California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Graduate Studies in Architecture

January 2019

Dear Applicant:
Thank you for your recent request for information on the Graduate Program in Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona.
Architecture is an impacted program; that is, many more students apply than we can accommodate each year and
the University requires a supplementary process. This past year there were over 1,500 combined undergraduate
and graduate applications. The process is very competitive which leads to high quality students in the program.
Around 10-15% are accepted annually for admission in the fall semester each year. Mid-year transfers or starts are
not considered.

Graduate Program accepts non-resident applicants and foreign students. If you are applying as a foreign student,
please contact the Foreign Student Advisor in Admissions at (909) 869-2000.

The University’s Office of Admissions requires the following material sent directly to them:

• Application
For questions regarding your application, contact Cal State Apply customer support by email at:
[email protected] or by phone at: (857) 304-2087. When you apply on-line, be sure to print
it out before you submit the application as you will need to send a copy of the application to the
Department of Architecture. If you prefer to complete a paper application, please contact the Office of
Admissions (909 869-3210) for one.

• Transcripts
Official copies of your transcripts from ALL schools, sent directly from the schools, to the Office of
Admissions.

• Test Scores
TOEFL scores for those whose native language is not English and or their undergraduate degree was not
from a Domestic United States University. The GRE is not required however; it is encouraged particularly if
the applicant’s GPA is below 3.35

The mailing address for these items is:

Office of Admissions
Cal Poly Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768

In Addition to the materials above, the Department of Architecture requires the following materials to be Up-
loaded during the online application process.

• Application

• Transcripts

• Test Scores

• Statement of Purpose

• Recommendations
 • Portfolio

Personal interviews are not required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended but not required.

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
The Department of Architecture offers programs of study which lead to the degree, Master of Architecture.

The Master of Architecture as a first professional degree (M. ARCH I) is accredited by the National Architecture
Accrediting Board. 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 Accrediting Board (NAAB),
which is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes two
types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture and the Master of Architecture. A Program may be granted a six-
year, a three-year or a two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with established
educational standards. All undergraduate and graduate students entering College of Environmental Design majors
are required to purchase a computer that meets departmental specifications. All applicants are invited to check
with their department office or go to the department's website to obtain these specifications.

Financial aid assistance for this computer purchase is available to students qualifying for Federal Student
Aid (requested via the FAFSA application). Please contact the University's Office of Financial Aid (909-869-3700) for
additional information. The M. ARCH I program accepts students from varied academic backgrounds, including
non-design disciplines, for a three-year long program. For students with no previous study in architecture, two
years of intensive prerequisite course work precedes the final three quarters of the Master of Architecture
program.

Students must complete courses in college algebra, trigonometry, and physics prior to beginning this program
since these courses are prerequisites to the study of structures and environmental controls.
Students holding a non-professional Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Architecture or
a 5 year degree may apply for advanced standing within the M. ARCH I graduate program. If advanced standing is
granted two years of additional study in this advanced standing program would lead to the Master of Architecture
degree. The final 2 semesters of the M. ARCH I program require 30 semester units of academic work. Prior to
graduation, all students in the M. ARCH I program are required to fulfill 500 hours of NCARB recorded internship
work.

The program focuses in the areas of Environmental Sustainability or Historic Preservation. Significant interest and
demonstration of experience in one of these areas is required for graduate studies.
The program focuses on the basic knowledge and skills necessary to enter the Architectural profession. In addition
to the generalized degree the program offers two areas of specialization for interested students.

The concentrations focus is on the sustainable/regenerative design of the built environment, including building
preservation and adaptive reuse, utilizing courses from the Department as well as those of the Departments of
Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning in the College of Environmental Design, the Center for
Regenerative Studies, and the College of Engineering. This independent sequence must be arranged with the prior
approval of the graduate coordinator. The area of concentration must be selected no later than the end of the first
quarter in the program.

Historic Preservation Concentration

Contact Information:
Professor Lauren Weiss Bricker
Professor Luis Hoyos,

Masters of Architecture I Historic Preservation Concentration

Historic Preservation is an integral part of the curriculum at Cal Poly Pomona, especially in the three year graduate
program, but also in the five year undergraduate program. Courses include lectures, seminars and design studios.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of preservation, students are required to take courses in Anthropology and
City Planning. In the historic preservation studio, students learn various design approaches that include existing
buildings; these include preservation or restoration of the existing structure, adaptive reuse – incorporation of new
functions within an existing building, and new design – either of additions to existing buildings or new buildings
located adjacent to an existing building or within an historic district. Master of Architecture students can choose to
graduate with a historic preservation concentration or a joint preservation-sustainability concentration. In the first
year of the Master’s Degree program students are introduced to the theory and practice of historic preservation.

