Architecture

Architects are creative problem solvers. The primary responsibility of the architectural profession is the design of meaningful, productive environments for human occupation and use. Architects, therefore, must be able to understand the needs and desires of the people who will inhabit and use their creations and effectively synthesize the complex structural, mechanical, constructional components, and cultural references that influence the design of a building. As designers, they must possess creative and aesthetic skills as well as technical knowledge, collaborative ability, and problem-solving agility.

The architecture program seeks to increase students' desire to learn and to develop a capacity for design-thinking and sound, critical judgment while simultaneously developing their creative potential. Specifically, the curriculum provides the background and means for the student to:

1. Analyze and understand society's needs and desires.
2. Translate these needs and desires into a physical form and spatial organization.
3. Contribute creatively to the building construction industry.
4. Search out new problems and contribute to environmental knowledge through design research.
5. Initiate and review developments in technology and society.
6. Participate in the community that makes decisions affecting the physical environment.

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the professional degree in Architecture degree is a six-year course of study (4 years + 2 years) divided into a common first year (d.ONE) and a professional program of study. After completing the d.ONE curriculum common to all undergraduates in the College of Architecture, students apply for admission into the architecture program's professional program. The professional program in architecture consists of two components: the four-year bachelor of science in design (BSD-Architecture) and the subsequent two-year master of architecture (M.Arch). In addition, both the BSD-Architecture and the M.Arch programs are STEM accredited.

Students in good standing at the completion of the BSD-Architecture are admitted to the M.Arch program without application.

In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the bachelor of architecture, the master of architecture, and the doctor of architecture. A program may be granted up to an 8-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Masters degree programs may consist of an undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln the undergraduate degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

The professional master of architecture degree is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). The architecture program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was granted 8-year reaccreditation in July 2015.

In addition to the 58-credit-hour, two-year professional M.Arch program, applicants with degrees from other fields may be eligible to enter the three-year, 92-credit-hour master of architecture program with deficiencies. These deficiencies are evaluated by the program director on an individual basis after admission resulting from a review of the applicant's transcripts and other pertinent professionally-related materials by the Student Affairs Committee.

For those who would like to pursue scholarship and research in architecture, the architecture program also offers a 36-credit-hour, scholarly-nonprofessional master of science in architecture degree for students with a bachelors degree in architecture or a related discipline.

The professional program in architecture is a six-year course of study that includes a one-year pre-professional segment, a three-year core segment culminating in the award of the bachelor of science in design (BSD), and culminates in the final two-year exploratory segment which results in the receipt of the professional master of architecture degree (M.Arch).

Although the bachelor of science in design degree is an integral part of the professional program in architecture, it should be clearly understood that the undergraduate BSD is not a professional degree and is not separately accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Most state registration boards will not acknowledge any degree unless accompanied by an accredited professional degree.

The accredited, first professional degree awarded by the College of Architecture is the master of architecture degree which is awarded at the successful conclusion of the professional program in architecture. This is the only accredited professional architecture program in the state of Nebraska.

The professional program in architecture is structured to develop highly competent professional architects capable of performing effectively in an evolving discipline.

d.ONE, the common first year, engages and prepares students for exciting futures in all design fields within the College of Architecture.

The d.ONE curriculum offered by the College of Architecture introduces students to design through courses in three areas: Technique: Design Drawing (DSGN 120) and Computer Applications in Design (DSGN 123); Design Discipline: An introduction to the related design disciplines and design history; and Design Practice: Design Thinking (DSGN 110) and Design Making (DSGN 111). In addition, students take University courses in math (calculus), english, communications, and a general education elective. DSGN 110 and DSGN 111 are sequential hands-on courses in which students learn to work in teams to address problems and promote innovation. At the same time, they learn the foundational skills in composition, craft, presentation, and idea generation necessary for all design fields.

At the end of the d.ONE common first year, students have gained an understanding of the broad range of design and are eligible to apply to any of the design programs in the College—architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design.

Admission

After completion of the first year of d.ONE studies, students may apply for admission to the professional architecture program. Successful applicants will have their major changed to the BSD-Architecture option.

Available teaching resources and space capacities limit enrollment to the second year of the architecture program; therefore enrollment limits are established each semester.

Required courses must be completed before advancing to the next year of study.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

To be considered for admission to the architecture program, applicants must:
 

• Be enrolled in the College of Architecture.
• Be in good scholastic standing. (Minimum 2.6 cumulative GPA required for review.)
• Have completed the one-year d.ONE program of study.

