The College of Design has approximately 250 graduate and post-graduate students, accounting for about 25 percent of the total student population. Graduate students pursue professional master’s degrees in five discipline areas: Architecture, Art + Design, Landscape Architecture, Graphic Design and Industrial Design. Most entering graduate students hold design-related undergraduate degrees, but many do not. These exceptions to the rule may be scientists, communication specialists, educators, engineers and others who are pursuing a new career.
The Ph.D. in Design program, which is among the very few of its kind in the United States, offers concentrations in Information Design, as well as Community and Environmental Design. The scholarly oriented program explores such topics as human-environment interfacing, behavioral studies, and urban issues. Graduates holding this degree will be valuable to college and university programs and to government, business and industrial organizations that require the intellectual rigor, knowledge, and investigative skills developed by doctoral study. Graduates conduct research aimed at improving the quality of design in urban and rural communities, improving people’s understanding and interpretation of their social and ecological environment, and improving visual communication and product development technology aimed at meeting human needs.
A unique relationship exists at the College of Design between designers and state extension agents. The Research, Extension and Sponsored Programs unit offers a vibrant training ground for scholarly and professional work. Here, faculty researchers assist communities across North Carolina and beyond. They are called upon for expertise in land use planning, watershed planning, environmental design, design of public spaces, universal design, computer modeling technology, and more. All projects utilize the energetic network of design faculty and students, an important resource to the state’s Cooperative Extension program.
Applicants submit the following:
Items 1-7 should be submitted online. The portfolio (item 8) should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701
Apply online. The fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants.
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Applicants should upload an unofficial transcript for each institution attended into their online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted.
Provide recommendations from at least three people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study. Online recommendation forms are contained in the online application. If, however, you elect to submit recommendations forms offline (paper), please mail to Graduate Admissions, NC State University, Campus Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
Graduate Record Examination/GRE scores are required for Track 3 applicants. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
International students must provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score in order to be accepted into the Graduate School. A minimum score of 213 is required for the computer based test and a minimum of 72 (with at least an 18 in each section) is required for the internet based test. International students should also review other information and requirements. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
Under North Carolina law, legal residence means more than simply living in the state. More specifically, it means maintaining a permanent home of indefinite duration as opposed to a temporary residence incident to enrollment in a university, college or technical institute of the state. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you wish to be considered for in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must complete residentiary acts before you can begin the one-year (12-month) waiting period prior to applying for North Carolina residency. For full details, go to http://go.ncsu.edu/NCRes
Fill out the online personal data form and submit a resume or curriculum vita (two pages maximum).
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Portfolios should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
A portfolio – literally “carry the leaves or sheets” – is defined in the dictionary as a flat, portable case, usually of leather, for carrying loose sheets of paper, manuscripts, drawings, etc. In architecture, as in all the design professions, portfolios are regarded as the most effective way to communicate their work to others. They typically are brochures containing a selection of architectural projects and other pertinent 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional work of artistic or technical interest, presented as reproductions in one of the standard paper formats. Students with an undergraduate degree in architecture applying to a graduate program and graduates looking for a first job or moving from one employer to another are expected to present portfolios to illustrate their abilities, their experiences, and their accomplishments. Specific suggestions: A few specific suggestions for you to keep in mind as you assemble your portfolio.
Portfolios for applicants with previous architectural degrees are considered as demonstrations in ability to design architectural projects. Other pertinent 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work of artistic, design, or technical interest may be included as supplementary to this desired purpose.
Portfolios for applicants to Track 3 have a somewhat different purpose. Because applicants come from a great variety of backgrounds, some have experience in architecture or a related field, while others have none. Our Admissions Committee will look upon your portfolio not so much as a track record, but primarily as an indicator of your promise in the field of architecture. Your portfolio should present some proof to us that your professed interest in architecture, and in becoming an architect, is based on more than the tentative contemplation of a vague possibility. It should show that you have tested the strength of your interests by acting upon them and that these actions have left some traces in the form of products you can present. We are therefore interested in seeing evidence of your curiosities and interests, your perceptual sensibilities and your skills, your initiative, your creativity, and your judgment as you experience, record, represent, analyze, criticize, and -- most important of all -- transform the environment around you, architecturally or otherwise. Design is making, and it is important for you to demonstrate that you can actively make things, not just passively observe them.
The Graduate Admissions Committee feels it is important to allow a fair degree of latitude regarding the format and content of your portfolio. The included items, as well as the manner in which they are presented, are the first important clues to your sensibilities and overall promise in the field. In other words, the committee tends to look at your portfolio as a first "design assignment."
Track 3 applicants should keep in mind that architecture deals with three-dimensional entities. Whereas two-dimensional work (such as drawing, painting, 2-dimensional design and photography) is useful to illustrate compositional and graphic abilities, the Admissions Committee will look for some evidence to assess your promise in the conception and manipulation of 3-dimensional form, volume and space. Samples of elementary mechanical drawing or architectural drafting are not considered pertinent to show potential for architecture. Nor is it essential to include "architectural work" per-se. Examples of successful portfolios of past applicants to the Track 3 program are kept on file at the desk of the M.Arch. Admissions Secretary. Please feel free to stop by and take a look at them. You may also arrange an appointment through the secretary with a member of the Graduate Admissions Committee to discuss any questions you may have regarding admissions procedures or portfolios.
The department accepts students who have an undergraduate degree in either fibers or animation, comparable professional experience, as well as those with degrees in other disciplines who make a connection between their previous study and art and design. The portfolio and essay should reflect experience with the medium of the desired concentration.
Applicants to the Master of Art & Design program must specify concentration to be considered. Admission is based on review of the applicant’s portfolio, statement of intent, and academic record. A plan of study will be developed to account for previous academic and professional experiences. Applicants submit the following:
Items 1-7 should be submitted online. Items 8-9 should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701
Apply online. The fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants.
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Applicants should upload an unofficial transcript for each institution attended into their online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted.
Provide recommendations from at least three people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study. Online recommendation forms are contained in the online application. If, however, you elect to submit recommendations forms offline (paper), please mail to Graduate Admissions, NC State University, Campus Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
*The GRE is not required but is strongly recommended for applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0. THe institution code for NC State University is 5496.
In order to be eligible for admission to the Graduate School, all international applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. This requirement can be met for most applicants in one of the following ways; however, some programs may require additional evidence of English proficiency:
Under North Carolina law, legal residence means more than simply living in the state. More specifically, it means maintaining a permanent home of indefinite duration as opposed to a temporary residence incident to enrollment in a university, college or technical institute of the state. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you wish to be considered for in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must complete residentiary acts before you can begin the one-year (12-month) waiting period prior to applying for North Carolina residency. For full details, go to http://go.ncsu.edu/NCRes
Please fill out the online personal data form.
The essay of intent should be a short narrative--no more than two typed pages--that outlines career goals and reasons for undertaking graduate education in Art and Design. It should address the specific reasons for applying to one of the concentrations offered: Fibers/Surface Design and Animation/Digital Imaging. The narrative should address past experience, accomplishments, future goals. The narrative should be supported by evidence in the portfolio.
The faculty recognize that each person applies to graduate school for very unique reasons, so we expect to see a sincere and individual account of the applicant's thinking.
Graduate education in the visual arts is highly competitive and rigorous. What is expected of graduate students is highly demanding, so we examine our applicants to insure that they are ready for the challenges and expectations they will face in study with us. We need a clear understanding of the applicant's expectations from the program to make sure there is a good fit.
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Portfolios should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
The portfolio submitted to the Department along with the application package is the most critical element in the review for admission. Its purpose is to reveal the creative potential, breadth of experience, and discipline sophistication of the applicant.Review of your past work in conjunction with information gleaned from your essay of intent, allows the Faculty admissions committee to discern your aptitude for art and design work and readiness for graduate level.The portfolio should be planned carefully to show your talents, interests, skills, and experience. It should specifically show preparedness or predisposition for success in your desired medium (fibers or animation). Include only your strongest work. Attend carefully to the portfolio format and quality of reproductions. Do not send out of focus, unclear images with confusing contexts. Do not include original artwork. Every effort will be made to handle the portfolios with care, but the department cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged work. Portfolios will be returned only if a self-addressed envelope or package with sufficient postage is included
20 slides or CD (MAC readable) of past work. Emphasize past fiber work, or other work that makes the link to your fibers sensibility or interests. Include any relevant work, but do not exceed the 20-image limit. Please include some detail shots of textile surfaces.Include a slide inventory with information about materials, dates of execution, and ideas explored.
