Undergraduate Admissions

All applications for admission to undergraduate programs within the School of Architecture + Design must be completed through the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Admissions office.

Frequently asked questions regarding admission to the undergraduate Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture Programs:

Is a portfolio required for admission?

No. Many high schools do not teach art classes. Our Foundation Design Laboratories (ARCH 1015, 1016) provide the design fundamentals needed to be a successful designer. Admissions are primarily based on a student’s grade point average and SAT or ACT score. If you have questions regarding the admission requirements, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at vtadmiss@vt.edu; or http://www.admiss.vt.edu/ .

What classes should I take in high school to best prepare me for a major in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design or Landscape Architecture?

Advanced placement courses in Math, Science, English, and Foreign Languages are the best preparatory courses. These classes show dedication to one’s learning and are the best preparation for taking the SAT exam. Art and architecture classes are encouraged, but now required.

What is the foreign language requirement?

Students who do not complete 2 units of a foreign language in high school must earn 6 credits of a college foreign language, these credits are in addition to those normally required for graduation.

If you are a high school student trying to decide on a foreign language, we recommend Spanish. Italian is also a good choice. Many of our study abroad opportunities travel through Italy due to the rich tradition of design excellence in Italy.

I am a student currently enrolled at Virginia Tech and I would like to transfer into the Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design or Landscape Architecture program. What is the process for acceptance?

We refer to currently enrolled Virginia Tech undergraduate students who want to change their major and transfer into Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design or Landscape Architecture as “internal transfers”. Applications are required and available at the beginning of the spring semester. Applications will be accepted beginning the first day of spring semester, January 20, 2009. The application deadline is February 13, 2009.

Applications for Architecture and Industrial Design may be picked up in 201 Cowgill Hall and applications for Interior Design and Landscape Architecture may be picked up in 121 Burruss Hall. You may access the application online. Please see the applications listed below.

Please review the internal transfer process for further information. (Internal Transfer Process)

The applications will be available on the first day of class during spring semester 2010.

Architecture Application

Industrial Design Application

Interior Design Application

Landscape Architecture Application

Internal Transfer Policy

If I am accepted as an internal transfer student in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design or Landscape Architecture, what happens next?

Students enrolled at Virginia tech who are accepted through the Internal transfer process are all required to take the Summer Qualifying Design Lab during the following first and second summer session.

I am enrolled at another University or Community College (not a student at Virginia Tech), and I would like to transfer into the Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, or Landscape Architecture program at Virginia Tech. What do I need to do?

You would be classified as an “external transfer student”. You need to apply for admission through the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Admissions Office. Students admitted through the external transfer process will be required to take the Summer Qualifying Design Lab during the first and second summer sessions prior to entering the fall semester of the academic year in which application has been made. Placement during the fall semester will be determined upon completion of the second summer session.

Online Application for External Transfer Students

I have Advanced Placement, CLEP, International Baacalaureate, and/or credit from another institution. How can I find out if the credit will transfer to Virginia Tech?

You may access the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Transfer Equivalency Database to determine how credit taken through another institution will transfer to Virginia Tech.

You may access the AP, IB & CLEP information through the Registrar’s website to determine how this type of credit will transfer to Virginia Tech.