Apply to the MDes

The first MDes cohort begins in September 2027.

Application Opens

Mid-September 2026

Priority Deadline

December 1, 2026

Final Deadline

January 6, 2027

Offers Sent

March 1, 2027

Decision Day

April 15, 2027

Applying by the priority deadline (December 1, 2026) provides earlier consideration for fellowships. Late applications are reviewed as space allows.

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How to apply

Applications are submitted online, and applications received by the published deadlines receive priority.

Application Checklist

All applicants must submit: 

  • Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Résumé or CV 
  • 2-3 letters of recommendation submitted directly through the application portal from people who know your academic or professional work well.
  • Design portfolio or sample of work
  • UC San Diego Graduate Division policy requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required for all international applicants.


Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field are welcome to apply.

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio demonstrates how your education and experience prepare you for design. We welcome non-design backgrounds; include process documentation from technical projects, user or community research, systems work, or writing that demonstrates design thinking. When in doubt, show your process.

Format:

  • Single PDF, 20 pages maximum 
  • Maximum file size: 20 MB 
  • You may include a link to an online portfolio or professional website 

What to include: 
Show us 3–5 projects reflecting your range and depth, communicating your process, problem investigation, methods, and learnings. Submit a 30–60 second video discussing one project: the problem, your role, your process, and what you learned. We value rigorous thinking over polished presentation.

Fees & Funding

Program costs:

The Master of Design program is estimated to cost $1,167 per unit (72-unit minimum program = $84,024 total). This breaks down to approximately $42,000 per year.

We are committed to diversity and access for all. A limited number of student fellowships will be available, and applicants who apply by the priority deadline receive earlier consideration.

Key Dates for AY 2027–2028 Admissions

Degree

Master of Design (MDes)

Program Start

September 2027

Application Opens

September 2026

Priority Deadline

December 1, 2026

Final Deadline

January 6, 2027

Offers Sent

March 1, 2027

Decision Day

April 15, 2027

Application Fee

U.S. citizens: $155 | International: $185

Upcoming events

Virtual Info Session

Online · Zoom · Fall 2026

An hour with the program team: an overview of the MDes, how admissions works, and open Q&A. A good first step when deciding whether to apply.

Campus Open House

In person · Design and Innovation Building, La Jolla · March 2027

Tour the studios and makerspace, meet faculty and current researchers, and see where the learning will happen.

Contact / Request Info

Browse our FAQ for quick answers to most questions. Still need help? Email the program team at mdes-info@ucsd.edu and we’ll get back to you.