Design Undergraduate Admissions
Your future in design starts with two bold steps.
At Ohio State Design, we’re looking for creative thinkers, problem-solvers, risk-takers and future change makers—students ready to shape the world through design. Whether you're passionate about products, spaces, visuals, or immersive experiences, your journey begins here.
The Two-Step Path to Becoming a Design Major
Step 1: Apply to Ohio State
Apply to The Ohio State University as an undergraduate student and select one of our design majors as your intended area of interest:
- Experiential Media Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Visual Communication Design
Students admitted to the Columbus or Newark campus may begin the Design Foundations curriculum in the autumn semester.
Step 2: Apply to Your Major
All Ohio State Design students begin in Design Foundations, our shared first-year experience. Through coursework and studio projects, students explore all four design disciplines while developing the portfolio and skills needed for advanced study.
During the spring semester of Design Foundations, students apply for admission to continue into their intended major.
Important Application Deadlines
Apply to Ohio State
November 1 - Early Action Application Deadline
January 15 - Regular Decision Application Deadline
Meeting the Early Action deadline is strongly recommended for scholarship and honors consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
Which major should I select on the Common App?
When applying through the Common App, look for our majors listed under "Design":
- Design - Experiential Media (Pre)
- Design - Industrial Design (Pre)
- Design - Interior Design (Pre)
- Design - Visual Communication Design (Pre)
You may see programs such as Art or Arts, Innovation and Design Exploration listed elsewhere in the application. These are offered by different departments and are not Design majors.
Question:
Do I need a portfolio to apply to Ohio State Design?
No. A portfolio is not required for admission to Ohio State or entry into Design Foundations.
Students build their portfolios throughout the Design Foundations year and use that work when applying to continue into their intended major.
Question:
Can I start at Ohio State in the Spring or Summer?
Students may begin at Ohio State in any semester, but the Design Foundations curriculum begins in the autumn term and courses are offered only once per academic year.
Starting in a spring or summer term may affect your timeline toward a Design degree. Students considering this option are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor.
Question:
Can I start at a regional campus?
Yes. Students who begin at the Newark campus may start the Design Foundations curriculum there.
Students who begin at other Ohio State regional campuses can complete General Education coursework and prepare to transition to Columbus or Newark to begin Design Foundations. Because Design studio courses follow a sequenced curriculum, students should work closely with an academic advisor to plan their transition.
Other Pathways Into Design
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Students Beginning at Other Regional Campuses
Students enrolled at Ohio State regional campuses other than Newark remain eligible to pursue Design after transitioning to the Columbus or Newark campus and meeting program requirements. These students must complete the Design Foundations Petition as a part of their campus change preparations.
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Transfer Students
Transfer admission options vary depending on previous coursework in design, art, or architecture. Some students may begin in Design Foundations, while others may be eligible to apply directly to a design major.
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Current Ohio State Students
Students interested in changing their major to Design may be eligible to petition for consideration for a future Design Foundations cohort. These students must complete the Design Foundations Petition to be considered.
Ready to Design What’s Next?
This isn’t just an application—it’s your first step toward a future where your ideas can shape industries, communities, and lives.
Visit
When you find yourself standing on the beautiful Ohio State Oval, you'll know if you found your new home.
Academic Programs
From competitive majors to minors open to all, find out how design fits into your goals.
Academic Advising
Academic Advisors are here to help you design your ideal Ohio State educational experience.
Visit
When you find yourself standing on the beautiful Ohio State Oval, you'll know if you found your new home.
Academic Programs
From competitive majors to minors open to all, find out how design fits into your goals.
Academic Advising
Academic Advisors are here to help you design your ideal Ohio State educational experience.