If you’re a transfer student looking to enroll in an architecture school, chances are you may have questions about what the process entails. Although transfer students are not usually required to have a specific educational background, it isn’t uncommon for individuals who have finished their associate’s degree elsewhere to consider transferring into a school that specializes in architecture and related programs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to transfer schools and pursue a degree in architecture or online architecture degree.
.

Understanding The Transfer Process: An Overview

While architecture degrees can be somewhat complicated, finding the right school for you doesn’t have to be. For any prospective architecture student interested in transferring into a new school, it’s a smart idea to completely understand the accreditation status of a program before you apply – research as much as you can beforehand, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at the school’s Admissions or Enrollment Offices when applying.

Typically, transferring your college credits or requirements from one institution to another follows these basic steps:

• Apply & Submit Materials: Students interested in applying for transfer credit will need to submit their materials to the Admissions Office. In some instances, you may complete the application form online.
• Review & Approval: Once you have submitted your materials, your school’s dean will review materials and approve transfer credits. Next, the Admissions department will communicate their decision to the Registrar’s Office, The Financial Aid Office, Advising, and the Bursar.
• Transfer Of Credits: If you are a student who is looking to transfer into NewSchool from a community college, your previously completed credits may be transferable and apply to your degree. To find out if your classes are transferable, go to our website and visit our student transfer page. There you can find a list of local community colleges with the equivalent courses and credits awarded at NewSchool. If your school is not listed on our site, please reach out to our Enrollment Specialists.
  
• Request Transcripts: In some institutions including NewSchool of Architecture & Design, applicants must have completed at least one semester of full-time, post-secondary level education to be considered a transfer student. Applicants must submit transcripts from all the institutions previously attended and transcripts should also indicate any course work currently in progress. Official transcripts will be required prior to enrollment.
• Submit Portfolio: At most schools, an architecture portfolio review is required for all students seeking advanced placement, which will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Portfolios are a compilation of the student’s art and design work and requirements vary by program.

Did You Know…

If you’re thinking about transferring into an architecture school, many Bachelor of Architecture programs have devised curricular structures that enable flexibility for students who are at different phases in their education. By breaking the curriculum into segments, it allows students to transfer as seamlessly as possible into their curriculum without losing time, money or credits. In most schools, the student’s work is carefully reviewed before advancement to the next phase. Such points provide a relatively easy means of transfer into an architecture program, transfer to another institution (particularly between degrees), or transfer to another academic discipline such as from a construction degree to an architectural degree.

Most professional degree programs, such as those in Construction Management colleges, also accept transfer students at the designated break points, but transfer credit is usually evaluated on an individual course-by-course and case-by-case basis. While the structure of some programs makes it relatively simple for a professional school to accept transfer students from both junior colleges and other colleges, it is advised in most instances that a student considering an architecture degree start directly either at the professional school or at a school with a pre-professional program. It should also be noted that pre-professional programs are not professionally accredited and vary with respect to title, emphasis, electives, requirements, and specific architecture offerings. They are, however, preparatory for advanced architectural or other environmental design fields.

Transferring Schools: Preparing For Your Future

In summary, it is never too late to pursue an undergraduate degree in architecture or earn your Master’s in Architecture. However, it’s important that prospective architecture students be aware of the differences among degree paths, and enroll in a program that is feasible for their specific areas of interest and long-term career goals. Knowing the steps entailed can ensure a smooth transition into your school of choice and an Enrollment Specialist is available to guide you through the process. Although researching your options and choosing an appropriate school to transfer into may require additional time and preparation, it can benefit your career and professional growth in the long run.