DArch Program Admissions

Graduate admissions for the Doctor of Architecture (DArch) degree program is handled by the UHM Graduate Division.

All applicants to the professional Doctor of Architecture (DArch) program must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher in order to be considered for acceptance.  Based on their  degree, the students will enter one of two programs*.

Track I: Pre-Professional degree in Architecture
(126/120 credits + 90 graduate credits)

Students entering the program who hold a (4) four-year pre-professional baccalaureate degree (e.g. BS architecture studies, BA architecture studies, BA environmental design) enter the (3) three-year, 90-credit professional DArch program (Fall semester start date is recommended).

Track II: Non-Pre-Professional degree
(120 credits min. + 108 graduate credits) *

*The School of Architecture has implemented a Stop-Out for Track II, of the 108-credit track of the Doctor or Architecture degree program effective immediately. The Stop-Out is anticipated to continue through the Spring 2027 semester. No admissions to this track will be accepted during this period. Please continue to monitor our website for updates regarding the Stop-Out.

Students entering the program who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field unrelated to architecture or environmental design (non-pre-professional degree) enter the 108-credit professional DArch program.  Evaluation of a student’s prior academic coursework will be conducted as it relates to satisfying NAAB accreditation criteria.  Student will be notified as to criteria that may not be met in their prior coursework (Summer start date is recommended).

Students seeking admission to the school must complete an online application at the Graduate Division website by the deadline appropriate to the desired entry term, noted below. In addition to the Graduate Division application, prospective students also submit a School of Architecture Supplemental Information for Admission form, along with other required documents to the Graduate Application Supplemental Documents site at https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/prospective-students by the stated deadline. Applicants should be aware that any Supplemental documents submitted to the DArch program become the property of the School of Architecture.

Below are the DArch application deadlines for the School of Architecture

  • Fall deadline is January 1 (For Track I students – 90 credits)
  • Spring deadline is September 1 (Recommended only for students with special circumstances.  Contact the school for guidance)
  • Summer deadline is January 1 (For Track II students – 108 credits)*
    *The School of Architecture has implemented a Stop-Out for Track II, of the 108-credit track of the Doctor or Architecture degree program effective immediately. The Stop-Out is anticipated to continue through the Spring 2027 semester. No admissions to this track will be accepted during this period. Please continue to monitor our website for updates regarding the Stop-Out.
    If a minimum enrollment is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the 108-credit track.  Notification of cancellation will be issued no later than March 1.

Processes for evaluation of transcripts and portfolios are internal to the UHM Graduate Division and the SoA. DArch applications are first processed by the UHM Graduate Division. The transcripts are then forwarded to the school.

A faculty committee having at least three members reviews each application which includes transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and portfolio. Each member of the committee completes an evaluation and recommendation which is sent to the program director who makes the final admissions decision.

If accepted please be aware that the school and UH Mānoa do not grant deferred admission.  Applicants wishing to defer admission must reapply.

Graduate credits are not transferable to the DArch degree if the credits have been counted for another graduate degree.

Admissions Standards

To be eligible, an applicant must hold or expect to hold prior to matriculation a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education. At minimum, the applicant needs to demonstrate above average academic performance (B average, usually a 3.0 on a 1.0-4.0 scale) for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work. Because the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, admission is competitive.  Meeting minimum admissions standards does not guarantee admission.

Standardized Exams

The GRE is not required. TOEFL or IELTS is required of most applicants who are non-native speakers of English. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores must be sent directly to Graduate Division Student Services.