having passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a cumulative score of 550 or higher.
Please visit the International Admission webpage for specific information on applying to Howard University.
Transfer Students
Undergraduate applicants from accredited institutions that have completed a minimum of two full semesters of college work with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better may be considered for admission. A maximum of 90 credit hours may be transferable credits in the pursuit of the Bachelor of Architecture degree. Transfer of credits is not automatically guaranteed but is normally awarded for courses equal in magnitude and content to the equivalent courses offered at Howard University. A grade of C or better must be obtained in coursework taken at other institutions to be considered for transfer.
Transfer credits in the Graphics and Design Studio courses are considered only after a student has completed one semester in residence. No transfer credits in Design Studio courses will be considered above the Design I and II course level. All degree candidates shall pursue the final two semesters in residence at the Department of Architecture.
Transfer applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work for review and two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a design professional.
Please visit the Domestic Admission webpage for specific information on applying as a Transfer Student to Howard University.
More Information
Additional information regarding the application process and deadlines, tuition rates, and financial aid is available. The Division of Student Affairs is the portal for student housing.
We encourage prospective students to visit our beautiful campus and meet with our distinguished faculty and students. Feel free to contact us with further questions or to schedule a visit.