Applying as a Graduate Student

We are excited to welcome you into our dynamic community of graduate students. Our graduate programs were named #1 for earning potential in Architecture by GradReports, and our alumni embark on powerful and fulfilling careers at places like Elkus Manfredi Architects, Sasaki Associates, and more.

The BAC has removed the admissions application fee for all Fall 2026 applicants
to support our mission of accessible design education.*

Request Info Apply Now Visit the BAC

On-Campus Application Requirements

To apply for any of our on-campus graduate programs, please provide the following:

Completed application form
$50 application fee. *Application Fee Waived for Fall 2026!*
Official undergraduate transcript sent directly from the school
- If you received your undergraduate degree outside the United States, you must submit a credential evaluation instead
Essay
Artistic Work: Either a Creative Sample or Portfolio
Letter of Recommendation
Current resume
If English is not your first language, proof of your English proficiency.

Credential Evaluation

Please use one of the following recommended agencies or one approved by NACES.

Essay

Your essay gives us the opportunity to learn about you and how you will contribute to the BAC's expectations and values. Our values are based on our mission, which is: "The BAC provides excellence in design education emerging from practice and accessible to diverse communities." With this in mind, please address the following questions:

How does the BAC's mission connect with who you are and why you wish to attend the BAC in your program of choice? (250–500 words)
What are your personal and professional goals, and how will attending the BAC support those goals? (250–500 words)

Artistic Work

The BAC welcomes students with or without professional design experience, so please choose the option that best suits you:

Creative Sample

If you do not already have a portfolio, we ask that you submit an example of creative work that reflects your personality and that you're proud of—this could be a work of visual art, a video, an example of design in any form, a work of research or creative writing, performed or composed music, a selection of photographs, etc. The goal of this exercise is to give us an opportunity to learn more about you.

Portfolio

A portfolio is not required for admission into the BAC (with the exception of the Online Master of Architecture). However, if you already have and choose to submit a portfolio, it is best to do so soon after applying for admission.

Note that the BAC does not mail portfolios back to students, and the BAC cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged items. Because of this, students are strongly encouraged to send their work digitally via wetransfer.com

Letter of Recommendation

We ask that you provide one statement of support from a personal advocate. This advocate can be an educator, mentor, employer, colleague, or other person who knows you and can speak about you in an academic, professional, or volunteer setting. Please refrain from using a family member.

Deferred Acceptance

Accepted graduate students may defer their entrance for up to 2 semesters by informing the Admissions Office in writing. Deferral requests should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the first week of the semester for which the student was initially accepted. Upon receipt of the request, the BAC will hold a place for the student in the next entering class.