1. An application for admission may be completed by filling out the online application. The program receives applications once a year on March 1.
2. Applicants must submit a portfolio conforming to the defined criteria for the program applied for by the date posted at the completion of the spring semester.
3. Any applicant who has previously applied for admission and has not been accepted or who fails to enroll in the professional program in architecture after an acceptance must reapply in the regular manner. Students may apply for admission to the architecture program a maximum of three times.

Evaluation

The Student Affairs Committee of the Architecture Program will carefully evaluate all applications for admission. The committee considers three elements in their evaluation: cumulative grade point average, a weighted grade point average, and the portfolio of student work. The weighted grade point average gives additional value to the applicant's achievement in the required DSGN prefix course or transfer equivalents in the pre-professional curriculum.

Selection

Admission to the architecture program will be awarded to applicants who show the greatest professional potential and have demonstrated scholastic achievement. The Student Affairs Committee reserves the right to not fill all available spaces in the professional program in architecture if it determines that the remaining applicants have not performed at an acceptable level.

Students having completed the BSD-Architectural Studies degree at UNL may continue their studies culminating in the M.Arch without re-application, provided they exhibit a cumulative grade point average of B (3.0) and a studio GPA of B (3.0). Students must submit an intent form with a brief statement of purpose. A portfolio is not required. Students wishing to be eligible for fellowships and assistantships must submit the form by February 1. Fellowships and assistantships have separate applications.

Students from outside the program must apply to gain admission to the 2-year M.Arch degree program. Applications are available in October from the department office and are reviewed once a year in February. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

All applications for admission are subject to approval of the Student Affairs Committee. Enrollment shall be limited by the teaching resources and space capacities of the department. An enrollment quota is established prior to each admissions cycle.

Students in the professional program are governed by the rules, procedures and policies established in the architecture program. These are published in the Student Guide or by official notification by the faculty.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

To be considered for admission to the 2-year professional program in architecture, applicants must:

• Have a 4-year degree from an accreditation-leading architecture program.
• Present a portfolio of design work.
• Be in good scholastic standing.
• Have a B average or its equivalent in past academic programs.

The Student Affairs Committee of the architecture program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or 213 computer-based or Internet-based score of 79-80 for all international student applicants whose first language is not English.

Evaluation

A portfolio of an applicant's recent design work will be evaluated by the Student Affairs Committee of the architecture program and is considered to be a very important part of the application review process, along with the applicant's educational profile, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and application form.

Selection

The limited number of spaces available each semester will be awarded to applicants who have displayed the highest abilities in a combination of scholastic achievement, design capability, and professional potential. Strong applicants with significant deficiencies may be admitted to the 3-year M.Arch program.

The admissions committee reserves the right to reject applicants who, in its opinion, have not reached an acceptable level of design proficiency.

Joint Degree Programs

Business

Architecture majors accepted to the 2-year master of architecture may choose to pursue a three-year course of study that leads to joint degrees of master of architecture and master of business administration. Participation in this joint degree program requires admission into both the M.Arch and MBA programs. Students should consult with their advisor to develop an appropriate plan.

Community and Regional Planning

Architecture majors accepted to the 2-year master of architecture may choose to pursue a course of study that leads to joint degrees of master of architecture and master of community and regional planning. This degree would require three years to complete. A suggested sequence of courses can be obtained from your advisor, the Architecture Program Director, or the Community and Regional Planning Program Director.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

To be considered for admission to the 3-year M.Arch program, applicants must:
 

• Have a four-year bachelor's degree in any field.
• Have a B (3.0) cumulative grade point average in past academic programs.
• Have completed one semester (3 cr) college calculus.
• Have completed one semester (3 cr) college physics.

Experience in art or design is recommended but not required for admission.

The Student Affairs Committee requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or 213 computer-based or Internet-based score of 79-80 for all international student applicants whose first language is not English.

Evaluation

The Student Affairs Committee evaluates the candidate's past academic record, three letters of recommendation, a statement of educational goals, and the information requested on the application form. A portfolio is not required for candidates applying for the 3-year masters degree program; however, providing evidence of past achievements and/or creative activity is helpful to the committee in its evaluation.

Selection

The limited number of spaces available each semester will be awarded to applicants who have displayed the highest abilities in a combination of scholastic achievement and professional potential.

Deficiencies

The Student Affairs Committee and/or the program chair reserve the right to require additional coursework be done to correct perceived deficiencies in the candidate's educational background. Examples of common deficiencies include college calculus, basic design, and computer applications. Courses fulfilling these requirements are available at the University of Nebraska and may be taken in the summer preceding the first year of the program.
 

College Requirements

College Admission

Admission to the College of Architecture

Students accepted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln must also seek enrollment into the College of Architecture by marking the proper major code on the University application form.

