Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Industrial Design
Interior Design
Visual Communication Design
Master of Science in Design
Director's Welcome
Mission + History
Degree Program
Admission
Faculty
Research
MSD Graduates
Student Life
Online Resources
FAQ
Contact
Healthcare Design
PhD in Environmental Design and Planning
InnovationSpace
  Events


MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DESIGN

FAQs

Q. Do I send my application and materials to the MSD Program or to the Graduate College?

A: 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

 

Q. How can I check my application status?

A: After you submit your application to the Graduate College, they will send you an email acknowledgement that includes your ASURITE ID and Activation Code. After activating your ASURITE ID, you can track your application status on your Student Services Center. Go to ASU Interactive =>Prospective Students => Check Application Status => Graduate Admissions Application–Check Status. You can view your To Do List to see if the Graduate College is waiting for materials such as transcripts or test scores.

 

Q. There is no mention of writing samples as part of the application, but are they required?

A: Writing samples are not required, but you may submit them as supplemental materials if you wish.

 

Q. I have obtained letters of recommendation, where do I send them? Should they come directly from the sponsors or from me?

A: Letters of recommendation should be on the letter of recommendation form. They may be submitted in one of two ways: 1) directly from the recommender or 2) in a comprehensive packet by the applicant. If you are submitting a comprehensive packet, the letters must be in a sealed envelope with the signature of the recommender over the seal. Letter 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

 

Q. Do I have to use a recommender form?

A: The recommender form is preferred, because it allows the admissions committee a standard way to evaluate all candidates. Your recommenders are welcome to write a supplemental letter if they wish.

 

Q. Where do I send my official transcripts? May I send an official copy of my transcripts?

A: Transcripts are sent directly from your academic institution. All transcripts must be official and sent to the ASU Graduate College Admissions office at:

      Arizona State University
      Graduate College
       Interdisciplinary Building, B-Wing, Room 170
       PO Box 871003
       Tempe, Arizona 85287-1003

      Or delivered to: (If courier requires a street address)

       Arizona State University
       Graduate College
       Interdisciplinary Building, B-Wing, Room 170
       Tempe, AZ 85287

International transcripts must be sent in both the original language and an official English translation.

 

Q. If my application is received after the deadline, may I still be admitted for the fall semester?

A: If your MSD application is late, it will not be reviewed.

 

Q. I work full-time, can I enroll in the MSD program and attend classes on a part-time basis?

A: The MSD Program can be completed in a parttime status but is not structured to do so (i.e., evening courses are not available). If the program is pursued in a parttime fashion, it will take approximately four years (eight semesters) to complete. A master’s degree cannot exceed six years to complete from the date of admission.

 

Q. I am a working professional and am not interested in the graduate degree. Can I sit in on master's classes?

A: You must apply to the university as a non-degree seeking student. You may do this through the Graduate College. Once admitted, you may either enroll or audit a course if there is space available and you meet the requirements for the enrollment.

 

Q. What kind of financial aid can I expect from the MSD program?

A: 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/.

 

Q. What if I have other questions when I get there?

A: An MSD orientation will be held the first week before the fall semester.  You can view the College Calendar for additional information.

 

Q. Can I become a practicing designer with the MSD?

A: The MSD is a research-based degree and therefore does not lend itself to preparing you to become a practicing designer. Our undergraduate programs are well equipped to prepare you for a career change.

 

Q. Can I defer my admission to the MSD program?

A: The MSD program does not process admission deferrals. If you would like to be considered for admission to a future semester, you will need to apply for that particular admission term.

 

Q. I have questions regarding the graduate application fee, who do I talk to?

A: Direct questions regarding graduate application fees to the Graduate College at http://graduate.asu.edu/admissions/faq.html or by phone at 480.965.6113.

 

Q. Can I apply for spring admission?

A: This is a fall admission only program.

 

Q. Who is my advisor?

A: At the graduate level, advising is done by faculty. Your faculty mentor will guide you in the search for elective courses, as well as courses related to your thesis, applied project, or dissertation. The Graduate Coordinator can inform you of required courses.

 

Q. Where can I find what courses I should register for?

A: You can find the required courses for your degree at http://design.asu.edu/msd/concentrations.shtml

 

Q. Where can I find information about housing?

A. http://www.asu.edu/housing/   

 

Q. Where do I park?

A: Parking information can be found at http://pts.asu.edu/ 

 

Q. Are tours available?

A. There is a virtual tour of the College of Deisgn found on our website. If you will be visiting the campus, you can schedule a tour of the college by calling 480.965.3584. Please be aware that college tours are conducted by students, thus program questions can not be answered. For more information on a tour of ASU, please visit http://www.asu.edu/tour/