Introduction to the Degree
Design reconciles conflicting visions and exploits all available technologies to shape and sustain a better world. Houston’s hot-humid environment, low-lying Gulf-Coast geography, and dispersed pattern of un-zoned metropolitan development presents designers with an extraordinary laboratory, full of challenges and opportunities. The proposals seeded in the vast urban sprawl of Houston are transmutable to cities around the globe.
The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design offers its students a platform of integrated disciplines - architecture, space architecture, interior architecture, and industrial design - from which to negotiate the complexities of contemporary practice in a world that is grappling with diminishing economic and natural resources, the realities of post disaster re-construction, and, at the same time, continued, rapid urbanization. Faculty and students work together in a studio-centric curriculum, supported by a premier digital fabrication facility. Open studios seamlessly incorporate coursework into project-based learning through material investigations and applied research. At the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, making is not simply an action or a craft, but a form of critical thinking, calling forth innovative solutions for contemporary conditions. Our programs foster an environment where ideas find form, where practices that are socially equitable and fundamentally ecological establish a model from which to develop Houston’s future and to inform and shape design strategies globally.
We seek applicants to our programs that possess curiosity, commitment, initiative, creativity and a solid work ethic. We strive to graduate students who become reflective practitioners and leaders in their fields. The curriculum is designed to prepare our graduates for professional practice in architecture, industrial design or interior architecture, by equipping them with a depth of understanding of human needs and a command of a range of technologies that will enable them to shape their environments and the objects in them. We are keenly aware of our responsibilities toward our environment and our concentration on sustainable design has forged collaborative projects across the disciplines.
Admission Requirements - College of Architecture and Design
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Admission to the College of Architecture and Design is a two-stage process. First, applicants must be admitted to the University of Houston. Applicants who indicate Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Industrial Design as their first choice major will then be considered for admission into the College of Architecture and Design. No additional application is required.
Official transcripts must be sent directly to the University of Houston Office of Admissions.
There are three categories of applicants:
- First Time in College Freshmen
- Transfer Students
- Change of Majors
Procedure for Admission to the College of Architecture and Design
First Time in College Freshmen
The ApplyTexas application must be completed. Applicants must meet general University requirements before being accepted by the University of Houston. Applicants who indicate Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Industrial Design as their first choice major will be considered for admission into the College of Architecture and Design. No additional application is required.
The ApplyTexas application and portfolio should be submitted by the February 1 priority application deadline. All transcripts must be submitted to the University of Houston Office of Admissions.
Transfer Students
Applicants are considered transfer students if you:
- are a student who earned 15 or more transferable hours of college credit after high school graduation (during fall/spring semester) and
- are not a former student who is in good standing or academic suspension seeking readmission and
- are a U.S. citizen, have applied for permanent residency, or qualify for Texas residency based on Senate Bill 1528
The ApplyTexas application and portfolio should be submitted by the February 1 priority application deadline. Applicants must meet general University requirements before being accepted by the University of Houston. Applicants who indicate Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Industrial Design as their first choice major will be considered for admission into the College of Architecture and Design. No additional application is required.
Change of Major to Architecture, Industrial Design or Interior Architecture
Students already attending University of Houston must fill out a General Petition requesting a change of major to the College of Architecture and Design.
The General Petition and portfolio should be submitted by the February 1 priority application deadline. Refer to the College of Architecture and Design website for instructions for portfolio submission process for Change of Majors.
International Students
Along with the ApplyTexas application and portfolio, international applicants have additional admissions requirements. Please see the Undergraduate Application Guide for international applicants.
Readmission
For Readmission to the University of Houston see policy on Readmission for Former UH Students and the Gerald D Hines College of Architecture and Design readmission procedures.
Readmission to the College
Students whose UH enrollment has paused for 13 months or longer must apply for readmission as a former student. Regardless of academic standing, you are required to meet your college-specific re-entry requirements and deadlines. Please visit the University Admissions website for additional information: Undergraduate Admissions - Readmission for Former UH Students.
Portfolio
All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio that includes a statement of interest in their selected major upon applying. Given the competitive admissions process, a portfolio demonstrates the applicant’s abilities and the statement of interest communicates the applicant’s interest in the field of design.
A successful portfolio:
- Includes a statement of interest on the first page of the portfolio with the applicant’s name, myUH ID, and email address. No Social Security Numbers should be included.
- Includes any form of design or creative works including, but not limited to: drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, or creative writing.
- Is a PDF file no larger than 10MB.
Steps to submit a portfolio (for freshman or transfer students):
Application Status
Applicants can check the status of their application by logging into myUH to verify information.
Applicants will need to retrieve a myUH number, issued by the University upon applying and set a password. If applicants have difficulties logging in, UH Information Technology can be contacted at support@uh.edu or by calling 713-743-1411.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
The College of Architecture and Design’s Student Services Office hosts Information Sessions for all prospective Freshman, Transfer, and Change of Major students interested in an undergraduate degree program offered at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design.
The Information Sessions cover the following information:
- Program overview
- Current majors and degree plans
- Required coursework
- Portfolio and letter of intent
- Admissions process and requirements
- Question and answer session
- Building tour
Register Today
To make a reservation for an Information Session, prospective students may register in one of the following ways:
- Register HERE. Please fill out all portions of the registration form.
- Call the Student Services Office at 713-743-3463.
- Visit the Student Services Office in Room 151 of the College of Architecture Building.
UNDERGRADUATE ORIENTATION
All accepted students shall attend an orientation session before July 1 in order to be guaranteed a place for the Fall semester.
Incoming students do not need to make appointments to see an advisor before orientation. Enrollment, credits, class schedules, and any other questions will be addressed during the orientation sessions.
The enrollment hold placed on all new student accounts will be removed after attending an orientation session.
Freshmen Orientation
Incoming freshmen must sign up to attend a Freshman Orientation through their myUH accounts.
This two-day program will expose students to many resources, tips, and information about the University of Houston and the College of Architecture and Design. During this program, students will meet with academic advisors, and enroll in their first semester courses.
Transfer Students Orientation
Transfer students must sign up to attend a Transfer Orientation session through their myUH accounts.
This one-day program will expose students to many resources, tips, and information about the University of Houston and the College of Architecture and Design. During this program, students will meet with academic advisors and enroll in their courses.
Change of Major Students Orientation
Current UH students who change their majors must attend a Change of Major session offered through the College of Architecture and Design’s Student Services Office. During this program, students will meet with academic advisors and enroll in their courses.
Information regarding orientation session dates and times will be sent by e-mail.
If you do not receive information about the Change of Major session by April 1, please call the College of Architecture and Design Student Services Office at 713-743-3463 or email archsso@central.uh.edu.
International Students Orientation
International students are required to attend a new student orientation session as well as a separate orientation hosted by International Student & Scholar Services Office.
All holds will be removed after attending a new student orientation and the ISSSO orientation. If you are unable to attend orientation, please call the Student Services Office at 713-743-3463 or email archsso@central.uh.edu.
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