Master of Science in Architecture Program
Application Information

Application procedures for the Master of Science in Architecture Program

The following items are required to apply to the Master of Science in Architecture program:

  • A completed Graduate Application form, which may be completed online. 
  • One copy of official (certified) transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended. If the transcript is not in English, an official English transcript is required.
  •  A completed statement of educational and career objectives form.
  •  Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
  •  Samples of academic/professional work, including a description of each project, its objectives, and your role and responsibilities. The portfolio of design work should be in a format no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches or A4 paper. Samples of written work are highly recommended. (A stamped self-addressed envelope must be included if the applicant wishes the return of the portfolio to an address within the United States. Portfolios will not be returned to other countries, so high quality xerox copies are recommended.)
  •  A non-refundable application fee of $70.00 US for domestic students and $80.00 US for international students (which includes the department and Graduate School fees). Applications will not be considered without this fee. There are instructions detailing how to pay this fee online, in step 4 of the online application, with a credit card that is issued by a U.S. financial institution. Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover are accepted. Applicants who choose not to pay by credit card can pay by check issued from a U.S. financial institution, or if an International applicant, by international cashier’s check or money order, payable to the Kansas State University Graduate School.

Additional application requirements for international students

  • A KSU Affidavit of Financial Support form for Graduate students. All three sections of the form must be completed and signed with the appropriate signatures, including the bank official and seal. The Graduate School will not issue the I-20 without the completion of every section with the appropriate signatures and verification. The completion of this form will not jeopardize your chances of receiving a GTA position but will facilitate the issuing of the I-20. If you are awarded a GTA it will be reflected on your I-20. 
     
  •  An official report of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam score. The Department of Architecture requires a score of 600 on the paper test (or 250 on the computer test) for admission into the Master of Science in Architecture program, since English language proficiency is an important factor in the ability of a student to complete the degree. In addition, graduate teaching assistantships require a minimum score of 50 on the TSE (Test of Spoken English). These tests cannot be waived; priority for a GTA will be given to thoae students who have taken both tests. The TSE is offered along with the TOEFL in most English Testing centers.

 The required forms are available on this website and on the Graduate School website and may be accessed through the Admissions page of this website. You may apply online through the Graduate School website while the departmental forms should be printed and mailed with the other hard copy documentation. To be assured consideration, applications for fall should be received by February 1st. A limited number of new students may be admitted to begin studies during the spring semester. To be assured consideration for spring, application should be received by August 1st.

Financial Aid

A limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) are available for those students with particularly strong qualifications. Appointment as a teaching assistant requires knowledge in the subject matter, human relations skills, and excellence in spoken and written English. Appointment to a GTA position is made by the chair of the graduate committee and does not guarantee successive appointments. Continuation of an appointment is contingent upon availability of positions and the GTA’s academic performance as well as performance as a GTA.

Kansas State University is a signatory to the following resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools:

Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants

Acceptance of an offer of financial support (such as a graduate teaching assistantship) for the next academic year by a prospective or enrolled graduate student completes an agreement that both student and graduate school expect to honor. In that context, the conditions affecting such offers and their acceptance must be defined carefully and understood by all parties.

Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15: earlier deadlines for acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution. In those instances in which a student accepts an offer before April 15, and subsequently desires to withdraw that acceptance, the student may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April 15. However, an acceptance given or left in force after April 15 is conditional on presentation by the student of the written release from any previously accepted offer. It is further agreed by the institutions and organizations subscribing to the above Resolution that a copy of this Resolution should accompany every assistantship offer.

Frequenty Asked Questions

Send application materials to:

MS Arch Program
Department of Architecture
211 Seaton Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-2901
785.532.5953
architecture@ksu.edu