Degrees & Admissions / Graduate Admissions

Admission to the master's program is very competitive and based on the candidate's potential to respond effectively to the rigor and creative challenge of graduate architecture study. This potential is measured by demonstrated proficiency in prior academic work, portfolio, recommendations and performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores. GRE scores and a GPA of 2.7 are required to be considered for admission. Additional information about admission is available on Clemson's Graduate School Web site at www.grad.clemson.edu.

Portfolio

The most important piece of information regarding admissions is the PORTFOLIO. All applicants should create a portfolio of creative works that focuses on their design skills. For those applying for the full three-year program creative work such as photography, graphic design, interior design, sketching, writing, painting, sculpture, etc. may be included. We look not just at the content of the portfolio but also at the way the portfolio itself is put together.

Students who are applying to the two-year Master of Architecture program (those who have an undergraduate degree in Architecture or similar should focus their portfolio primarily on projects completed in school. Additional work on competitions and independent design projects is also be suitable for inclusion. Any group work or professional architectural work should clearly identify your role and should be kept to a minimum. The portfolio should be no larger than 11" x 17" and must contain printed material only (no slides or CD's). Please include a curriculum vitae, course outlines from classes in architectural technology and history, and short statement of intent in the portfolio. All projects should be labeled with titles, dates, and any other relevant information. Make sure to include your contact information with your portfolio.

Graduate Admission Process

The following should be sent directly to the University's Office of Admissions at the address below:

– Application for admission
– Letters of recommendation (or recommendation forms provided)
– Official transcripts of all previous academic work
– GRE scores

Graduate Admissions Office, E-209 Martin Hall, Clemson, SC   29634-5124

*DO NOT send portfolios to The Graduate School's Office of Admissions. Portfolios should be sent directly to the School of Architecture at this address:

Clemson University, School of Architecture, Graduate Admissions, Box 340503, 145 Lee Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-0503

Deadline

The deadline for application and all supporting material, including the portfolio, is January 15. Review of candidates will begin immediately after this date. To be considered, application files must contain all the documentation listed above. Applications for admission received after the deadline date will be considered in the late spring on the basis of available space.

Financial Aid

The School offers a number of graduate assistantships to students each year based on merit.  These are offered in the form of stipends and the additional benefit of tuition remission. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester to qualify for a graduate assistantship and must work 10 hours a week as a teaching or research assistant or perform other tasks assigned by the School. The School of Architecture also offers a number of grants and fellowships for students who study in Italy or Spain.