RIT architecture online is seeking students who uncover problems and seek innovative, creative, sustainable solutions. Our students come from diverse professional, academic, and personal backgrounds and share a passion for designing the buildings, neighborhoods, and communities of tomorrow.

We want to get to know you. In your application, we encourage you to express what drives your creativity, showcase your passion for sustainable architecture, and provide examples of collaboration and leadership.

Standard M.Arch. application requirements:

Advanced Standing M.Arch. application requirements:

Applicants must submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work. Transcripts should include transcript grading keys. For international degrees that do not include a US grading scale, Official Evaluations will be required. Evaluations must come from an approved NACES organization if  accreditation can be confirmed on the World Higher Education Database. If the accreditation cannot be verified by WHED, a WES evaluation is required.

If the institution you attended issues transcripts electronically, specify that your transcript(s) be sent to archappsvcs@onlinemasters.rit.edu, as this will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

If you would like your transcripts sent by mail, use the following address:

Your one-page personal statement should explain your desire to study architecture at the graduate level. It should describe your educational objectives and may address:

Submit a minimum of one letter of recommendation from any of the following: a current or former instructor or academic advisor, a current or former supervisor, or someone familiar with your creative abilities.

All applicants applying to the Master of Architecture program must submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their creativity and ability at 2D and/or 3D representation.  Portfolios may contain any variety of creative works and mediums, but at a minimum must include examples of hand drawings. Each creative example in the portfolio should include a brief written summary describing the work and the candidate’s role in its creation. Overall, the portfolio should display the potential for creative expression, 2D and 3D representation, visual communication, and critical inquiry.

Portfolio submissions may show any combination of visual creative and/or design work produced by the applicant; examples of these works include, but are not limited to:

Advanced Track consideration

Applicants pursuing the Advanced Track admission must 1) have a previous degree in architecture or a qualified equivalent degree, and 2) submit a portfolio meeting the criteria above that also includes architectural design work the applicant produced for their previous academic experience. Candidates may also include professional architectural work if desired and examples of design process work are highly encouraged. Applicants pursuing advanced standing must also still include hand drawing examples and are encouraged to include examples of non-architectural creative works in addition to their architectural design work examples.

File submission

The admissions committee is interested in the quality of the work, not the quantity, so please limit the portfolio to 5-10 projects and approximately 20 pages. 

Additional information on guidelines for portfolio preparation can be found here.

Applicants will need to submit a resume or CV with their online application. Details should include information about your education, any academic experience abroad, professional work experience, other employment, and internship history.

GRE and GMAT scores are not required to apply.

RIT architecture online welcomes international applicants who hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This is often represented by 16 total years of education. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required. Transcripts should include transcript grading keys. For international degrees that do not include a US grading scale, Official Evaluations will be required. Evaluations must come from an approved NACES organization if  accreditation can be confirmed on the World Higher Education Database. If the accreditation cannot be verified by WHED, a WES evaluation is required.

Please be aware that the students in the online M.Arch. program are not eligible for a student visa to study in the United States since most work is completed virtually. We will work with you to secure the appropriate visa for the in-person immersions.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. A minimum PTE score of 61 is required.

You can view additional guidelines here.

The application fee is $65 and nonrefundable. Applicants who are RIT alumni, current students, and students with military affiliation are eligible for an application fee waiver.