Freshmen and transfer students applying for admission to the architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture programs must submit complete admission application materials by May 1 for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission. These admission procedures apply to high school students seeking admission, as well as transfer students, international students, and also those transferring from UNO and UNK to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

High School Standards Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture Programs

Prospective students interested in the professional programs in the College of Architecture are eligible to apply for admission into the architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture majors if their high school records meet the following standards:

1. Mathematics–4 units of Algebra I, II, geometry, and one-half unit of trigonometry, one-half unit that builds on a knowledge of algebra or pre-calculus.
2. English–4 units of intensive reading and writing.
3. Social Studies–3 units. At least one unit of American and/or world history and one additional unit of history, American government, and/or geography.
4. Natural Science–3 units. At least two of the three units selected from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. One of the units must include a laboratory.
5. Foreign Language–2 units.

General Admission Requirements for the College of Architecture

In addition to the high school admission requirements, the College of Architecture has established the following general admission requirements for all undergraduate students.

New freshman students must:

• Graduate in the upper quartile of their high school class, or
• Have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher, or
• Have an enhanced ACT composite score of 22, or
• Have a combined SAT verbal and math total of at least 1110 enhanced, or
• Receive permission from the program director with a waiver from the above requirements.

New international freshman students must:

• Meet University of Nebraska–Lincoln entrance requirements for new international freshman students.
• Have a MELAB score of at least 80, or a minimum TOEFL score of 550, or computer-based score of 213, or Internet-based score of 79-80, or an IELTS of 6.5.

New transfer students must:

• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design and be in good scholastic standing.

NOTE: New transfer students must comply with new freshman student entrance requirements if they have completed less than 12 credit hours of college study.

New international transfer students must:

• Meet University of Nebraska–Lincoln entrance requirements for international transfer students.
• Have a MELAB score of at least 80, or a minimum TOEFL score of 550, or computer-based score of 213, or Internet-based score of 79-80, or an IELTS of 6.5.
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be in good scholastic standing.

Students who transfer into the College of Architecture from other colleges at UNL must:

• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design and be in good scholastic standing. Students transferring from UNO and UNK are included in the new transfer student category.

NOTE: New transfer students must comply with new freshman student entrance requirements if they have completed less than 12 credit hours of college study.

Readmission

Students who apply for readmission to the College of Architecture must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design, be in good scholastic standing and receive permission from the dean of the College.

Former students who withdraw after being admitted to the College, or who have been academically suspended and wish to be readmitted, must: a) be readmitted to the College in good scholastic standing and b) be in good scholastic standing in accordance with the program standards and receive permission from the program director. Applicants for readmission will compete for spaces available with all other admission applicants.

College Degree Requirements

Minimum Hours Required for Graduation

Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD-Architecture) – 120 hours

Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD-Interior Design) – 120 hours

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) – 120 hours

Grading Appeals

A student wishing to appeal a grade should contact his or her professor for clarification first before an appeal can be filed. If the dispute cannot be resolved with the instructor it is recommended that the student meets with their advisor to get clarification on the appeals process. Appeals are only considered where it can be demonstrated that prejudice or capricious treatment influenced the grade received by the student.

Having exhausted these avenues, a student may then choose to make a formal appeal. The appeal is in the form of a written statement from the student to the program director. The director will then forward the letter to the Faculty Affairs Committee. The deadline for filing a grade appeal (which includes a written statement from the student) is 30 calendar days after the first day of classes of the next regular semester (fall or spring). Appeals filed after the deadline will not be heard.

Incomplete Grades

Incompletes for students in the pre-professional program shall be granted only for reasons outlined in the policy statement adopted by the University Senate. See the Office of the University Registrar's website for the complete text.

Incompletes given to students in the professional programs are granted at the discretion of the faculty awarding the grade. The faculty and student together must file an incomplete form in the Student Success office to register the anticipated completion date and the grade that will be registered if the work is not completed by that time.

Students will be allowed a maximum of two weeks to remove incompletes from courses that are prerequisites to classes in which they are currently enrolled, or they will be administratively dropped from those courses.

Scholastic Standing

The following scholastic standards have been established to maintain the level of quality for students enrolled in the architecture program:

First Year – Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design

Students in the first year (d.ONE) are required to maintain both a semester and cumulative grade point average at or above 2.0. The College places students who fail to meet these standards on academic probation.

Second, Third, and Fourth Year – Architecture

Students in the second, third, and fourth years of the architecture program are required to maintain both a semester and cumulative grade point average of 2.6 to remain in good academic standing. The architecture program also requires that students earn a grade of a C or higher in all required courses. Students who fail to meet this standard are placed on academic probation and will not be permitted to take any new architecture courses without the permission of the program director.

