Pre-Architecture

If you intend to apply to the University of Washington's Architectural Studies program (or are even thinking about it), this page is for you. Here's how to get started.

For Current UW Students

1. Call the Gateway Center (206-543-2550) to make an appointment with an adviser to talk about your current academic status, your thoughts about the Architecture program, and a planning timeline.
2. Before your meeting, read through the Department of Architecture website. The department has an excellent and well-maintained site that will answer many of your informational questions.
3. Attend the next Architectural Studies information session.
4. If registration is coming up, make sure you understand what classes you need to take next, especially if you are a second-year student. The Architectural Studies department only offers each prerequisite once per quarter and if you miss them, you won't be able to apply for the program until the following year.
5. Jean Joichi, the Architectural Studies department academic adviser, and Kurt Xyst, Gateway Center adviser, coordinate closely throughout this process. Kurt handles the more general, big-picture aspects and Jean focuses on the details. Thus, you'll want to meet with Jean after you and Kurt have talked and after you've developed specific questions about your application.
6. The application deadline is May 15.
7. Questions? See #1. If it absolutely cannot wait until your scheduled appointment, send email to kxy@u.washington.edu.

For Transfer Students

1. Plan to attend a Transfer Thursday session here on the UW-Seattle campus. When you check in, indicate that you want to speak about architecture and if Kurt is available he'll connect with you while you're here. If he's not available, any adviser in the Gateway Center will be able to help you. Also make sure to attend the admissions session while you're here to learn more about the process of applying to the University.
2. Before attending Transfer Thursday, read through the Department of Architecture website. The department has an excellent and well-maintained site that will answer many of your informational questions.
3. Plan to attend an Architectural Studies information session before you apply to transfer. More information about the program will allow you to make a better decision about what to study, when to transfer, and will emphasize the important of preparing a backup major.
4. Review the Course Equivalency Guide to get a sense of how your credits will be evaluated by the University. Look into the possibility of taking an Architecture prerequisite through UW Extension's Non-Degree Enrollment program while still at your current institution. Any classes taken non-degree CAN be counted towards an architecture major later on after you're accepted.
5. Jean Joichi, the Architectural Studies department academic adviser, and Kurt Xyst, Gateway Center adviser, coordinate closely throughout this process. Kurt handles the more general, big-picture aspects and Jean focuses on the details. Thus, you'll want to meet with Jean after you and Kurt have talked and after you've developed specific questions about your application.
6. The application deadline is May 15.
7. Questions? See #1. If it absolutely cannot wait until your scheduled appointment, send email to kxy@u.washington.edu.