FAQs

  • If you are graduating from high school, you are eligible to start in Design 1 of the M.Arch 5/6 program. The first two years are undergraduate and the remainder are at the graduate level.
  • If you are currently fulfilling your first two years of foundation work at a community college, you enter the M.Arch in Design 5 with the first two years already done and a completed Associate degree. The remainder of your work here will be at the graduate level.
  • If you have already earned an accredited Bachelor’s degree in a non-design field, you are eligible to apply to our 3 year program. 
  • If you have already earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, you may apply to our 2 year Master of Architecture program.
  • Still confused? Call the School of Architecture at 305-348-7500 to speak with a representative.

Currently, in the state of Florida, professionals must pass The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) before earning licensure to practice. Earning a professional degree is one of the essential steps towards being eligible to take the exam.

Our accreditation is for your master’s programs. We shifted our curriculum to this model in 2009 in an effort to benefit our students. The program is now a seamless transition from the undergraduate foundation to the professional degree.

For the most up-to-date information on tuition, please consult the Financial Aid, click here.

Please expect to purchase materials like chipboard each semester. General printing costs in our lab are covered by your tuition. Only the 3D printer has an additional cost.

Yes, a laptop is required. For more information on our laptop initiative, please view our Student Life page.
  • If you are a graduate applicant, you may supplement your application with the GRE exam.
  • For undergraduates, this is a strict requirement.
  • Applying to FIU’s School of Architecture is a two-step process. The cost for the online application is $30. There is no additional fee to submit a portfolio.
  1. Apply online – Students may apply using the application found online. If you are a high school student or transfer student, use the application found on the Undergraduate Admissions website. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, use the one found on the Graduate Admissionswebsite.
  2. Submit your portfolio – Portfolios should be neatly bound and adhere to the 8.5×11 size requirement. It should be representative of your work, and may also include artistic pieces not related to the design field (eg. Paintings, pastels, drawings, photography).

After you apply using the online university application, you will receive a confirmation email with your Panther ID number. Memorize this number; it will help you access various tools at FIU. You should also place this number on your portfolio.

Please call the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts to set up a tour. Our main office can be reached at 305-348-7500.

Academic and Campus Life FAQS

Parking fees are already assessed in your tuition. This fee cannot be waived as it contributes to parking facilities, student shuttle services, and road improvements. To order your decal, please visit the Department of Parking and Transportation.

Professors in the School of Architecture are creative, innovative, and well equipped to provide a competitive education for the ever-changing world of design. To view in-depth faculty profiles, please click here.

The College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts has a team of dedicated academic advisors, readily available to provide guidance with course selection and keep you on track for an on-time graduation. Please click here for more information.

While you are not required to live on campus, studies show that students living on campus are more involved in academic and extracurricular activities. In addition to being more satisfied with their overall university experience, students who live on campus also tend to succeed at higher rates than the general university student. Lakeview Hall is the residential community set aside for undergraduate students in the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts. In addition to amenities like Wi-Fi lounges, laundry facilities and paid utilities, students are able to access free tutoring and student programming through Housing staff. There are also on-campus housing facilities for graduate students. For information on rates and deadlines, please refer to housing.fiu.edu.

Florida International University has no shortage of places to eat. Students may opt to purchase a dining plan, or visit one of our 23 coffee shots, quick service or sit down restaurants. The university strives to accommodate the dietary needs of all our students and provides ample vegetarian and kosher options. For more information, go to the “Dining” section on shop.fiu.edu.

FIU serves many types of students, so there are 6 different meal plans to offer flexibility and convenience. Plans can be purchased online at shop.fiu.edu. While not required, purchasing a dining card saves you 10% off meal purchases across campus.

There are two libraries here at FIU, but don’t think that you are limited to those two spaces. Students are found studying all over campus, from the Barnes and Noble Starbucks Lounge in the School of Architecture.

With a total student body of 46,000, you have quite the pool to pick from. The unique studio culture we offer makes it easy to get to know your design classmates. We also have a list of student organizations on-campus that you can join. Learn more by clicking here.

As a Division 1 school, we boast 13 premier sporting team including Football, Soccer, Swim and Cross Country. Florida International University has over 200 student clubs and organizations for you to participate in. From Greek Life to service organizations, there is something for every interest. You can also watch your fellow Panthers on stage at our Werthheim Performing Arts Center. Four plays are put on every year, in addition to the dozens of musical performances offered every semester.

FIU has a comprehensive University Health Services Office. Walk-in immunizations are given throughout the year for MMR, Hepatitis B and Meningitis. On weekdays, Health Services also acts as a Pharmacy for over the counter and prescription needs. In an effort to improve your overall wellness, Health Services also offers stress management courses, acupuncture and massages. For more information, go to healthservices.fiu.edu.