College of Built Environments

About the school

The Department of Architecture was founded in Seattle in 1914 and later attained college status in 1957. In 2009, it underwent a name change and became known as the College of Built Environments (CBE). The University of Washington's College of Built Environments was ranked 5th worldwide for scientific research. The National Taiwan University Ranking of Scientific Papers placed the University of Washington in the 5th position globally. Andre Taybron (founding partner and director of design and marketing for the Kipara Group), Tom Kundig (owner and founder of Olson Kundig), and Steven Holl (an American architect whose work draws on contemporary theories of phenomenology) are among the notable alumni of the college.

Where is the school located?

Seattle is a diverse and creative city that is home to the University of Washington's College of Built Environments. The city offers students a wide range of opportunities for research, public service, the arts, and entrepreneurship.

Life at the College of Built Environments

Students at the University of Washington can maximise their Husky Experience by engaging with people, places, and initiatives that promote their development, well-being, and accomplishment both inside and outside the classroom. All students at the university have access to various on-campus housing options, including graduate student apartments. Students can select from various styles of accommodation such as apartments or rooms that best suit their needs. The institution provides students with information for off-campus accommodation. Please visit Off-campus Housing website for additional information. Students can use their dining cards to dine at any of the University's eating facilities. Students can also get food from the University's food pantry. Students with a U-PASS have access to the university’s transportation services. U-PASS is a bus pass that offers members unlimited trips on regional buses, commuter trains, light rail, and water taxis, with credits directly deposited into the Husky Card. Students travelling to campus can use the university parking if they have daytime or evening parking permits.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Built Environments

In addition to academic programmes offered by the college, students can take advantage of numerous research opportunities available. The college's research portal lists various research themes such as economy, resilience, technology and innovation, natural resources and sustainability, and more. The college’s Department of Research expedites research and collaborates with partners on campus, including the university's Office of Research, various departments, labs, centres, as well as the Advancement and Finance and Administration divisions.

Admissions criteria

Below is the admission criteria for international students pursuing graduate studies at the University of Washington - College of Built Environments: - The personal information form - Equivalent of a 4-year bachelor's degree from an institution of higher learning with regional accreditation - Statement of purpose - 3 letters of recommendation - Letter from a bank or a recent bank statement - Undergraduate transcripts (translated into English) - Graduate admissions test result (GMAT or LSAT) - Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS) - Resume/ CV - GPA: 3+ (Applicants must translate their final degree grade into the US 4-point scale) - Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL iBT: 80, TOEFL MyBest: 80+, IELTS: 6.5, and Duolingo: 105.

Fees and other expenses

Other tentative costs that may vary throughout the school admissions information online: - Health insurance: $1,800 (approx) - Books or materials: $800 (approx) - Food and housing: $5,000 to $23,000 - Transportation: $1,300 (approx) Please consult the University's office of admissions for detailed information and any updates to this information.

Job placements

The Office of Student Services at the College supports students in various ways. - Skill Development and Training: The Aspire Program exposes students to various job prospects in the built environment and property industries. It develops their leadership, technical, and financial abilities and gives them the tools they need to approach their work with a vital, equity-based vision. - Job Market Research Support: Students may consult the College of Built Environments Bulletin to find information on future studios, courses, study abroad opportunities, internships and job listings, lectures, and various other departmental and college news and opportunities.
- Impactful Networking: Handshake is a job and internship matching platform that connects businesses with students and alumni from the University. - Career Coaching: Career coaches assist students in assessing their passions and abilities by offering guidance on cover letters, resumes, and practice interviews. The coaches assist students in making connections with alumni and developing vital job search abilities such as opportunity research, networking, communication, and interviewing.