General Instructions
Applications to all graduate programs are made through the university’s graduate admissions portal: https://admissions.iit.edu/graduate/apply/
The priority application deadline, which ensures consideration for scholarships has been extended to 15 January.
The final deadlines for applications are 15 May for international students, and 1 August for domestic students.
The Admissions Committee will not review applications until all admissions requirements have been fulfilled.
Applicants submitting their materials by the priority deadlines will be notified of their admission decision by March. IIT Architecture cannot be held responsible if, for any reason, the student fails to receive a decision letter in time to enroll for a particular term.
Applicants who have changed their name and who may have documents with their previous name must indicate this clearly in their application.
We invite you to visit the College of Architecture to view our facilities, meet with admissions staff, and see the student work in progress. We recommend visiting on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday afternoons when architecture design studios are in session. Individual visits to IIT Architecture begin by scheduling an appointment through the Graduate Admissions Office (https://admissions.iit.edu/graduate/visit/).
If you have questions about the application process feel free to contact us at: arch@iit.edu or 312-567-3260.
Prerequisites
Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete before the start of the IIT term, an undergraduate degree from an accredited educational institution with at least a B average (GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent). International applicants must have completed, or expect to complete before the start of the IIT term, a degree which is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. If we are unable to determine the equivalency of an international degree, applicants may be asked to have their degree evaluated by an outside organization.
To be admitted without conditions to the Master of Architecture program, an applicant is required to possess the following:
1) an understanding of basic physical principles and concepts associated with energy, power, heat, light, sound, circuits, materials, fluids, and force, as demonstrated through the successful completion of college level physics course equivalent to IIT's PHYS 200;
2) an understanding of basic mathematical principles and analytical procedures, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as demonstrated through the successful completion of college-level mathematics equivalent to IIT's MATH 148;
3) a basic ability to produce freehand drawings of architectural forms and spaces, as demonstrated by the successful completion of one college-level drawing course or by portfolio submissions;
4) a basic understanding of design, as demonstrated by the successful completion of one college-level design course or by portfolio submissions;
5) a minimum of 45 semester hours (or the quarter hour equivalent) outside of architectural studies, either as general studies or electives with content outside of architecture
Candidates admitted with deficiencies in any of these prerequisites must fulfill them before matriculation. Students with a background outside of the area of architecture may be asked to complete an introductory studio prior to the start of classes. Candidates holding a pre-professional degree in architecture will be evaluated for advanced standing status on a case-by-case basis and will be notified of their specific status upon admission.
Requirements for Application
1. ONLINE APPLICATION
Available at: https://admissions.iit.edu/graduate/apply/
2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts must indicate degree(s) awarded, course titles, credit hours, and grades or scores earned from all graduate and undergraduate schools attended. All transcripts must bear an original signature and seal, either from the issuing institution or a notary public, and must have been issued within a year of the application date. Student copies of documents are not accepted. If an applicant’s current degree program is in progress, he/she may be conditionally admitted subject to receipt of a final transcript verifying the degree awarded. A final official transcript with degree posted must be submitted within 30 days of the first day of classes.
3. GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE) SCORES
We understand that many GRE and GMAT testing facilities are closed due to the coronavirus. As a result, Illinois Tech has changed our test requirements for 2021. We are no longer requiring students to submit GRE or GMAT scores for all master’s programs. View test waiver FAQs here.
GRE scores are valid for five years, and must have been taken no more than five years prior to IIT’s application deadline. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission. Please direct your test scores to the appropriate location: IIT’s institution code number for the GRE is 1318; no department code is required. Please allow two to four weeks from the date of your test or score request for delivery and processing of your scores. Required minimum GRE scores are: 292 (quantitative + verbal) and 2.5 (analytical writing).
4. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Two letters of recommendation are required and should be from individuals who are able to assess your academic and/or career achievements and potential. Recommenders may include individuals such as professors or employers but may not include family members. Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the Applicant Portal. During the application process you will be prompted to submit your recommender’s contact information; your recommender will receive an electronic invitation to submit a letter in PDF format. You will not have access to submitted letters of recommendation.
5. PORTFOLIO
A portfolio is required for all applicants. Portfolios should give evidence of design and visual language skills as exhibited in hand drawings, digital media, sculpture, physical models, built projects, photography, and/or other similar materials. For applicants seeking advanced standing, the portfolio must demonstrate exceptional evidence of your advanced skills and experience. Portfolios are submitted in one PDF of no more than 15 pages and no larger than 10 MB.
6. PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT
Your professional statement should describe your motivations for graduate study at IIT, including your goals while a student as well as your future professional goals. You will be prompted to address three topics, providing 200 words or less each. If applicable, please include any special topics of study you intend to pursue. Please note the professional statement cannot be revised or resubmitted after you submit the application.
7. NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE
A fee of $100 must be submitted by all first-time applicants. IIT must receive this fee before considering your application. This fee will not be applied toward tuition charges.
Tuition, Fees, Scholarships and Financial Aid
Tuition is charged by credit hour. The expenses below are the 2023–2024 tuition rate.
Students in the Masters degree program take between 15-18 credits per semester.
2023-2024 Estimated Expenses/9 months
Tuition 33 credits at $1,614 per credit $56,496
Fees health insurance, service, CTA, activities, model shop, orientation $3,370
Room & Board $15,790
Insurance $2,286
Estimated Total $77,942
For masters students entering IIT’s College of Architecture in the 2023–2024 academic year, an initiative will provide substantial scholarships to a majority of students. These scholarships will be worth up to $15,000 per year. Details of scholarship offers will be included in admission letters.
IIT Architecture also offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships and fellowships. These awards are reserved for candidates who are considered to have outstanding credentials and have applied by the priority deadline. Award decisions are determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee after an admission decision has been made. We do not require a separate application for scholarship consideration. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be notified along with your admission letter. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you would like more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at https://admissions.iit.edu/graduate/finances/
Information for Admitted Students
DEPOSIT
A non-refundable tuition deposit of $300 will be required to reserve your place as an incoming student. Your deposit for Fall 2023 will be due 15 May 2023. All deposits must be submitted through the Access Illinois Tech Portal and may be paid by electronic check or credit card.
HOUSING
While many graduate students enjoy the convenience of living on campus. The on-campus facilities include graduate apartment style housing. If you are interested in living on campus, please contact the Residence and Greek Life Office at https://web.iit.edu/housing
MEDICAL EXAMS AND INSURANCE
Prior to matriculation, students must meet IIT’s requirements for documented medical examinations and immunizations. If you would like more information, please contact the Student Health and Wellness Center student.health@iit.eduor visit: https://web.iit.edu/shwc/
International Applicants
International applicants must meet all of the general requirements listed above as well as the following additional requirements.
1. ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS
Translations of transcripts are required for applicants whose institutions do not issue transcripts in English. The translation must be certified by a consular official or person authorized to translate documents. The translator’s original signature and seal are required and original foreign transcripts must be attached to the translation. Individual mark sheets must be included if individual course titles and grades are not listed.
2. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAM (TOEFL/IELTS) SCORES
Duolingo English Test results will not be accepted. View test waiver FAQs here.
Proficiency exams are required for applicants from non-English speaking countries or applicants holding degrees from institutions at which the primary language of instruction was not English. International applicants with degrees from institutions where the primary language of instruction was English are not required to submit TOEFL scores; however, documentation verifying that the primary language of instruction was English may be requested.
The exam must have been taken within the two years prior to the application deadline for the particular program. Based on the results of the exam, you may be required to complete additional English courses at IIT at the current tuition rate. English courses taken at IIT do not count towards a student’s program of study credit requirements.
Minimum score for admission to the M.Arch. program, without an additional IIT English Language Assessment Requirement is 600/90 (TOEFL) or 6.5 (IELTS).
Minimum score for admission to the M.Arch. program, which may require an additional IIT English Language Assessment Requirement is 550/80 (TOEFL) or 6 (IELTS).
For more information on the TOEFL visit: www.toefl.org.
For more information on the IELTS visit: www.ielts.org.
3. FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FORM (FAS)
The FAS is required for international applicants needing a student visa to study in the U.S. Applicants will need to submit a FAS covering the full costs of the program for one academic year. The FAS form must be properly completed, certified, signed by all relevant individuals, and uploaded into your Applicant Portal before an I-20 can be issued. A certified bank statement may be submitted in place of Section 3 of the FAS form and must include an official signature and seal. If you plan to bring dependents to the U.S., you must provide evidence of additional financial support for each dependent.
We encourage applicants to submit their FAS & copy of passport at the time of application but an admission decision can be made without a FAS and copy of passport on file.
4. COPY OF PASSPORT IDENTITY PAGE
Passport information must be submitted through the Applicant Portal. This documentation aids in efficient processing of your I-20, if you are admitted. Copies of passports for any dependent must also be attached.
5. SCHOOL TRANSFER FORM (International Transfer Applicants Only)
The transfer form must be submitted by any international student currently studying on an F-1 visa who intends to transfer their visa to IIT from another institution in the U.S. It indicates the release of your I-20 by your current institution, permitting IIT to create a new I-20 for you. Please submit only after you been officially admitted.