Advanced students take the historic preservation topic studio and elective seminar courses that address specific
topics in sustainable architecture. The content of the core classes of the preservation curriculum address the
creative and pragmatic issues that architects must address when working with existing, historic structures. Studio
and seminar projects tend to be based on actual projects or conditions, e.g., the fate of a building may be hinged
on the ability to adaptively reuse it; a survey of historic buildings that assists a government agency meets its
regulatory compliance. Additionally, Cal Poly Pomona owns the VDL Richard and Dion Neutra Research House
(1932-66) in the Silver Lake District of Los Angeles. Students have opportunities to participate in projects at the
house, analyzing its structural condition, materials and design qualities. Students also have the opportunity to
work directly with archival materials - drawings, photographs and manuscripts from the office of leading Southern
California architects and landscape architects, which are owned by the College of Environmental Design. The
Faculty is engaged in on-going research in different areas of historic preservation. Current projects include
documentation and analysis of buildings associated with the Recent Past (ca.1945-70), architectural surveys of
local communities, social and economic factors of construction materials, uses of new technology to create
measured drawings. These research projects usually involve student participation as research assistants and in
some cases, advanced classes take part in these projects. These courses increase the students’ awareness of the
ongoing contribution that existing and historic buildings make to the built environment.

Environmental Sustainability Concentration

Contact Information:
Professor Dr Hofu Wu,
Professor Dr Pablo La Roche,
Professor Juintow Lin

Masters of Architecture I Environmental Sustainability Concentration

Sustainability is an important part of the curriculum at Cal Poly Pomona, both in the five year B.Arch. program and
the three and a quarter year Masters of Architecture program. Courses include lectures, seminars and design
studios. Students learn to design environmentally sensitive architecture by regulating climate using appropriate
design and materials. Master of Architecture students can choose to graduate with a sustainability concentration,
taking a combination of required and elective courses in sustainable architecture. In the first year of the Master’s
degree program students learn the basic concepts of thermal, luminous and acoustic environments. Advanced
students take topics studios and elective seminar courses that address specific topics in sustainable architecture.
Faculty are engaged in ongoing research in different sustainable architectural systems, especially in the
development of passive cooling and heating systems, vegetated roofs and more effective artificial and natural
lighting of buildings. This research usually involves student participation as research assistants and in some cases;
advanced classes participate in these projects. These courses increase the students’ awareness of the impacts of
their buildings in the environment while teaching them that they have the power to affect the environment and
help our planet.

Frequently asked questions about graduate studies at Cal Poly:

Do I need to have a graphical or Architectural background?

No. The program is a first professional degree program and a related undergraduate degree is not required.
Obviously past experience and graphic skills are helpful. It is important to note that this is not centered on
“drafting” or technical drawing. Structured freehand drawing and painting are often preferred. An emphasis in
“CAD Drafting” is like applying to Business school and touting experience with Microsoft Excel or Journalism school
noting your use of Microsoft Word. These are only tools.

Does the program have a specific academic and professional focus?

Yes. The program is focused on the development of professional skills related to the practice of Architecture. The
program is currently developing additional areas of focus including historic preservation and sustainable building
practices, health care facilities and digital media. These areas of supplemental focus will allow interested students
to tailor their education to pursue personal interest in these areas.

What are the entry requirements?

Requirements vary from year to year based on quality of the candidate pool. The size of the applicant pool varies
each year due to economic forces in the work place as most applicants are seeking a change in career path.
Undergraduate GPA from the degree granting institution and test scores are weighed along with the contents of
the portfolio. GPAs from all undergraduate work must to be above 3.0.

What programs are offered?

The Department draws students from three categories and admission is based on the faculty evaluation of a
candidate’s portfolio for placement in the program in first or second year of the three year program.
1. First Professional Degree. 3. Years NAAB National Architectural Accrediting Board Accredited (No undergraduate
degree in Architecture is required)

How much does it cost?

Cal Poly is a “State assisted” campus and fees are adjusted based on the level of support provided by the State. The
current State budget climate has caused fees to increase and has further limited the number of qualified students
we can accept. It is widely recognized that this is the least expensive alternative in a publicly subsidized professional
program. This leads to a high level of demand for the program. Projected costs for a California State Resident pay
$7,200 for full-time status per academic year. Out of state and foreign students are projected to pay $24,000 per
year total. U.S. out of state students may be able to apply for California Residency after one year. Many individuals
recognize that this is very low compared to other programs as we are the only CSU supported program in the state.

Is financial aid available?

The College of Environmental Design and the Department of Architecture do not have resources to offer financial
aid or incentives for students to attend. The University does offer limited aid programs and loans. Many students
take advantage of these programs. Interested students should contact the University Financial Aid Office directly
for further information. The extreme low cost of this program relative to similar private institutions is a significant
finical assistance.

Can the Department of Architecture provide me with information or assistance in obtaining a Visa?

No, the Department of Architecture plays no role in the application or processing of Visas for International students.
This is only handled though the University International Students Center/ Foreign Student Advisor in Admissions at
(909) 869-2000.

