Fall Semester Admissions
- Early-action application deadline:
November 1 - Regular (rolling) application deadline:
February 1 - Portfolio scholarship deadline:
February 1
Spring Semester Admissions
- Application deadline:
November 1
Tyler Admissions Process
When you apply for admission to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, our admissions team and the one for Temple University as a whole work together to review your application and supporting materials.
Start Your Application
See the admissions checklist below to find out if your planned major requires a portfolio (or not). Then, you can use these important links to learn more and get started on your application when you’re ready!
Undergrad Admissions Requirements
Follow these steps to apply for admission to Tyler as a first-year student.
1. Apply to Temple University using the Common Application and choose your Tyler major
2. Gather and submit your supporting documents to the Temple University Admissions Office
- Self-reported academic record for high school using a tool inside our application portal OR your transcripts sent directly from your school to the main admissions office for Temple University
- Standardized test scores (optional!)
- Letter(s) of recommendation (optional!)
Submit your supporting documents
3. Upload your portfolio online via Temple SlideRoom, if applicable
Portfolios optional for applicants to the Architecture programs
Any undergraduate applicants may submit a portfolio for consideration for the Tyler Portfolio Merit Scholarship
Please DO NOT send portfolio materials or original work by mail! We cannot accept, review, or return such materials.
Portfolios required for first-year students applying to these majors
- Art Education
- Art Therapy
- Design and Illustration
- Studio Arts
- Visual Studies
Get Portfolio Guidance
You are not alone when it comes to prepping your portfolio — if required. Our expert admissions team offers unofficial portfolio reviews to help you assemble, tweak, and improve your portfolio before you upload it for an official decision.
First-Year Student Portfolio Requirements
Strive to make your portfolio reflect the range of your ideas, experiences, and exploration of your craft. You want to showcase recent work — completed in the last year or two — so that it demonstrates your strengths.
- Creative interests
- Technical skills
- Overall abilities and vision
- More recent accomplishments
- Growth as a creative, visual thinker
What to Submit
The Tyler admissions team considers work consisting of various media, subject matter, and scales. Feel free to include work completed in weekend or summer programs — or from your own studio practice.
- 8-12 pieces of original, finished work that’s been completed within 1-2 years
- Any media or methods that best highlight your strengths and interests
- At least one drawing (recommended)
- Supplemental sketchbooks — not counted as standalone portfolio items, but show initial stages of ideas for completed works in the portfolio
Undergraduate Portfolio FAQs
Do I need to submit a portfolio?
Depends. If you are a first-year student looking to major in Studio Art, Design and Illustration, Art Education, Art History, Visual Studies or Art Therapy, submit a portfolio for admission by Feb. 1.
Doing so automatically qualifies you for merit scholarship consideration. Tip: Students in any Tyler major can submit portfolios for scholarship consideration. We especially encourage Architecture and Environmental Design students to submit portfolios.
Can I get an unofficial portfolio review before it’s due?
Yes, please! Let our admissions team preview your undergraduate portfolio. This can help you understand where there might be gaps and which pieces might already be in great shape. Tip: The unofficial portfolio review can also give you a real confidence boost.
What’s National Portfolio Day?
Every fall, the Tyler School of Art and Architecture sends representatives to National Portfolio Days in Philadelphia, New York City, New Jersey, Boston, Hartford, Florida, Washington, D.C. and Maryland to provide portfolio reviews.
What if I don’t meet the Feb. 1 portfolio scholarship deadline?
Unfortunately, we can’t consider you for a portfolio scholarship if your materials are not received by February 1. However, we still encourage you to reach out to Tyler's admissions team to discuss your options.
Contact Tyler Admissions
Here’s how to contact the Admissions Office at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture with any questions about first-year student application requirements.
Call us: 215-777-9090
Email us: [click-for-email]