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College of Design
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Admissions

Take the first step in your journey to a future in design.

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Let’s Get Started

Our community is unique — and so is our admissions process.

If you’re curious about portfolio submissions, relevant dates, personal essays or interviews, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Our application requirements and deadlines differ from the rest of the university, so take a close look.

Explore our programs

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Compare Undergraduate Programs

See how our academic offerings stack up with your interests, the skills you want to learn and your desired career opportunities.

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Compare Graduate Programs

Take a closer look at background criteria, research areas, faculty expertise and available student support for our graduate degrees.

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Prospective Undergraduates

As a top design college in the Southeast — and one of the premier public design schools in the nation — we’re always looking for ambitious students with creative potential.

UNDERgraduate Admissions

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First Year

High school graduates, we’re excited to have you join us. Get to know our application deadlines and requirements, which vary by major.
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On-Campus Transfer

For current NC State students, discover the unique requirements for transferring to the College of Design.
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Off-Campus Transfer

Students at other universities — both domestic and international — are encouraged to join our community.

Prospective Graduates

Our graduate students sharpen their skills and dig deep into research to craft solutions for the world’s most complicated challenges. Hailing from states across the US and 24 countries, they bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the fore to solve problems together.

We also offer graduate certificates for architecture and landscape architecture professionals looking to further their practice.

Graduate Admissions

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Masters

Take the next step in your design expertise by exploring our admissions criteria, including testing and portfolio requirements or architecture, graphic design, industrial design, landscape architecture and environmental planning or media arts, design and technology.

Doctoral student

Ph.D. in Design

Discover a highly selective program for those wanting to advance the world of design through in-depth research and scholarship.
Doctoral student

Doctor of Design (DDes)

We welcome working design professionals with a passion for independent inquiry and critical thinking.

Schedule a Tour

Our small group tours include an in-depth look at our programs and resources. Visit us in Raleigh and watch our campus come to life.

Register to visit
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General Admissions Resources

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NC State Admissions

Applying to the College of Design begins with an application to NC State University at large.

Come run with the Pack
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Financial Aid

We offer a wealth of aid opportunities — because a world-class degree should also be affordable.

Discover aid opportunities
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See Yourself Here

Take a closer look at our campus and community, and discover what it’s like to be part of the Pack.

Dive in
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