Declare a Major or Minor – Multi-Disciplinary Design

Declaring a Major or Minor

Application Process

Application to the Bachelor of Science, Multi-disciplinary Design Program begins with the completion of the Design Foundations courses within the College of Architecture and Planning. This process takes a minimum of one year before a student can apply directly to the program. Design Foundation course requirements are part of a college-wide program and do not guarantee admission to the Multi-disciplinary Design Program. We encourage all students to reach out to advisors before beginning this process. The planning and understanding of your degree path are crucial to a successful application. Information about our program and requirements can be found here.

The Multi-disciplinary Design Program is a full-time degree path and requires 30-40 hours per week of commitment. Students are expected to prioritize their efforts in the program over outside work or other curricular obligations. Currently, the program is home to 90 students over a three-year curriculum path. Students complete the program courses in a specific order to progress. Each year, approximately 80 to 90 students apply to the program. At this time, we are able to admit 30 students per year. Our current acceptance rate is 30-40%. Students who are not accepted into the major can pursue the minor designation. In addition, students who are not admitted to the program initially may reapply the following year.

Admissions Description

Admission to the major is based on a portfolio of the student’s work. Details of what to include in the portfolio are provided below under the heading ‘general application requirements’ and will also be explained in face-to-face + online information sessions each spring.
The course DES 2630, ‘Design Contexts’ must be taken as a pre-requisite as the work in this course will form the basis of your portfolio submission. Details about other pre-requisite courses are below.
Students will be required to have a 3.0 GPA minimum. (In exceptional circumstances the Chair of MDD may waive this requirement.) Students must have a minimum grade of C in the design foundation course DES2630. Otherwise, admission to the program is not based on individual grades in any particular course.
The application review process is conducted each spring; admitted students will begin the program immediately the following fall semester. Students should apply before the semester they expect to begin study in the program; acceptance can not be deferred.
Late applications will not be accepted.

Pre-Application Requirements

Process and courses:

Meet with an Advisor to declare “Design Foundations” as a degree path and understand requirements.
Complete Design Foundations courses: Take in any order.DES 2615 - Introduction to Design Thinking (3)
- DES 2630 - Design Contexts (3) (Mandatory for Application)
- ARCH 2630 - Design Foundations Workshop (3)
- CMP 2010 - Design Ecologies (3)

Important Notes:

Exception: We make every effort to accommodate all prospective (pre-declared) students in the courses above, with priority registration and waitlist management strategies in place to manage demand. In some instances, however, we may fill these courses and not have a seat available. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to accept exceptional applicants who are yet to meet one of the ARCH 2630, CMP 2010 or DES2615 course requirements above if they were unable to register for one of these courses, however the course will still be required to be completed at a later date. Completion of DES 2630 is mandatory for the application. This exception expires on July 1, 2025.
Refer to the University Degree Plan for the most accurate information.

General Application Requirements

You are qualified if you’ve met the terms listed above and have passed DES 2630 with a C or greater.

Submission details are provided through the course DES 2630.

Application and Admissions Dates: see link ‘APPLICATIONS 2025’ ABOVE which will be live from February 1, 2025.

Important Notes:

Students accepted to the program may not defer.
Students who are not accepted may opt for the minor designation.
ALL STUDENTS attempting to apply should have an alternate plan ready for the following fall semester. It is advised to register for alternative courses in case you are not admitted or not able to accept admission.
Applications are reviewed once per academic year after the Spring Semester.

Re-Application Requirements

Meet with a College Advisor to confirm path to graduate with reapplication.
Applications are reviewed once per academic year after the 1st Half, Summer Session (i.e. at the same time as new applicants).
Students may only apply twice to the program (once per academic year) before requiring approval from the director to apply again.
You are advised to contact the director for portfolio direction on reapplication. (NICOLE.PORTER@utah.edu)
Materials submitted should be improved work from previous applications and any added efforts that would support the application. Also, note this in your personal statement (additional information question)