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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 and have composite ACT scores above 26 and combined SAT scores of 1200 or higher. 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.

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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.
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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:

  • 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

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Miami University Arc + ID Portfolio Preparation

Portfolio Requirements

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio of creative work is a requirement for admission to the majors in Architecture or Interior Design at Miami University. A portfolio is a collection of work that demonstrates something about you that your quantitative ratings (grade point average, rank in class, test scores) cannot reveal: your potential for creative studio work. We believe that we can make a better judgment about your talent and your ability to work productively in a studio setting by looking at art projects and other evidence in a portfolio than by relying on your academic record alone.

What should be in a portfolio?

A portfolio may be comprised of many kinds of work. It should include reproductions of drawings, prints, graphic design, painting, sculpture, ceramics, or photography. It may also include examples of architectural designs and models, set design, fashion or costume design, or anything else that you have made in an art class, summer exploration program, or on your own. One or two samples of mechanical (CAD) drawing may also be included, but this kind of work is less important to us than open-ended creative work.

We suggest that you consult with an art teacher whom you trust in order to decide which works to reproduce for inclusion in your portfolio. Although we are interested in students with experience in a variety of media, it is better to submit a few works of high quality than many works of varying quality. If, for instance, your freehand drawing and watercolor painting are excellent but your graphic design work is mediocre or poor, we suggest that you submit only the drawing and the watercolor items. The portfolio committee is interested in reviewing your highest quality work.

You may also want to consider participating in Miami's Summer Scholars Program. Students who complete this program will create content that can be included in the application portfolio.

What is the portfolio format?

The portfolio should consist of 10-20 images of works that best document the depth and breadth of an applicant's experience and potential in architecture and interior design. There are two ways to submit your images:

Preferred Method: Submit digital portfolio images using Slideroom. There are instructions on the site.

Mailing Method: We can also accept a digital print format. The pages should be 8 1/2" x 11" printed at the highest resolution possible.

Mail portfolios to:

Miami University
Department of Architecture and Interior Design
350 E. Spring St.
101 Alumni Hall
Oxford, OH 45056

When is the portfolio deadline?

The deadline for the submission of portfolios:

Early Decision: November 15
Early Action I: November 15
Early Action II: December 15
Regular Decision: February 15
Transfer Students: February 15

  • Your application for admission to a major in Architecture or Interior Design is incomplete until your portfolio arrives. 
  • Late portfolios will only be considered on an as-needed basis. 
  • Portfolios submitted in non-conforming formats may not be considered. 

Please Note: If you are undecided about majoring in Architecture or Interior Design, it is in your best interest to submit a portfolio by the appropriate deadline anyway. You can choose a different major later, if you so desire; but you will have a limited opportunity to declare the major if your portfolio is submitted late. Students who apply to Architecture or Interior Design who do not submit a portfolio will be given the status of Undecided in the College of Arts and Sciences, NOT the College of Creative Arts. The status of Undecided in the College of Arts and Sciences will not give you access to studio courses in the College of Creative Arts.

What about portfolio scholarships?

The Department of Architecture + Interior Design currently offers several scholarship awards based on the merit of portfolio submissions. Portfolios of all students admitted to majors in Architecture or Interior Design and submitted prior to the January 31 deadline are considered for portfolio scholarships.

Where can I find a transcript of the portfolio preparation video above?

The transcript for the above video is as follows:

 

(Music Playing)
Help! I want to study something that is exciting
something that has a real impact
something that will not only get me a job but that will let me make a difference in the world.
Architecture and Interior Design are great majors that allow me to see my impact on the world around me.
At Miami University you get hands-on experience, get to study abroad and work with brilliant professors on a stunning campus.
So where do I start?
I need to apply to Miami University and submit a portfolio.
So what should I put in a portfolio? What are they looking for?
Miami University Architecture and Interior Design wants to see a portfolio that shows them who you are. It's a requirement for admission.
It gives Miami a valuable insight into your potential.
Sometimes students are admitted into their major because their portfolio is so strong even if the GPA and test scores are not.
So what should I put in a portfolio?
Drawings, prints, graphic design, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and much more.
When selecting materials to include, think about the whole range of ways that you can tell us about yourself.
Here are some examples: Number one. Think about your technical skills. Still life drawings, paintings or models tell us what you can do with your hands. They are useful skills for a design student.
Number two. A collage, film or abstract work of art tells us you are thinking differently.
Number three. Do you have experience? Have you taken a class on CAD, architecture or interior design? Have you designed a room in your house? Show us that.
Number four. Sensibility. Architecture and interior design requires an eye for lighting effects, unusual points of view, material textures and how people behave in public spaces. Show us things like that in photographs, drawings and paintings. Remember, you’ll be able to write a few words to tell us what your images are.
For other ideas, you can also consider speaking with an art teacher in your high school.
But what if this still isn’t me? What if I haven’t taken any art classes?
When in doubt, show us a variety of things. Have you designed a set for a party or theatre class? Do you cosplay or have you designed a costume or a fashion outfit? Written a comic strip or choreographed a dance routine? You can show a whole range of things in photographs, drawings or short videos. Any of these can tell us more about you and your potential.
So what’s the next step?
Submit your portfolio. Submission should include 10-20 pieces of work.
For more information, log on to our website, MIAMIOH.EDU/ARCID/PORTFOLIO Link to admission plus portfolio to learn more. Link to slideroom to upload your portfolio.
Still have questions? Visit us online MIAMIOH.EDU send an email ARCID@MIAMIOH.EDU or give us a call (513) 529-7210
This is your first step on an incredible journey where you can design your future and make a difference in the world. So what are you waiting for? Submit today.

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
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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»
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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.

Scholarships/Awards

Portfolio Scholarships

The Department of Architecture + Interior Design currently offers multiple "portfolio scholarships" based on creative merit demonstrated in the portfolio submitted at the time of application. Portfolios of all students admitted to majors in Architecture or Interior Design and submitted by February 15 are considered for the portfolio scholarships.

Continuing Student Scholarships

At the conclusion of each academic year, the Department of Architecture + Interior Design makes several merit- and need-based awards to continuing students. All returning students are eligible for these awards; they do not need to apply. However, where financial need is a criteria in any specific scholarship, the FAFSA form must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid in order to demonstrate this need.

Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid handles all sources of need-based financial assistance. These include federal loans and work study programs. To be eligible for all programs, you must complete the FAFSA.

Contact Us

Department of Architecture and Interior Design
101 Alumni Hall
Oxford, OH 45056