Second, Third, and Fourth Year – Interior Design and Landscape Architecture

Students in the second year are required to maintain both a semester and cumulative grade point average of 2.6. Students in the third and fourth year of the BSD and BLA programs are required to maintain a 2.6 cumulative grade point average to remain in good academic standing. The program also requires that students earn a grade of a C or higher in all required courses. The program places students who fail to meet this standard on academic probation.

Master of Architecture

Students in the M.Arch program are required to maintain a semester grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. The program places students who fail to meet this standard on academic probation.

Grade Rules

Students must earn at least a C (2.0) in all courses with an ARCH, DSGN, IDES, or LARC prefix to earn credit toward their degree. Students will be required to retake all required core courses with a grade of C- or below, but will not be required to repeat courses that were taken as electives.

Removal of Grades C- or Below

A student receiving a grade of C- or below for an overall course grade may remove that grade by retaking the same course again and receiving a higher grade at UNL, UNO, or UNK. The higher grade will be used to compute the student's cumulative grade point average, but all grades appear on the student's transcript. Students who choose to retake a course at an institution outside of the University of Nebraska system may count the course toward their degree requirement, but the grade will not replace the University of Nebraska–Lincoln grade from the student's transcript.

The Pass/No Pass option cannot be used to remove these grades from the grade point average. Please be advised that once a course is no longer taught and no longer offered by the department it is not possible to remove a grade of C- or below through substitution or any other means.

Should a student perform poorly in many courses during a semester it is possible to bankrupt the entire semester's grades. This is a drastic action and should be pursued only after a visit with the student's advisor.

Pass/No Pass Limits

None of the required classes offered in the professional program are offered Pass/No Pass, but a maximum of 12 Pass/No Pass credit hours of humanities, social sciences, or open electives may be taken from departments outside the College of Architecture. ACE courses specified by the College of Architecture may not be taken Pass/No Pass.

Courses taken outside the architecture, landscape architecture, or interior design programs to fulfill the upper-level outside elective requirement at the 800 level or 900 level, with or without a 400-level counterpart, in a minor, collateral, or supporting area of work, can be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Transfer Credit Rules

Transfer credit is evaluated at the College level for general coursework and at the Program level for technical, professional, and non-accredited credits.

College Evaluation of Transfer Credit

First-time students transferring to the College of Architecture from a similar accredited professional degree program will be evaluated on the basis of the current undergraduate catalog in effect at the time the student enrolls in the College of Architecture.

Confirmation procedure:

1. It is the student's responsibility to initiate this task.
2. The student procedure is to seek review of appropriate materials from the Student Success office.
3. A “portfolio reviewâ€ will determine confirmation of credit. This review will be done by the appropriate faculty member or committee.

Evaluation of General Education Credits

Transfer students who have formally applied for admission will have their academic credits evaluated by the Office of the University Registrar and the College of Architecture. The College will evaluate all hours submitted on an admission application but reserves the right to reject any of these credits.

Program Evaluation of Professional Credit

All professional credits earned at another university to be applied toward the master of architecture degree must be approved by the Professional Program Committee in cooperation with the program director. At least 50 percent of the required cou

1. Apply design-specific modes of thought and methods of inquiry.
2. Communicate and think diagrammatically through sketches, geometry, and models.
3. Resolve individual creativity with the needs of clients and society.
4. Integrate knowledge from different perspectives and disciplines into the design process.
5. Consider the larger ethical, moral, and environmental implications of individual design actions.
6. Comprehend the effectual and technical aspects of architectural design.
7. Resolve multiple and often conflicting project variables into an integrated design.
8. Reassess old prototypes and generate innovative architectural designs.
9. Engage in the production of new architectural knowledge and design research.
10. Raise clear and precise questions and design statements relevant to future practice.
11. Practice effectively as interns and continue towards professional M.Arch degree and licensure.

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Deadlines

Summer/Fall – May 1

Spring – December 1

Additional Documents

In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

• Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• English proficiency scores
• Bank statement
• Passport copy

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

Fall Term – July 15

Spring Term – December 1

Summer Term – May 1

Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

Completed Coursework Requirements

• A broad section of course work in English
• Native language courses
• Math
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

ACT/SAT Requirements

ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

• College of Architecture
• College of Engineering

Bank Statement Requirements

In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

Statements must include:

• Student's name
• NUID Number

NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

Items not Required

Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
  
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

• Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
  
  
• Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
• Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

• Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
• Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
• Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

• Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
• Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

• The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
• You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
• Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.