Transfer Admissions Requirements: College of Design

Through a unique commitment to creativity and advancing technologies, the College of Design (CDES) at the University of Minnesota leads, innovates and educates in the full range of design fields by researching ongoing and emerging issues, exploring new knowledge, and addressing and solving real-world problems; all while adhering to socially responsible, sustainable, and collaborative design thinking.

As a student in the College of Design, you will benefit from the resources available at a premier public research university. College of Design professors are top experts in their disciplines, and they are dedicated to teaching the next generation of design innovators. You will also benefit from our excellent location: The U of M is located in the heart of a thriving design community, home to architecture and landscape architecture firms, art museums, theaters, cathedrals, design firms, parks, retail, and more.

Degree options: Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Environmental Design (B.E.D), Bachelor of Design in Architecture (B.D.A.)

Explore CDES Majors

Students are admitted at pre-major status for Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Product Design programs. Students in those programs will need to pass portfolio review at the end of their first academic year for full admittance into their degree program.

*All CDes majors admit for fall term. Please note that applications received after the February 1 fall priority deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis. All majors admit for spring term, except for the studio sequences for Interior Design, Architecture, and Apparel Design which only begin in the fall. Contact the College of Design if you have questions. Students must submit all application materials--including transcripts--postmarked by the admission deadline in order to be considered for admission. Students should confirm, either through Application Tracker or with the Office of Admissions, that their application materials have arrived postmarked by the deadline.

Admission Factors

Admission is competitive and based on an overall assessment of the applicant's academic record and potential for success as presented in the application materials. High school grades, class rank, and ACT or SAT scores may also be factored into the admission decision for students who have completed fewer than 26 transferable credits.

A minimum cumulative 2.80 college GPA is preferred for all CDes programs, though this does not guarantee admission. Some majors may become full before the final admissions deadline so students are encouraged to submit their application by the priority deadline. Among the factors considered in the application review are academic performance, grades in discipline-related courses, a career statement, and overall fit for the major.