What if my University does not use a typical 4.0 GPA system for recording grades?
Many international institutions use alternative methods for recording grades and transcripts. There are companies
that will for a fee receive transcripts from your institution and evaluate/translate them and send them on to our
school. This is recommended however we cannot specify or recommend a service.

How much time do I have for outside work?

The program is a full-time professional degree program. The program requires a considerable amount of time and
effort that often exceeds 40-60 hours a week. Outside work is discouraged especially during the first-year. Students
often begin working in the profession only on a limited basis during their second year and academic breaks.

Do I need to be a California State resident to attend?

No. The program accepts national and international students. Non-residents pay higher fees. The
State is currently considering adjustments to the fee structure for graduate programs and final costs are not
currently available. See the University web site for the most up to date fee structure.

Can I have a double major?

The study of Architecture is a focused professional degree program similar to the study of Medicine or Law. The
Department recognizes that there are numerous potential relationships between Architecture and other academic
interests but does not provide double or dual major options, due to the need for professional focus within the
discipline.

Do I have to submit a portfolio?

A portfolio is a significant help in the selection process. The vast majority of admitted provide an appropriate
graphical portfolio. On rare occasions STEM students with high test scores and exceptional undergraduate GPA’s
can be admitted without a portfolio. This is the rare occasion as the portfolio is a key element in developing an idea
of a an applicants potential aptitude/fit with our program.

How do I put together a portfolio if I do not f a graphic background?

Many prospective students take extension courses or classes at a Community College. Many students confuse
drafting or CAD classes with and Architectural background. The selection committee is more interested in freehand
drawing skill, painting or other creative expression. Expression of design process is very important. The biggest
mistake that many make is the assumption that we are looking for architectural design experience for first
professional degree candidates.

Is there a specific format for the portfolio?

Most applicants scan their materials and develop a simple graphic format that describes the class, institution and
date in which the work was developed and a very brief outline of critical issues relevant to the work. A focus on
process and the synthesis of text and visual material are important. These materials are often hard bound books
that are very professional in appearance. The use of desktop publishing is as important if not more important than
the use of CAD.

What if I do not have any art or drawing experience?

Some of the best portfolios historically have included individuals documenting the process of furniture design,
surfboard production, design and crafting electric guitars and even computer hardware design.
If I take courses at a Community College can I get advanced standing in the program?

Courses in College Algebra, Trigonometry and College Physics required prerequisites and not part of credit towards
a graduate degree. These courses will be accepted however courses in the Architecture curriculum are not replaced
by Community College level work that by definition are not upper division coursework required for credit towards a
graduate degree. Many applicants take courses at community college or specialized private schools that provide
curricula that are aimed at preparing applicants for admission to Graduate programs in Architecture.

If I have a 4 or 5 year undergraduate degree in Architecture do I need to repeat courses that I may have taken as
an undergraduate?
Typically you do not repeat classes. Undergraduate University courses may be waived by the instructor on a case
by case basis with permission of the Graduate Coordinator. History, Materials, Basic Structures and Environmental
Controls are most often courses that fall into this category. First-year design courses may be waived through the
portfolio process at the time of acceptance pending available seats at the second-year of the program.

If I am in another graduate program in Architecture can I transfer?

Generally we are not seeking students that want to transfer from other graduate programs.
Transfers are limited by the number of units that can be applied towards the degree under University rules. Lecture
course credit from other NAAB accredited programs are often waived but design studios are strictly based on
portfolio review and available space in our advanced studios. Transfers at second year can be considered but no
transfers into the final year will be accepted.

Do I become an Architect when I graduate?

No. Similar to the Medical and Legal professions, individuals are not considered Architects or Registered Architects
until they have completed internship time and supplemental professional examinations. The California Architectural
Board CAB website has information on State registration requirements.

If I am accepted can I delay my enrollment?

No. If you are accepted the acceptance is only valid for the term expressed in the acceptance. I you choose not to
attend you must reapply and resubmit all materials.

If I am not accepted, can my materials be held for further considerations?

No. Application materials are only good for a single academic cycle. Individuals must reapply.

Do I need computer skills?

The Architectural Profession is becoming increasingly reliant on digital media. All students utilize both digital and
analog media in their coursework. Laptop computers have become an essential part of an Architecture student’s
life.

Do I need to prepare for an interview?

No, an interview is not currently part of our review process. Unfortunately the overwhelming demand for the
program and our limited budget does not allow us time to meet or interview applicants.

Can I come and visit the Campus?

You may come and visit the Campus but the Department does not conduct tours and studios are closed to the
general public for security purposes. The department does have an open house 2 times each year. The public is
welcome to attend to meet faculty, students and see student work from the previous quarter. This event typically
occurs on the first Wednesday of each semester at 6:00pm in Building 89 IDC. Check with the Department office for
more details just prior to the start of each semester to confirm the date if you are interested in attending.

Sincerely yours,

Kip Dickson R.A.

Architect/Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Architecture
College of Environmental Design
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
[email protected]