Admissions Overview

The School offers a single degree, the Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch.). Applications for admission are received from students that have completed high school, transfer students, and from students that have completed Baccalaureate or advanced degrees.

All applicants for admission to the School must complete a University of Hawaii system application form by the stated deadline for the semester in which initial enrollment is sought. For information on the application process, see manoa.hawaii.edu/prospective/.

Acceptance to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the School is based on various criteria, including previous academic performance, types of courses previously taken, and the quality of prior experiences.

Applicants planning architecture as a career are encouraged to take four years of English and mathematics, plus art, physics, freehand and mechanical drawing, computer aided design, public speaking, information and computer science, history, geography, and at least two years of a foreign language at the high school or post-secondary level.

Placement

The University Office of Admissions and Records will complete a transfer credit evaluation for prior completed post-secondary level coursework or approved Advanced Placement (AP) high school coursework. The School will complete a transfer credit evaluation for prior completed post-secondary level coursework taken in architecture or related subjects after an applicant is accepted by the University. Architecture course requirements will be waived only for transfer credits that are deemed equivalent to courses offered by the School.

Students entering the program directly from high school may complete the first-four year segment of the program in four years of full-time study, and the second three-year segment of the program in three years of full-time study. The time to complete the program by transfer students is based on a case-by-case evaluation of transfer credit.

Students entering the program holding a baccalaureate degree in a field unrelated to architecture enter the program with advanced standing directly into the second three year segment of the program; they may complete the program in approximately three and one-half years of full time study.

 Students entering the program holding a four-year pre-professional baccalaureate degree (e.g., B.S. Architecture Studies, B.A. Architecture Studies, B.A. Environmental Design) enter the program with advanced standing directly into the second three-year segment of the program; they may complete the program in approximately three years of full-time study.

All students entering the second three year segment of the program will be evaluated for prior coursework and may be required to take additional coursework beyond degree requirements in order to meet specified course pre-requisites. Students entering without prior architecture coursework will in most cases be required to first attend an intensive program scheduled during the summer.

Application Procedures

All applicants for admission must complete a University of Hawaii System Application using the following steps:

1.     Download the University application form at http://www.hawaii.edu/admrec/ or apply online at apply.hawaii.edu.

2.     Complete all required information on the form and complete the application process according to the directions from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Office of Admissions and Records.

Applicants holding a Baccalaureate degree or higher must also complete a School of Architecture Supplemental Information for Admission form and submit the required documents by the stated deadline using the following steps:

1.     Applicants whose applications have been received by the University Office of Admissions and Records will receive the School of Architecture Supplemental Information for Admission form by mail. The form is also available for download HERE (pdf).

2.     Complete all fields on the School of Architecture Supplemental Information for Admission form, attach the required documents noted on the form, sign the form, and mail all materials to the School at the address shown on the form by the stated deadline.

Application Interviews

The University Office of Admissions and Records will grant interviews upon request. The School does not require, nor does it grant, personal interviews as part of the admissions process.

Application Deadlines

Fall priority deadline is February 1 and final deadline is May 1

Spring priority deadline is September 1 and final deadline is October 1

All required application materials listed above must be received by the above listed deadlines. Incomplete and/or late applications will not receive consideration. Applicants should advise the School and the University Office of Admissions and Records immediately of any changes of address. The School assumes no responsibility for missed deadlines resulting from a failure to notify the School of a change of address.

The School Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications in the order in which they are received. Early application is therefore advisable. Most applicants will receive final notification beginning one month after the deadlines listed above.

Deferred Admission

The School and University do not grant deferred admission. Applicants wishing to defer admission must reapply to the University and School.

Ownership of Application Materials

Supplemental documents submitted by applicants become the property of the School and will not be retained after the admissions decisions to the School of Architecture have been made.

Advising

Informal academic advising may be requested by prospective students by contacting the School Student Services Office. Students who have been accepted to the School should contact the Student Services Office for information regarding orientation and registration.

Graduating Students

Students are required to apply for graduation and pay any required graduation fees. Forms are available from the School Student Services Office.

Program Requirements

Students enrolled in the first four-year segment of the program must meet University General Studies Core requirements, and maintain University academic standards. Enrolled students wishing to enter the second three-year segment of the program must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and successfully complete a portfolio review process.

Students in the second three-year segment of the program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and make reasonable academic progress. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 are placed on academic probation. Upon completion of the probationary semester if the cumulative GPA is not raised to 3.0, or if special conditions established by the Associate Dean are not met, the student may be suspended or dismissed from the program.

Special Requirements

All students are required to have their own personal laptop computer for completion of required coursework. It is strongly recommended that the computer be capable of running the Windows operating system. Software may be required to be purchased by students for the successful completion of courses and to use the School’s advanced graphic and digital fabrication equipment.

Professional Fee

All School students are assessed a Professional Fee each semester at the time tuition is paid.  The Professional Fee for the 2007-2008 academic year is $400 per semester.

Other Requirements

Waiver or substitution of any required course must be approved by the Associate Dean.

Additional Information

For information about the School, admissions application process, or degree program, contact the School Student Services Office.

For information regarding student loans and scholarships, contact the University Financial Aid Services Office.