The University of Michigan (UMich)
The University of Michigan (UMich), founded in 1817, is a world-renowned public university system in the United States. It often refers specifically to its flagship campus, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. The campus is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is one of the top public research universities in the world, often referred to as a "Public Ivy.“
Related Program List
The University of Michigan offers a wide range of programs related to architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and urban planning, with relevant departments located in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and the School for Environment and Sustainability.
Common programs applied for by architecture-related students include:
- Master of Architecture - Duration: 2/3 years
- Master of Urban Design - Duration: 1.5 years
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning - Duration: 2 years
- Master of Science in Architecture Design and Research - Duration: 10 months
- Master of Landscape Architecture - Duration: 2/3 years (Reviewed on a rolling basis)
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Requirements for Each Program
March 3Y
Applicants to the 3-year M.Arch. degree have received an undergraduate degree in a subject other than architecture. Admission is limited to the summer half-term. This three and a half year program draws upon the diverse backgrounds of each student to encourage a multi-faceted discussion of architecture. The first year builds a foundation that drives the following years.
March 2Y
Applicants to the 2-year M.Arch. degree should have a bachelor of science degree in architecture or its equivalent. Admitted 2-year M.Arch. students begin in the fall term.
MUD
5-year Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, and Bachelor of Urban Planning
Master of Architecture,Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Urban Planning, or their international equivalent.
MURP
Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
All applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
MSADR
A professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited institution.
A professional degree in engineering, urban planning, industrial design and other disciplines that can be described by the applicant as relevant to the degree concentration that the applicant is applying.
Non-professional degree in an equivalent aligned field, (art/design, engineering, urban planning or architecture).
Evidence of research, creative and professional work in the concentration area that the applicant is applying for is highly encouraged.
MLA 3Y
The Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Michigan offers the ideal context for producing tomorrow’s leaders in ecological design. The three-year accredited program is organized to teach students from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds and previous careers.
MAL 2Y
For students who already hold an accredited landscape architecture degree, Natural Resources and Environment offers a two-year MLA degree.
The two-year plan is designed for individuals interested in obtaining a second degree in landscape architecture to specialize at the master’s level, practicing landscape architects seeking advanced education and training, and those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.
Language Requirements
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. Information about the GRE including test dates and locations can be found at gre.org. Please have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan (Institution code 1839, department code 4401) at least 4-5 weeks prior to the application deadline. GRE scores must be no older than five-years-old to be valid. There is no minimum requirement for the GRE test.
If you have taken the GMAT or LSAT, we can use those scores in place of the GRE. LSAT scores should be listed on the additional information page of the online application.
TOEFL Examination
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) is one of the approved English proficiency tests required of all non-native English speakers. Information about the TOEFL/IBT including test dates and locations can be found at ets.org/toefl. Please contact ETS (ets.org) and have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan (Institution code 1839, department code 12) at least 6-8 weeks prior to the application deadline. TOEFL/IBT scores must be no older than two years old to be valid. The minimum requirements are: 100 IBT, 250 computer-based, or 600 paper-based. If you have taken the TOEFL exam and not achieved the minimum score you must continue to take the test until you achieve the minimum score to be considered for admission. Taubman College does not admit students that have not met minimum score requirements.
If you are close to the minimum scores outlined above we encourage to retake the exam to meet the minimum requirement. As students who have submitted all required materials by the deadline above (including English proficiency exams) are given first consideration for admission, it may make you a less competitive applicant to not have your scores sent in by the deadline.
IELTS Examination (International Students Only)
The International English Language Testing System exam is another English proficiency tool required of all non-native English speakers. Information about the IELTS including test dates and locations can be found at ielts.org. Please have IELTS send an official score report to the University of Michigan. IELTS scores must be no older than 2 years to be valid. The minimum requirement for the IELTS test is 7.0. If you have taken the IELTS exam and have not achieved the minimum score, you must continue to take the test until you reach 7.0 to be considered for admission. Taubman College does not admit students that have not met minimum score requirements. Please contact ielts.org and have an official score report sent to:
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan
2000 Bonisteel Boulevard, Office #2332
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069
Application Materials
- MArchStatement of Purpose
- Personal Statement (MLA, MSADR, MURP)
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Transcripts (MLA requires mailing)
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- GRE
- TOEFL/IELTS
- Proof of Financial Assets (only for MUD, MArch)
- I-20 / VISA
- Passport Copy (only for MUD)
- Interview (only for MUD, MSADR)
- Degree Certificates / Graduation Certificates / Enrollment Certificates
Please refer to each program link for specific material requirements: