The Ohio State University Department of Design

Transfer Student Admissions

Transfer Student Admissions

Whether you're transferring from another college, university, or design program, we're excited you're considering Ohio State Design.

Transferring into a Design major involves two steps: first applying for admission to The Ohio State University, and then determining the most appropriate pathway into the Design curriculum based on your previous coursework and experience.

Step 1: Apply to Ohio State

All transfer students must first apply and be admitted to The Ohio State University.

Transfer admission is managed by the university, and admission to Ohio State does not automatically determine placement within the Design curriculum.

Explore Ohio State Transfer Admission Requirements >

Step 2: Determine Your Design Pathway

After admission to Ohio State, the Department of Design will work with you to determine the most appropriate entry point into the curriculum.

Because Design is a sequenced, studio-based program, transfer students generally follow one of two pathways.

1 Design Foundations Pathway

Students who have completed fewer than 18 semester credit hours of Design, Art, or Architecture-specific coursework are generally considered for entry through Design Foundations. This pathway is common for students who are exploring Design for the first time or whose previous coursework has focused primarily on general education requirements. Students entering through this pathway complete the Design Foundations curriculum before applying for admission to one of Ohio State Design's four major programs.

2 Direct Major Consideration

Students who have completed 18 or more semester credit hours of Design, Art, or Architecture-specific coursework may request consideration for direct admission into a major program without completing Design Foundations. Eligible coursework should be studio-based and discipline-specific. General education coursework, art history courses, and other supporting coursework are not included in this calculation. Students pursuing this pathway submit a portfolio for faculty review as part of the evaluation process.

Portfolio Review

  • BSD Major Application Submission
    Transfer students seeking direct admission to a major program are evaluated through a competitive portfolio review. Faculty review portfolios to determine whether a student's previous educational experience has provided preparation comparable to students who have completed Ohio State's Design Foundations curriculum. Portfolios should demonstrate creative development, technical abilities, design process, and readiness for advanced studio coursework. Transfer students seeking this option can access the major admissions application and related materials submission form annually during Spring Semester, starting March 15 through the last Friday before finals week. Because each major has distinct expectations, students are encouraged to contact the Department of Design prior to submitting materials to discuss their academic background and intended pathway.

Important Considerations

Ohio State Design majors follow a structured four-year sequence of studio coursework.

While transfer credits may satisfy university degree requirements, not all credits will apply directly toward major requirements. Students who enter through Design Foundations should anticipate beginning the design curriculum with first-year studio courses, regardless of the number of credits earned elsewhere. These students should also plan to be at Ohio State for a total of four-years, as there is not opportunity to accelerate the major course sequence.

Because every transfer student's background is unique, we strongly encourage prospective students to discuss their coursework and goals with the Department of Design before making enrollment decisions.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my transfer credits count toward a Design degree?

Ohio State will evaluate all transfer coursework as part of the admissions process. However, because Design is a highly sequenced curriculum, some credits may not apply directly toward major requirements. Students should work with an academic advisor to understand how previous coursework applies to their individual degree plan.

I'm not sure which pathway applies to me.

That's okay.

Determining the most appropriate pathway is not always straightforward. If you're unsure whether you may be considered for Design Foundations or direct admission to a major, we encourage you to contact Design Undergraduate Studies before applying.

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