MDES Design at University of Cincinnati

Entry requirements

Application Deadline January 10th is the priority deadline for Fall admission and full consideration for university-funded scholarships and assistantships. Separate scholarship applications are not required unless applying for external awards. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed based on remaining program availability. Click to begin the application process. Academic Qualifications A bachelor's degree in design or a related discipline from an accredited institution. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected. Application Materials Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing educational background, work experience, design projects, awards, relevant skills, and publications (if any). Professional experience : evidence of engagement in design practice, teach or equivalent fields. This can include internships, freelance or collaborative projects, and research-related work that demonstrates an understanding of design practice. Letter of intent (1 – 2 pages): A summary statement of your academic and career interests and goals, how your background has prepared you for this path, and why this program is a good fit. Outline what you intend to explore through design, its potential value or impact, and how you envision developing it through coursework or collaboration with faculty in our program and across other departments at UC. To align your interests with available resources, review faculty profiles in the School of Design graduate faculty directory , as well as relevant research labs and departments across campus. In your statement, clearly articulate how your interests connect with specific faculty expertise or initiatives. Do your research—and communicate those insights clearly and concisely! 5. Portfolio (12 – 15 works) Demonstrate a range of design skills, problem-solving ability, conceptual depth, and aesthetic sensibility. Organize works consistently and coherently. The portfolio should reinforce themes and interests stated in the letter of intent. Submit as one digital document (PDF preferred) or a link to a portfolio site. 6. Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential. 7. English Language Proficiency : Applicants whose native language is not English must submit English language proficiency scores: TOEFL: 570 (paper), 230 (computer), or 88 (internet) IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110