Undergraduate Admissions
Source: https://design.cmu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions Parent: https://design.cmu.edu/news/michele-hratko-designing-dancers-symposium
Undergraduate Admissions
Welcome! We’re excited that you’re interested in applying to our undergraduate degree program in the School of Design.
Every year, the School of Design aims to enroll 40 students in the School of Design Undergraduate programs, which include a Bachelor of Design, a Minor in Design, and a specialized BXA Design degree. This diverse array of programs ensures that we cater to various interests and career goals within the design field. Please note that only a very small number of those 40 students are enrolled as BXA Design students. The vast majority of students in the School of Design are Bachelor of Design students. Please note that the School of Design does not accept BXA students during Early Decision. Only BDes applicants are considered during Early Decision. All BXA applicants will be considered for Regular Decision.
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How to Apply
We're so excited that you're ready to apply! Here's what you need to do:
- Explore Our Programs: Review our degree programs to find the one that best matches your interests and career goals.
- Check Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet Carnegie Mellon University’s requirements for Admissions. Please note that BXA applicants need to meet curricular requirements for their secondary college, which may include specific courses not listed on the School of Design’s website or on the Admissions page linked above.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: See this link for suggestions on creating a portfolio for your School of Design Application. All portfolios must be submitted to Slideroom by January 9, 2026. All BDes and BXA students MUST submit portfolios to be considered for admission.
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the Common App by January 5th, 2025 at the latest.
Deadlines to remember:
- Early Decision: All materials, both the Common Application and your portfolio and video must be submitted by November 3.
- Regular Decision: The Common Application must be uploaded by January 5. Your portfolio and video must be uploaded by January 9.
Admission Requirements
International Students
Tuition & Fees
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Available Scholarships
- Financial Aid
- CMU Net-Price Calculator for Domestic Applicants (US Citizens & Permanent Residents)
Visit Us
- Tour the School of Design with a current Design Student
- Tour with a representative from the Central Admissions Office
- Speak with the Director of Undergraduate Admissions And Enrollment for the School of Design
Looking for more info?
Head over to our FAQs page for more info on questions you might have and the statistics on post graduate outcomes.
Any other questions can be sent to our admissions team at admissions@design.cmu.edu.