California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

What you'll study

The program centres on a progressive studio sequence coupled with coordinated lecture courses. Studios develop design and critical thinking from a general introduction in the first year, through more complex projects in the second year, to a culminating Master’s Degree Project in the final year that functions as a bridge to professional life.

• Design studios (three‑year sequence or two‑year with advanced standing)
• Architecture theory and history
• Building technology and codes
• Digital media
• Human behavior and programming
• Professional practice
• Structures and sustainability

Students can choose specialized electives in areas such as sustainability, healthcare, and historic preservation, and may take upper‑level electives across the College of Environmental Design, including landscape architecture, urban and regional planning, and regenerative studies resources.

Entry requirements

Key admissions requirements and application logistics include:

• Applications for the cited admissions cycle open October 1; Priority deadline December 15; Final deadline January 15.
• Official transcripts from all degree‑granting institutions; degrees must be conferred by June 15 or earlier.
• Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• Three letters of recommendation (recommended that two are from instructors); letters must be uploaded via the CSU application by recommenders and emailed directly.
• Statement of purpose submitted as a separate document describing interests and goals for a professional architecture degree.
• Design portfolio compiled as a single PDF: recommended 30 pages (not counting cover and table of contents), maximum 40 MB, page size 9"x12" or A4 (two‑page spreads combined), RGB color, 150 dpi; indicate dates, project type and personal contribution for collaborative work.
• International applicants whose native language is not English (or who did not earn a U.S. undergraduate degree) must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
• Prerequisite courses: college‑level Physics (with lab) and Trigonometry, each completed with at least a B‑. If prerequisites are not complete at time of application, applicants must provide a plan showing how they will finish them prior to the semester start; approved options include equivalent community college courses or specified online providers.

Career prospects

The curriculum is structured to prepare graduates for architectural licensure and professional practice. The university makes a disclosure that licensure and certification requirements are set by external agencies and can change; admission to the program does not guarantee that graduates will obtain a license, nor does the university confirm whether the program meets requirements in other U.S. states. The final Master’s Degree Project is intended to support transition into professional work.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding for graduate architecture study commonly combines university and college scholarships, external fellowships and grants, and graduate assistantships where available. Prospective students should consult Cal Poly Pomona’s financial aid office, the College of Environmental Design, and professional organizations for current funding opportunities and eligibility.