Skip to Main Content

Undergraduate Admission

Admission to the Department of Architecture and Interior Design is competitive and is based on submission of the creative portfolio in addition to academic credentials. The department seeks students with a wide diversity of backgrounds, races, and interests. The study of Architecture and Interior Design flourishes in a social setting in which differences can be understood and valued as strengths.

The undergraduate majors in Architecture and in Interior Design admit students from high school or as transfers based on both academic qualifications and review of the creative portfolio. Each year, 70-75 students are admitted into the first year class--approximately three-fourths to the major in Architecture and one-fourth to the major in Interior Design. See associated links for more information on how to apply, requirements for the portfolio, and scholarships/awards.

Applying as a High School Student

Admission into the undergraduate majors in Architecture and Interior Design is selective due to the limit in enrollment imposed by the size of studio facilities and the Department’s emphasis on low student/faculty ratios in the studio courses. Approximately 70-75 students are admitted to the first-year studio each year (50-55 in Architecture and 15-20 in Interior Design). The undergraduate programs have a total enrollment of about 280.

How to Apply

High school students apply to the University through the standard process. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work. The portfolio is submitted directly to the Department by the selected application deadline.

  • Students admitted to the University but not to the major in Architecture or Interior Design may elect to attend Miami and reapply for transfer to the major following completion of the first year of study.

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for students applying to both programs include the minimum academic requirements established by Miami University. Admitted students are typically in the top 20% of their graduating class. There is also a special admission category for a limited number of students on the basis of extraordinary talent. Evidence of creativity in academic courses and independent, self-initiated study, as well as indication of interest in the professions of architecture and interior design, are highly desirable.

Additional Information

High school students interested in the majors in Architecture or Interior Design at Miami are urged to schedule campus and departmental visits. For additional information, call the department office at (513) 529-7210, or email: arcid@miamioh.edu. For information about University admission, contact the Office of Admission at (513) 529-2531.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Transfer Application Process

A limited number of design studio spaces are available each year to students entering the Department of Architecture and Interior Design. In addition, some students decide they would like to change majors after they have been in college for a semester or a year. Besides the normal admission process, there are alternative routes by which students may seek admission to a major in Architecture or Interior Design.

“Creative Arts Undeclared” Option

Students who are admitted to Miami but were not accepted into the Department of Architecture and Interior Design may enroll under a special option called Creative Arts Undeclared. Below is the suggested coursework to help build a Creative Arts Undeclared student's portfolio.

Fall Semester

  • ARC 105 Introduction to Architecture (3)
  • ART 111 Design and Composition (3)* or ART 121 Observational Drawing (3) or beginning studio course: ART 140, 147, 149, 155, 160, or 165 (1.5)
  • ARC 107 Global Design (3) or ARC 188 Ideas in Architecture (3) MP
  • ARC 212 Principles of Environmental Systems (3) MP
  • ARC 221 History of Architecture I (3) MP
  • ENG 111 Composition and Rhetoric (3) MP or other MP course (3)
  • Miami Plan Foundation IV course (3)

*This course has special computer requirements; consult an art advisor

Spring Semester

  • ARC 105 Introduction to Architecture (3)
  • ARC 107 Global Design (3) or ARC 188 Ideas in Architecture (3) MP
  • ARC 222 History of Architecture II (3) MP
  • ENG 111 Composition and Rhetoric (3) MP or other MP course (3)
  • Miami Plan Foundation IV course (3-4)

A strong academic record and portfolio, developed during the first year, become the basis for admission into Architecture and Interior Design programs.

backpack

Students Transferring from Other Majors at Miami University

Students sometimes transfer from other majors at Miami University. Such students must demonstrate strong academic preparation and a portfolio of design work revealing aptitudes and talents for creativity and design. As soon as possible, Miami internal transfers are urged to take courses such as those listed above in preparation for the portfolio review (see below). A 3.0 GPA in completed coursework is considered minimal for admission to Architecture or Interior Design. A personal visit to the Department of Architecture and Interior Design for an interview is strongly recommended.
car

Transfers from Other Universities

Students at other universities who wish to transfer, with or without coursework in an architectural or interior design curriculum, must apply for admission to Miami University through the Office of Admission. Such students must demonstrate strong academic preparation and a portfolio of design work revealing aptitudes and talents for creativity and design. A personal visit to the Department of Architecture and Interior Design for an interview is strongly recommended. Students will be notified of admission to the department in the late spring.

Transfer Process

All transfers to the Department of Architecture and Interior Design are decided in the spring term for admission in the fall of the following academic year. Normally, transfer students begin at the first-year studio level. However, students with sufficient background may be admitted to the program as second-year students. Transfer students who begin first-year studio in their second year of college study may, in some cases, be able to accelerate the date of their graduation by one semester.

If you wish to transfer to a major in Architecture or Interior Design, you must take the following steps:

  • Review the Portfolio Requirements and prepare a portfolio of your creative work.
  • February 15, submit transfer application and upload portfolio to Slideroom. 
  • By March 15, you will be contacted and informed of your transfer status. The department may elect to defer final decision on transfer candidates until June 1.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that everyone who applies to the Department of Architecture + Interior Design will be accepted. We are limited by the number of available studio spaces in the first and second year studios. Normally, the department does not accept transfer students at the Junior and Senior class level.

Additional Information

If you have further questions, please call the Department of Architecture and Interior Design at (513) 529-7210, or email arcid@miamioh.edu

Planning a Visit

All potential applicants and all students applying to the programs in the Department of Architecture + Interior Design are strongly encouraged to visit the campus and the Department. Face-to-face meetings with faculty and students allow us to best explain our programs and show our facilities. We spend approximately 90 minutes with each visitor who comes to Alumni Hall on a scheduled visit. Walk in visits cannot always be accommodated but are nonetheless welcome. Likewise, weekend visits to the department are difficult to accommodate but can be arranged.

  • To schedule a visit for undergraduate programs, contact the office at arcid@miamioh.edu
  • To schedule a visit for graduate programs, contact Kim Wuertemberger at (513) 529-7026 or wuerteka@miamioh.edu
pencil

Arts Day

The College of Creative Arts hosts an annual recruitment event, Arts Day, for high-school students and families. Students and faculty from the Department of Architecture + Interior Design will be available for visitors to answer questions, tour the facilities, and learn about our programs and opportunities in the department. Learn more and register»
car

Visit the campus

We also recommend that high school and off-campus transfer students participate in an information session and tour. These sessions are held at 10:00 and 2:00 daily and typically run for about two hours.

Contact Us

Department of Architecture and Interior Design
101 Alumni Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-7210
Visitor Parking Directions