Admission Information

Admission to the Master of Design program is based on:

  • School of Design and University application forms
  • a baccalaureate design degree from an accredited college or university

Note A 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (in a 4.0 grading system) is required.

  • official transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended
  • at least 2 years of professional experience in design practice or teaching
  • a statement of Intent that briefly explains educational and professional background and makes a convincing argument for the importance of graduate studies in relation to personal and professional goals and expectations for the future
  • examples of visual work (slides, laser-printed portfolio, cd-rom) as an indication of the level of skill development required to pursue graduate studies

Note Additional undergraduate work may be required if previous academic preparation indicates the need.

  • writing samples, which could be term papers, research reports, or documents from professional work
  • at least 3 personal references who can comment on past performance and future potential in academic and professional efforts
  • a GRE score of 1100 (Verbal + Quantitative) and a very high score in Analytical Writing
  • applicants with English as a second language must have a score of 570 (paper-based) or 230 (computer-based) or 88 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a second language

Note Applicants must also have a score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

Additional Information

People with other backgrounds may not apply directly to the Graduate Program in Design. They should apply to - and be accepted into - one of the undergraduate programs in Design:

After three years of academic work and professional co-ops, students with exceptional records and exceptional commitment to advanced studies may apply for admission to the Graduate Program in Design for at least another two years of study leading to the degree of Master of Design. Others may remain in the undergraduate program, completing a total of six co-op quarters and earning the degree of Bachelor of Science in Design.