Undergraduate Admission

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.

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

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.

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.