The Admission page is divided into two sections. There is an Introduction to the various requirements and documents necessary for admission. This section is followed by the 3-Step Admission Process, which will allow you to apply.
Begin by first becoming familiar with the admission requirements in the MSD Program. Once you are familiar with these, you can begin the admission process by going to the 3-Step Admission Process.
Introduction to the Admission Process
This section has been developed to assist you with the admission process. Please read the admission material over carefully before proceeding to the 3-Step Admission Process.
Applicants to the MSD Program must hold a baccalaureate degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, or a related design discipline withA 3.0 or above baccalaureate grade point average is required for application.
Minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper-based test or 213 on computer-based test is required of international students whose native language is not English.
In order to apply to the MSD Program, you will need to submit some specific application materials. These will include the following:
Mandatory Statement of Intent Form
Portfolio
3 letters of recommendation on the Recommendation Form
Application for Teaching Assistanthips (if necessary)
Official transcripts and test scores
Online application
Applications are completed using the online application through the Graduate College. Their website is http://graduate.asu.edu/. All official transcripts and test scores must be submitted to the Graduate College Admissions office at:
Arizona State University
Graduate College
Interdisciplinary Building, B-Wing, Room 170
PO Box 871003
Tempe, Arizona 85287-1003
Other application materials should be sent to:
Cross College Programs
MSD Admissions
College of Design
PO Box 872105
Tempe, AZ 85287-2105
(If courier requires a street address)
ASU College of Design
Attn: MSD Graduate Coordinator
850 S. Forrest Mall
Tempe, AZ 85287
Each concentration has their own specific statment of intent form. You will access this when you proceed through to the 3-Step Process. Click here to download the forms directly.
A Statement of Intent Form (maximum 600 words; ) which must include the following points:
Discuss proposed research topic. What will be your research focus? Why is this research important to you, the design community, and the general population?
Discuss personal academic background and professional experience that has prepared you for or will support your proposed research topic.
Three letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to comment on your potential in the selected area of study. Students must have the recommender use therecommendation form. Students have two options to submit letters of recommendation: 1) have the recommender mail in the letter or 2) submit letters with a complete application packet; letters must be sealed and the recommender's signature must be across the seal in ink.
An 8.5" x 11" portfolio documenting papers and imaginative projects that support the intended concentration and demonstrate drawing, rendering, graphic and modeling skills.
The portfolio is returned after final admission procedures, provided sufficient prepaid postage is enclosed, or if the materials are claimed in person within one year of submission. Unclaimed portfolios are retained for only one year. The MSD Program assumes no liability for lost or damaged materials.
Students from around the world choose ASU’s College of Design for the unique opportunity to study design in a setting that offers multiple disciplines within one organization. International students should visit the International Admissions website for specific admissions requirements and documentation.
An additional statement from applicants wishing to be considered for teaching or research assistantships outlining areas in which they feel competent to serve as a teaching or research assistant and inexpensive copies of samples of work that will not be returned.
International students who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship and whose first language is not English are required to pass the Test of Spoken English [TSE], the SPEAK test, or have a score of 24 or higher on the IBT TOFEL in the speaking section;
The TSE is administered by TOEFL/TSE Services, (PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151, USA) and can be taken in your home country (or US). Ask to have the score sent directly to the MSD Program at the above address.
The SPEAK test is the local version of the TSE, authorized by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and administered on campus through the American English and Culture Center (AECP) at ASU. It is an oral proficiency exam.
The MSD program does not offer any assistance. However, the departments affiliated with the MSD program offer a few teaching assistantships or research assistantships. However, the demand always exceeds the resources. Interested individuals should contact the department directly regarding possibilities for a TA position. The financial aid office has more options available to students. Financial aid information can be found at http://www.asu.edu/fa/.
Admission is a 2-step process. Once all materials have been received by the Graduate College, the file is released to the academic unit. Applicants are reviewed by the faculty in the department that houses the concentration. Once a decision is made then we make a recommendation back to the Graduate College. And they make the final decision.
