University of Pennsylvania
university
University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

Weitzman Architecture: Next-generation design-research for complex sociocultural and environmental issues, fostering thoughtful inquiry, creative expression, an

102 Meyerson Hall, 210 S 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

About University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania's Stuart Weitzman School of Design provides an immersive experience in next-generation design-research, guided by visionary architects and thinkers. It adopts a multi-interdisciplinary approach to the built environment, drawing on the vast resources of a leading research university. The school is dedicated to preparing professionals to tackle critical contemporary challenges, from climate change to social justice. Weitzman fosters thoughtful inquiry, creative expression, and innovation to address complex sociocultural and environmental issues. As a vibrant community of scholars, it aims to advance the public good globally through its diverse programs in architecture, city planning, fine arts, historic preservation, landscape architecture, and urban spatial analytics. Students access cutting-edge facilities like the Advanced Research and Innovation Lab (ARI), integrating digital design, robotics, and scripting for innovative construction and performance.
Program NameDetails
Architecture, BA: Design
Bachelor of Arts

The Major in Architecture is a studio-based liberal arts program with a Design Concentration that includes a six-semester sequence of design studios and courses in the history and theory of art, architecture, and landscape architecture. This program is for students intending to pursue careers in architecture or related design disciplines.

N/A
English
Undergrad Tuition – In State: $50,000+, Undergrad Tuition – Out of State: $50,000+
Deadline: Fall: 01/03
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master

The Master of Architecture is a comprehensive and rigorous program that prepares graduates for a wide range of activities in the profession. An intensive sequence in Design Studios constitutes the focus of the program.

N/A
English
Graduate Tuition – In State: $50,000+, Graduate Tuition – Out of State: $50,000+
Deadline: N/A
Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Advanced Architectural Design (MSD-AAD)
Master of Science

The Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Advanced Architectural Design (MSD-AAD) is a one-year program for architecture graduates with five-year degrees. The program emphasizes innovation and leadership, integrating hands-on experience with advanced design technologies including generative AI and robotics.

3 Semesters
English
N/A
Deadline: N/A
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master

The Department offers two primary courses of study leading to a professionally accredited Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree. The first professional degree program is three years in length and is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture or architecture.

2-3 Years
English
N/A
Deadline: N/A
Certificate in Urban Design
Certificate

The Certificate in Urban Design is open to students already enrolled at Weitzman School in Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Historic Preservation, or Landscape Architecture. The pedagogy of Urban Design education at Weitzman School is interdisciplinary and based on an appreciation of the city as an irreducibly complex socio-political and ecological system.

N/A
English
N/A
Deadline: N/A
PhD Program in Architecture
PhD

The Ph.D. Program in Architecture is focused on the production of knowledge in the historical, theoretical, or technological development of architecture, landscape architecture, and historic preservation. Operating within the context of a design school in a university setting, it is a fundamentally interdisciplinary program.

N/A
English
N/A
Deadline: N/A

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
6
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The Master of Architecture (3-year program) is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The most recent accreditation visit occurred in September 2024, and the university is awaiting the final accreditation report. The Bachelor of Architecture program is no longer accredited (accreditation period 1945/46-1975/76).
Admissions
For the entire Stuart Weitzman School of Design graduate programs, the acceptance rate is 47%. Specifically for the Department of Architecture graduate programs, the acceptance rate is 54%. The PhD in City & Regional Planning program has an approximate 5% acceptance rate, indicating high competitiveness.
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Master of Architecture (M.Arch), MSD in Advanced Architectural Design (MSD-AAD), MSD in Environmental Building Design (MSD-EBD), Master in Environmental Building Design (MEBD), MSD in Property Development (MSD-PDD), MSD in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (MSD-RAS), MSD in Historic Preservation (MSD-HP) - January 7, 2026. MS in Architecture, PhD in Architecture, and PhD in City and Regional Planning - December 10, 2025. Admission decisions are released online March 5, 2026, at 12 noon eastern time. Admitted candidates must accept the offer by April 15.
Requirements
application_fee: $80 (non-refundable)
required_materials: ["Online Application","Portfolio (for most architecture programs)","3 Recommendation Letters","Personal Statement and Community Essay","Uploaded evaluations/Transcripts","Resume","English Proficiency Test (for international students)","Prerequisites (for MArch, MSArch)"]
program_specific_requirements: {"optional_gre":["MArch","MS Arch","MSD-AAD","MSD-PDD","MSD-RAS","MSD-EBD & MEBD","MSD-HP","MCP","MFA","MSHP","MLA","MUSA"],"required_gre":["PhD Arch","PhD CPLN"],"recommended_gpa_for_msd_aad":"3.3 GPA for undergraduate major in Architecture","writing_sample_required_for":["MS Arch","PhD Arch","PhD CPLN"],"research_statement_required_for":["PhD Arch","PhD CPLN"],"master_of_architecture_3_year_program_without_conditions":["Successful completion of not less than one college-level physics course (two recommended)","Successful completion of not less than one college-level calculus course","General knowledge of the history of Western architecture (demonstrated by at least one college-level course)","Successful completion of a minimum of two semesters of college-level design studio courses (one should be an architecture studio)"]}

University of Pennsylvania Academic FAQ

University of Pennsylvania is Weitzman Architecture: Next-generation design-research for complex sociocultural and environmental issues, fostering thoughtful inquiry, creative expression, an

The acceptance rate for University of Pennsylvania is For the entire Stuart Weitzman School of Design graduate programs, the acceptance rate is 47%. Specifically for the Department of Architecture graduate programs, the acceptance rate is 54%. The PhD in City & Regional Planning program has an approximate 5% acceptance rate, indicating high competitiveness., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Architecture, BA: Design, Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Advanced Architectural Design (MSD-AAD), Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), Certificate in Urban Design.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Overall University of Pennsylvania student-faculty ratio is 8:1. For Architecture Design Studios, a faculty-to-student ratio of typically 1:12 is maintained, with studio classes aiming for 15:1 for individualized attention. For the Weitzman School of Design graduate programs, the ratio is approximately 10:1 to 12.5:1 (depending on whether associated faculty are included)., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

University of Pennsylvania is situated in Philadelphia, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, University of Pennsylvania holds accreditations from: The Master of Architecture (3-year program) is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The most recent accreditation visit occurred in September 2024, and the university is awaiting the final accreditation report. The Bachelor of Architecture program is no longer accredited (accreditation period 1945/46-1975/76)..