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. Design Experience. Summarize your experiences with design, both academic and professional.
  2. MDes Aspirations. Explain why you want to pursue a Stamps MDes degree now and what you hope to achieve through your work in the program.
  3. Research and Making. The Stamps MDes program emphasizes both research and making. What are some topics, themes, and/or questions you plan to explore in the program? How might research play a role in making your work?

• Personal Statement: This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree, in 500 words or less. 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? More information >
• Official Transcript. More information >
  - All applicants must upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar or Records Office, to ApplyWeb for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned or in progress. The scanned copy of the official transcript is used for initial review by the graduate program faculty.
  - A downloaded transcript from your school portal or system is an unofficial transcript and not acceptable for review.
  - If you are attending or have graduated from a Non-U.S. institution, review the Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for requirements by country.
  - We will require an official transcript be sent to Rackham only after an offer of admission is made.
• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé. More information >
• Three Letters of Recommendation. More information >
  Electronic submission is the highly preferred method to submit letters of recommendation. If your recommenders would prefer to use a paper recommendation form instead, click here for the form. This form and the accompanying letter should both be emailed to Stamps Graduate Admissions staff.
• Evidence of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English. More information >
• Required academic credentials from non-U.S. institutions. More information >
• Nonrefundable application fee. More information >

• REQUIRED. In addition to your admission application, MDes applicants should submit via SlideRoom a portfolio of 5-10 projects as a single PDF document not exceeding 30 pages. The portfolio may include design projects, writing samples, or other documentation of relevant work. You may include links to video or interactive media in the PDF (include passwords if needed). If these projects were done collaboratively, make clear what your role was in each project.
• Click here to start your SlideRoom portfolio.