APPLY TO the Multi-disciplinary Design Program

APPLICATION INFO AND LINK TO APPLICATION FORM HERE 2024 entry

Application to the Bachelor of Science, Multi-disciplinary Design Program begins with the completion of the Design Foundations courses within the College of Architecture and Planning. This process takes a minimum of one year before a student is able to apply directly to the program. Design Foundation course requirements are part of a college-wide program and do not guarantee admission to the Multi-disciplinary Design Program. We encourage all students to reach out to advisors before beginning this process. The planning and understanding of your degree path is crucial to a successful application. Information about our program and requirements can be found here.

Program Information

Currently the program is home to 90 students over a three-year curriculum path. Students complete the program in a specific order of courses that are considered lockstep. The Multi-disciplinary Design Program program is a full-time degree path and requires 30-40 hours per week of commitment. Students are expected to prioritize their efforts in the program over outside work or other curricular obligations. Each year approximately 80 to 90 students apply to the program. At this time we are able to admit 30 students per year. Our current acceptance rate is 30-40%. Students who are not accepted to the major have the opportunity to pursue the minor designation. In addition, Students who are not admitted to the program initially may re-apply the following year.

Admissions Description:

Admission to the major is based on a portfolio of student work. Details of what to include in the portfolio are provided below under the heading ‘general application requirements’ and will also be explained in face to face + online information sessions each spring.
The course DES 2630 design contexts must be taken as a pre-requisite as the work undertaken in this course will form the basis of your portfolio submission. Details about other pre-requisite courses are below.
Students will be required to have a 3.0 GPA minimum. (In exceptional circumstances the Chair of MDD may waive this requirement.) Students will require a minimum grade of C in the design foundation course DES2630. Otherwise, admission to the program is not based on individual grades in any particular courses.
The application review process is conducted each spring; admitted students will begin the program immediately the following fall semester. Students should apply prior to the semester they expect to begin study in the program, acceptance can not be deferred.
Late applications will not be accepted.

DESIGN FOUNDATIONS INFO

PRE-APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Process and courses:

Meet with Advisor to declare “Design Foundations” as a degree path and understand requirements.
Complete Design Foundations courses: Take in any order.
- DES 2630 - Design Contexts (3) (Mandatory for Application)
- ARCH 2630 - Design Foundations Workshop (3) Note if space is not available we may consider your application without this course but it will still need to be taken at a later date.
- CMP 2010 - Design Ecologies (3)
  Note if space is not available we may consider your application without this course but it will still need to be taken at a later date.
Complete Design Pre-requisite: Taken at any time; it is desirable to have completed before applying but not essential
- DES 2615 - Introduction to Design Thinking (3)

Important Notes:

Current Exception: Because of over-enrolled courses in Design Foundations, students are allowed to apply having completed DES 2630 (mandatory) and at least one other course listed above. (This exception expires July, 01 2024)
Refer to University Degree Plan for most accurate information.

GENERAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

You are qualified if you’ve met the terms listed above and have passed DES 2630 with a C or greater.

Submission details are provided through the course DES 2630.

Application and Admissions Dates: see link ‘APPLICATIONS 2024’ ABOVE

Important Notes:

Students accepted to the program may not defer.
Students who are not accepted should opt for the minor designation.
ALL STUDENTS attempting application should have an alternate plan ready for the following fall semester. It is advised to register for alternative courses in case you are not admitted or not able to accept admission.
Applications are reviewed once per academic year after the Spring Semester.

RE-APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Meet with College Advisor to confirm path to graduate with reapplication.
Applications are reviewed once per academic year after the 1st Half, Summer Session (i.e. at the same time as new applicants).
Students may only apply twice to the program (once per academic year) before requiring approval from the director to apply again.
You are advised reach out to director for portfolio direction on reapplication. (NICOLE.PORTER@utah.edu)
Materials submitted should be improved work from previous application and any added efforts that would support the application. Also note this in your personal statement (additional information’ question)

transfer students

Transfer Students should meet with college advisors for best options.