Electronic portfolio of past work (CD should be MAC readable).
Concentrate your selection on past animation work, digital images, drawing, and painting in a proportion that fits your experience.A short write-up about each piece submitted should be included to identify dates of execution, your concepts, and materials (when appropriate). Time-based work should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to review.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Admission to the Master of Graphic Design program is competitive and based on the applicant's portfolio of work, statement of intent and academic record. Applicants submit the following:
Items 1-7 should be submitted online. The portfolio (item 8) should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701
For additional information on the Master of Graphic Design program, please visit the Master of Graphic Design website
Apply online. The fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants.
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Applicants should upload an unofficial transcript for each institution attended into their online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted.
Provide recommendations from at least three people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study. Online recommendation forms are contained in the online application. If, however, you elect to submit offline recommendations (paper), please send to Graduate Admissions, NC State University, College of Design, Campus Box 7701, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required only if the student has no previous degree in graphic design. The institution code for NC State University is 5496
International students must provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score in order to be accepted into the Graduate School. A minimum score of 213 is required for the computer based test and a minimum of 72 (with at least an 18 in each section) is required for the internet based test. International students should also review other information and requirements. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
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Under North Carolina law, legal residence means more than simply living in the state. More specifically, it means maintaining a permanent home of indefinite duration as opposed to a temporary residence incident to enrollment in a university, college or technical institute of the state. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you wish to be considered for in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must complete residentiary acts before you can begin the one-year (12-month) waiting period prior to applying for North Carolina residency. For full details, go to http://go.ncsu.edu/NCRes
Submit a completed online Personal Data Form.
Portfolios should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
The purpose of the portfolio is to show creative potential and breadth of experience. As such, it is one of the most important parts of the admissions review process. It should be carefully planned and assembled to reveal the applicant's talents, interests, skills and experience. Careful attention should be given to the portfolio format and quality of reproductions. It is recommended not to include original art work. Every effort will be taken to handle the portfolios with care, but the department cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged work. Portfolios will be returned only if a self-addressed envelope or package with sufficient postage is included.Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Applicants to the Master of Industrial Design program will be considered for admission on an individual basis. Plans of study will be developed to take into account previous academic and professional experiences. Applicants must submit the following:
Apply online. The fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants.
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Applicants should upload an unofficial transcript for each institution attended into their online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted.
Provide recommendations from at least three people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study. Online recommendation forms are contained in the online application. If, however, you elect to submit offline recommendations (paper), please send to Graduate Admissions, NC State University, College of Design, Campus Box 7701, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
Graduate Record Examination/GRE scores are required if NO previous design degree. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
International students must provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score in order to be accepted into the Graduate School. A minimum score of 213 is required for the computer based test and a minimum of 72 (with at least an 18 in each section) is required for the internet based test. International students should also review other information and requirements. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
[pagebreak]
Under North Carolina law, legal residence means more than simply living in the state. More specifically, it means maintaining a permanent home of indefinite duration as opposed to a temporary residence incident to enrollment in a university, college or technical institute of the state. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you wish to be considered for in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must complete residentiary acts before you can begin the one-year (12-month) waiting period prior to applying for North Carolina residency. For full details, go to http://go.ncsu.edu/NCRes
Submit a completed online Personal Data Form.
Portfolios should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
The criteria considered in the portfolio review are as followsThe portfolio may include:
Portfolios for graduate applications cannot be larger than 8.5 by 11 and will not be accepted if these requirements are not followed.
First professional candidates should apply for summer entry which begins in May. Advanced studies candidates will begin in the fall.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. The Department accepts students for summer and fall admissions only.
Applicants to the Master of Landscape Architecture program will be considered for admission on an individual basis. Plans of study will be developed to take into account previous academic and professional experiences. Applicants must submit the following:Items 1-7 should be submitted online. The portfolio (item 8) should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701
Apply online. The fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants.
[pagebreak]
Applicants should upload an unofficial transcript for each institution attended into their online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted.
Provide recommendations from at least three people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study. Online recommendation forms are contained in the online application. If, however, you elect to submit offline recommendations (paper), please send to Graduate Admissions, NC State University, College of Design, Campus Box 7701, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701.
