Apply: MDes (Master of Design)

Click here to start the Rackham Graduate Admission Application Form.

This form will require the following:

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Provide a statement that addresses these three topics (1000 words maximum):
  1. Experience. Summarize your experiences with design, both academic and professional, and/or any related fields.
  2. MDes Aspirations. Explain why you want to pursue a Stamps MDes degree and what you hope to achieve through your work in the program.
  3. Research and Making. The Stamps MDes program emphasizes research and making. What are some topics, themes, and/or questions you plan to explore in the program? What forms of research and making do you hope will inform this work?

• Personal Statement: Provide a statement, in 500 words or less that addresses the following question:
  
  How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan’s Stamps School?
  
  For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.
  This statement should be distinct from the content of your academic statement of purpose. It may be helpful to consider these additional questions when composing your personal statement:
  
  1. What experiences beyond design–through other community connections and contexts–have helped shape your perspective and identity?
  2. What additional information might help us give context to your portfolio, resumé, and educational journey?
  3. Are there any aspects of your personal journey that are less visible in these materials that you would like us to know?
  
• Official Transcript.
  
• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé.
• Two Letters of Recommendation.
• Evidence of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English.
• Required academic credentials from non-U.S. institutions.
• Nonrefundable application fee. If you cannot afford the fee, a waiver may be available.

• REQUIRED. In addition to your admission application, MDes applicants should submit via SlideRoom a portfolio of 5-8 projects. Each project may be a multipage pdf, not to exceed 8 pages. The portfolio should represent your range of formats and experiences and can include client work, personal work, and academic work. Submitted work is confidential. If collaborative projects are submitted, clearly indicate your role. You may include links to video or interactive media in a PDF (include passwords if needed). Consider that reviewers are viewing the full page on a screen--text and images should be legible in full-page view