The Department of Design offers two complementary design-led and research-oriented areas of emphasis in Design Research and Development (DRD) or Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM), both leading to the Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Admission to either degree program tracks occurs annually for autumn semester attendance. This process is highly-competitive, as the number of applications received far exceeds the number of students admitted. Please see below for details regarding the process, application materials and timeline.
Application Process Timeline
30 NOV | Fellowship Consideration Deadline (Complete steps one and two below)
04 JAN | OSU Graduate & Professional Admissions Application Due
10 JAN | Department of Design Admissions Application Due
14 FEB | Application Reviews Concluded
28 FEB | Finalist Candidate Interviews Concluded
15 MAR | Notification of Acceptances and Awards
15 APR | Confirmation of Acceptances Provided by Candidates
Graduate Studies Information Sessions:
The Department of Design will be hosting three Graduate Studies Information Sessions for potential applicants on October 17 and 21, and November 7.
Step One: Ohio State Graduate and Professional Admissions
Apply to the Ohio State University Graduate School through the Graduate and Professional Admissions online application process.
This process requires completion of an online application form, along with the following items:
- Official transcripts or record of marks for each university-level institution attended. Details about this process are found at http://gpadmissions.osu.edu/intl/requirements.html.
- If you are applying as an international student, English proficiency requirements as outlined by Graduate and Professional Admissions.
- GRE test scores, if your undergraduate, cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Specific questions about the Graduate and Professional Admissions application process should be emailed to gradadmissions@osu.edu.
Step Two: Department of Design Admissions
Approximately two business days after completing the Graduate and Professional Admissions online application form (Step One above), you will receive an email from the Department of Design with the URL and login process to our online application system. The online forms will require the following information and documents:
- Statement of Intent (See additional information below)
- Residency Status
- Financial Aid Interests
- Academic Background
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PDF of transcript, unofficial transcript, or Ohio State Advising Report
- Portfolio and descriptions (See additional information below)
- Three online references of individuals who will submit a recommendation letter on your behalf
- Application fee of $10 U.S.
Specific questions about the Department of Design Admissions application process should be emailed to the Graduate Studies Coordinator.
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Additional Information Regarding Department of Design Admission Materials
The statement of intent should address all of the following:
Present a clear statement of your creative research focus. Address how this research interest developed and describe how your past and current creative work informs its development.
Articulate why the Ohio State Graduate Studies Program in Design is critical to your continued research interest and focus area. What possible future directions might your creative research take based on what you know about new developments in your specific discipline and in relevant emerging research trends? Identify three active design professors (not Instructors, Graduate Teaching Associates or Emeritus Faculty) who are well positioned to support your research and creative work.
Describe any supporting experiences you have had in the areas of community engagement, professional outreach, former or current employment and other activities such as travel and volunteer projects that have impacted your design philosophy, your research, or your approach to creative work. Also, how has any work you have done impacted others?
Design Research and Development (DRD) Portfolio Submission
Digital Animation and Interactive Media Portfolio Submission
Applicants must submit video files representative of his or her experience and achievement in animation and/or interactive media. Videos may be the final work, or they may be documentation of process or installations. Compilations or demo reels are accepted, but if submitting complete works, please upload or link each individually if possible. A short text description for each uploaded portfolio document should also be provided. Applicants may also submit supplemental materials that document methodology and/or demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities such as proposals or published papers that demonstrate tangible results of creative work and/or their ability to construct and express intellectual arguments in writing. Applicants may submit up to 15 files total for portfolio and supplemental materials as images, videos, or PDFs.
Department of Design Graduate Studies Information Day
The Department of Design Graduate Studies personnel will provide information about the MFA Design program in three live online events. In addition to learning more about the program and its two tracks of emphasis, we will review the application process, funding opportunities, and research activities that involve faculty and graduate students. We highly recommend that prospective students attend a session and/or consult with a faculty member in your area of interest to gain insight into how to navigate the application process successfully.
Please register below.
Did you miss one of our Graduate Studies Information Days?
We highly recommend that prospective students consult with a faculty member in your area of interest to gain insight into how to approach and navigate the application process successfully. Potential applicants with specific interests can meet with individual faculty; please use the email addresses provided in the faculty directory.
To inquire about an in-person visit, please email the Graduate Studies Coordinator.