Graduate Record Examination/GRE scores are not required but are strongly recommended for applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
International students must provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score in order to be accepted into the Graduate School. A minimum score of 213 is required for the computer based test and a minimum of 72 (with at least an 18 in each section) is required for the internet based test. International students should also review other information and requirements. The institution code for NC State University is 5496.
[pagebreak]
Under North Carolina law, legal residence means more than simply living in the state. More specifically, it means maintaining a permanent home of indefinite duration as opposed to a temporary residence incident to enrollment in a university, college or technical institute of the state. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you wish to be considered for in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must complete residentiary acts before you can begin the one-year (12-month) waiting period prior to applying for North Carolina residency. For full details, go to http://go.ncsu.edu/NCRes
Provide a completed online Personal Data Form for the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Portfolios should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, College of Design, NC State University, Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701
The portfolio should show the applicant's creative potential and breadth of experience through a collection of graphic, photographic, and written material. The preferred format for all photos is 8-1/2" by 11". Portfolios will be returned if an envelope with sufficient postage is included. The best qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces that are available for new students. Exceptions to the minimum 3.0 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities and interests.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. International applicants have earlier deadlines, contact the Graduate School for dates.
Mail Items 1, 2 and 4-6 to
Mail items 3 and 7-8 to
While interviews are not required, they are useful to many applicants. Candidates interested in visiting the College of Design should telephone or e-mail the PhD in Design Program: 919.515.8308 or phd_design@ncsu.edu
The decision to recommend admission of an applicant to the PhD in Design program is based on his/her exemplary academic performance, high GRE and TOEFL (international applicants only) scores, strong letters of reference and an impressive portfolio of previous research and practice efforts. Furthermore, the applicant’s scholarly goals must correspond to the mission of the program and the academic resources available, including a faculty member who is willing to act as the academic advisor and mentor of the student in his/her doctoral studies and research efforts.The NC State University Graduate School and the College’s Graduate Studies Office process the submitted application materials (see left and below) which are then evaluated by College of Design faculty with affinity appointments in the PhD in Design program. Taking into account faculty evaluations, the director of the PhD in Design program makes admissions recommendations to the NC State University Graduate School. The final decision to admit an applicant resides with the Graduate School, which sends formal letters of admission.
To apply online for admission and see contact information, deadlines, etc., about the PhD in Design program, visit the NC State University Graduate School web site. Note that paper applications are no longer accepted. Applicants submit the following:
For additional information on the Ph.D. in Design Program, please visit: Ph.D. in Design website
Apply online. The fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants. Checks for application must be made out to "North Carolina State University" in U.S. dollars for the amount specified.
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Applicants should upload an unofficial transcript for each institution attended into their online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted.
Provide recommendations from at least three people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study. Online recommendation forms are contained in the online application. If, however, you elect to submit recommendations offline (paper), please send to Graduate Admissions, NC State University, Campus Box 7701, Brooks Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-7701. GRE Scores
Graduate Record Examination/GRE scores are required if NO previous design degree.
Foreign language students only must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language/TOEFL score of at least 550/213 in order to be accepted into the Graduate School. International students should review other information and requirements.
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Provide a residency statement if claiming North Carolina for tuition purposes.
Applicants must pay particular attention to the Statement of Interest section of the Personal Data Form. Here, applicants are asked to describe their research aspirations in general as well as the specific topics and areas of research that interest them. Applicants should recount past academic and professional experiences that have shaped their interest in pursuing doctoral studies in design, and what they expect to make of their education after attaining the PhD in Design degree. Applicants' essays written in response to this question help faculty determine the compatibility of applicants' academic preparation and objectives with program resources.
Applicants may access an online Personal Data Form.
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A portfolio – literally “carry the leaves or sheets” – is defined in the dictionary as a flat, portable case, usually of leather, for carrying loose sheets of paper, manuscripts, drawings, etc. In all the design professions, portfolios are regarded as the most effective way to communicate their work to others. They typically are brochures containing a selection of writings, projects and other pertinent 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional work of artistic or technical interest, presented as reproductions in one of the standard paper formats. Since capacity to conduct independent research is an important criterion used in reviewing applications to the PhD in Design program, sample papers, reports and articles which demonstrate this capacity should be central to the submitted portfolio.
Specific suggestions: A few specific suggestions for you to keep in mind as you assemble your portfolio.