Undergraduate Admissions

The majors and minors in Architecture, Design, and Fine Arts reside in the College of Arts & Sciences and are taught and administered by faculty in the Weitzman School of Design and the School of Arts & Sciences.  Students wishing to attend the University of Pennsylvania and major in or minor in these disciplines should begin their admissions process through the Office of Admissions in the College of Arts & Sciences. The Office of Admissions can assist prospective students with answers to questions about application procedures, University tours, prospective student preview days, and open houses. The Office of Admissions can also answer general questions about campus tours, information sessions, online application, financial aid, housing, and more.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
215.898.7507
upenn.edu/admissions 

Additional questions regarding the major and minor in Architecture, Design, or Fine Arts, classroom visits, or other questions can be directed to the contacts listed below.

Students interested in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) with a Major in Architecture apply for admission to the College of Arts & Sciences. Applications are received and evaluated by the Office of Admissions. Portfolios are required only for transfer applicants. Although students can express an interest in the Major in Architecture on their application, majors are not declared by students in the College of Arts & Sciences until their sophomore year.  During their freshman year students enroll in Freshman Seminars, general requirement courses, and electives.

Students interested in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) with a Major in Fine Arts or Design apply for admission to the College of Arts & Sciences. Applications are received and evaluated by the Office of Admissions. Portfolios are not required; however, can be included as a supplemental material. Fine Arts portfolio supplements should include a minimum of ten different works. Uploading an artist’s statement of at least 300 words is strongly encouraged. Although students can express an interest in the Major in Fine Arts on their application, majors are not declared by students in the College of Arts & Sciences until their sophomore year.   

The Undergraduate Fine Arts and Design Program offers tours and information sessions to prospective students who are interested in majoring or minoring in Fine Arts or Design. Email fnarug@design.upenn.edu to schedule a tour. 

Applications for sub-matriculation must be submitted during the student's junior year. Applicants follow the regular application procedures for the MCP program, which include a personal statement, resume, uploaded transcript, and three letters of recommendation.

For further information, prospective candidates should contact Prof. Domenic Vitiello (vitiello@design.upenn.edu).

For information on campus-wide tours visit: http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/visit

For information on Arts and Culture tours visit: https://provost.upenn.edu/initiatives/arts/about/prospective-students

Departmental tours can be arranged by contacting the department to schedule an appointment prior to your visit.