College of Design, Construction and Planning

About the school

The School of Architecture was established in 1925 within the College of Engineering of the University of Florida. The architecture school underwent significant transformations over the years, eventually becoming known as the College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) from 2000 onwards.

DCP’s mission is to improve the quality of the built and natural environments by offering exceptional educational and professional programmes, including research and scholarship initiatives. These include planning, designing, constructing, and preserving the built and natural environments. Meanwhile, the College envisages being globally recognised as a “pre-eminent College for teaching, research, creative scholarship, and outreach in the built and natural environments”.

DCP has produced numerous graduates who have become top designers. They include Lydia Rubio (world-renowned artist with art projects displayed worldwide), Taurean Merriweather (designer at the Atlanta-based architecture firm Cooper Carry) and Dylan Siegel (assistant project manager at Moss & Associates).

Nestled in Gainesville, you will find the campus surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Northern Florida. Since it is a college town, most of Gainesville’s residents are vibrant and youthful. So, be prepared to become engrossed in a plethora of exciting activities.

Where is the school located?

Life at the College of Design, Construction and Planning

At DCP, you can join an existing club or initiate a new one, explore volunteer programmes, and even step up to lead and serve within the community.

Housing and Residence Education connects students with housing options on and off campus.

Explore the Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement, a central hub providing community support, hosting special events, training, and workshops.

Experience a wide range of possibilities, with over 60 intramural and club sports, personal training options, a midnight fun run, a serene lake, and one of the finest fitness facilities in the nation, ensuring you have multiple avenues to maintain an active lifestyle.

The Student Health Care Center (SHCC) is an accredited outpatient clinic with licensed and board-certified medical professionals. They are dedicated to the health and well-being of the university's students, offering a comprehensive range of primary and specialised care services.

These typically encompass general medical care, immunisations, dermatology, massage therapy, nutrition, occupational medicine, physical therapy, sports medicine, travel health, women’s health, and workers' compensation. The SHCC is also in charge of coordinating the annual campus flu shot campaign.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Design, Construction and Planning

• Extensive Academic Support: DCP offers educational programmes focusing on the professional facets of designing, constructing, and conserving built and natural environments. The main aim of the College is to provide better support for students. This support can be achieved through providing scholarships, allocating research funds, and enhancing programmes with upgraded facilities. These enhancements collectively foster an environment that promotes research and creativity.

• Interdisciplinary Studies: The Ramos Collaboratory is designed to enhance the College's ability to educate students while conducting research with real-world relevance. This addition is meant to mirror the closely interconnected nature of various disciplines such as design, construction, planning, civil engineering, and real estate. Through this new addition, students will experience the immersive essence of these interconnected fields in their daily interactions.

Admissions criteria

DCP comprises 3 schools: the School of Architecture, School of Landscape, Architecture and Planning, and M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management. The academic offerings include the Department of Interior Design, the Historic Preservation Program, and the Sustainability and the Built Environment Program. The combination of design and construction disciplines provides DCP students with a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary learning.

Explore the graduate programme of your choice to determine the application requirements. As application deadlines vary by department, ensure to apply before the deadline. Generally, you will need to provide the following information:

• A complete application
• GRE and GMAT scores: Required by some programmes
• Fundamentals of Engineering: Some programmes will accept FE scores as a substitute for the GRE. Contact individual programmes for details
• Official transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

For international applicants, the following is mandatory: - Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL Paper-Based exam: 550, TOEFL Internet-Based exam: 80, IELTS: 6.0, and Verbal GRE: 140. Some exceptions may apply - Official school transcripts: Translated into English - Visa clearance forms (F-1 or J-1) and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that proves you will be able to fund your study and stay.

Fees and other expenses

Other costs that are not consistent throughout school admissions information online include the following: - Books/Supplies: $1,300 - Room/Utilities (off-campus): $8,390 - Food (off-campus): $ 4,470 - Personal expenses: $1,160 - Computer: $1,360 - Health insurance (mandatory): $2,238 - Between term expenses: $1,000 These costs are estimates and can change at any time. For the latest information on estimated expenses, start-up costs, and initial expenses, visit (internationalcenter.ufl.edu/start-up)

Job placements

The College of Design, Construction and Planning is committed to providing various programmes and services to support career development for its students by creating meaningful industry engagement opportunities and career development services. The university boasts a job placement rate of 90-100% and 70 corporate partners.

• Career Events: The College holds regular career fairs and industry expos such as the Construction Management CAREER FAIR, DCP Industry Expo, and Career Fair + to help graduates get a sound foothold in the construction industry. The University’s Career Connection Center is another support base for students in securing employment.

• Job Posting Board: Utilise Gator CareerLink, created by University alumni, a free platform that provides impressive access to internships, co-ops, job shadowing, and part- and full-time job opportunities. The Career Showcase allows students to actively explore internships, part-time and full-time positions, and co-op choices spanning diverse career paths.