Approximately half the students in our MID program come from a non-ID background, which helps provide diverse points of view about design issues. We have admitted applicants with degrees in architecture, engineering, anthropology, graphic design, fine arts, marketing and more.

To operate effectively in the graduate program, you need strong visual communication skills. Learning CAD, drawing and model making can be beneficial, as can a general product design course, which will give you insight into the design process. Courses that supplement your making skills are also of value and may include a materials-based course in a medium such as metal, glass, textiles, ceramics or wood.

Our ideal candidates have the ability to think critically, the visual communication skills to operate in a graduate program, and life and work experiences that have enabled them to develop personal perspectives about design in our culture.

Your portfolio should describe both the depth and diversity of your creative experiences. It should illustrate your creative abilities, design process, 2D and 3D communication skills, and your understanding of materials and fabrication. In ID, we prefer that you submit your portfolio as a CD, DVD or a printed book — any medium is fine, as long as it combines images of your projects with written documentation explaining them.