Admissions FAQ

This page provides answers to questions frequently asked about the MDes application process. Applicants might find additional useful information on the Berkeley Graduate Admissions FAQ.

Admissions Process

Do you have both Fall and Spring admission cycles? Is there a rolling application deadline?

The MDes program only accepts applications for admission in the Fall semester. We do not have a rolling application deadline; all applications must be submitted by the annual deadline. We also do not have an early bird deadline; application review only begins after the deadline.

Do you offer a deferral option to admitted candidates?

No, the MDes program does not support requests for deferral of admission. The MDes Faculty Director may consider requests for an exception to this policy only in rare and exceptional circumstances. In such cases, admits should email mdes@berkeley.edu and state the rationale for their deferral request. 

Because deferrals are in no way guaranteed and are only granted in rare and exceptional circumstances, applicants are advised to apply for the year that they intend to start the program.

I submitted my TOEFL or IELTS score but it’s not showing up in my application file; what should I do?

Please confirm that you sent your TOEFL score report via ETS to institution code 4833 for Graduate Organizations; no department code is needed.

IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center; no institution code is required. Our address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. Please do not mail any score reports.

It typically takes 7-10 days for TOEFL and/or IELTS score reports to match in the application system. If your score report isn’t marked as “Verified” within 2 weeks, please contact Graduate Admissions at gradadm@berkeley.edu. Graduate Admissions also accepts score reports past the application deadline.

If you may have used a different name variations or email on your test compared with the name/email that is on your application, please let us know, as this can cause the score to be separated from your other materials.

The application completion checklist that I received from Berkeley Graduate Admissions does not include my resume/CV or portfolio. Does that mean that you did not receive it?

The checklist is a generic one that is used for all Berkeley graduate programs, so the application materials that are specific to the MDes program are not reflected in the checklist. If you can see your portfolio uploaded under the MDes Materials section of your application and your resume/CV uploaded on the Supporting Materials section, it means we have received it. You can email mdes@berkeley.edu to double-check, if you would like.

There are many GPA fields on the application from; which types of GPA am I required to provide?

Berkeley MDes requires all applicants to submit their Cumulative GPA and Advanced GPA; applicants can ignore the other fields. The Advanced GPA includes all coursework completed after the first 2 years of the undergraduate degree up to the degree conferral. High school/AP courses are not included in the calculation.

My GPA is not on a 4-point scale. How should I enter my GPA on the application?

If your GPA is not based on a 4.0 scale (common for students that attended non-U.S. schools), do not calculate or convert your GPA or input WES evaluations. Instead, enter your cumulative GPA, as it appears on your transcript and without conversion, in the “Other Scale GPA” section. You should leave the other GPA fields blank.

Do you offer an admissions fee waiver?

MDes offers fee waivers on a case-by-case basis for applicants who are not eligible for fee waivers offered by Berkeley Graduate Admissions. If this applies to you, email mdes@berkeley.edu to request this year’s MDes fee waiver request form. Note that fee waivers are not distributed till 1 month before the application due date on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Application Preparation

Is there a strict requirement for the amount of work experience one must have in order to apply?

No, there is not a strict requirement; some MDes students join the program directly from undergraduate while others join after some years of work. Regardless, MDes curriculum is designed to build upon your overall experience. For some this will draw on specific academic achievements, for others work and industrial successes, and still other personal projects.  As such, the admissions committee looks closely at your body of work across all these dimensions. Your portfolio of work should best represent and speak towards your specific achievements, interests, and passions across these domains.

Do I need a degree in a specific field to apply?

No. We welcome applicants from a variety of prior undergraduate and graduate fields of study. 

What core skills should applicants have before starting the MDes, in order to have a strong application and ensure success in the program?

We expect to admit a cohort of students representing a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets. Not every entering student will have strengths in the same areas, and we expect that many of our entering students will want to spend some time before the program begins further developing some core skills, in order to prepare themselves for success, and take the most advantage of their time here at UC Berkeley.

Core Design Skills
The following design skill sets are essential for successfully completing projects in the MDes program, with students expected to build on these foundations to develop thoughtful and impactful designs. A successful applicant will have experience applying formal design strategies, iterating on ideas through feedback, and communicating design concepts effectively. An eagerness to engage in both individual and collaborative design work is essential for success in the MDes program.

A successful applicant will demonstrate experience in some of the design skill sets described below, and eagerness to learn about them all.

Design Approaches
A solid grounding in the principles of design is critical for developing a creative and critical practice. This includes an understanding of the foundations of design (critique, iterative development, feedback) as well as experience with a variety of design approaches that help shape the creative and critical practice. Foundations of design include:

  • Iterative processes (developing ideas through cycles of feedback and refinement)
  • Critique and feedback (analyzing and improving designs through peer and instructor input)

Design approaches that an applicant may demonstrate familiarity with could include:

  • Human-Centered Design – A design approach focused on understanding and addressing the needs, desires, and behaviors of users. This method prioritizes empathy, ensuring that the final design solutions are deeply connected to human experiences. Involves user research, prototyping, and usability testing to create solutions that directly improve user interactions.
  • Design Thinking – A creative problem-solving framework that structures the design process into iterative phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. This approach promotes innovation by continually refining ideas based on feedback and testing. Encourages a non-linear, iterative process that evolves based on deep understanding of the problem and its stakeholders.
  • Speculative Design – Focuses on envisioning alternative futures or scenarios to explore the implications of emerging technologies and societal changes. Rather than solving immediate problems, speculative design asks “what if” questions to provoke new thinking and open up possibilities for future developments. Often involves creating narratives, prototypes, and artifacts that challenge current assumptions and propose alternate realities.
  • Critical Design – A design approach that challenges mainstream thinking by critiquing existing social, cultural, and political norms. Critical design provokes reflection by creating objects or systems that question the status quo. Aims to engage users and audiences in deep reflection about the role of design in society, often blending artistic and conceptual practices.
  • Sustainable Design – Emphasizes designing with environmental responsibility in mind, focusing on reducing waste, minimizing ecological footprints, and using sustainable materials and practices. This approach integrates sustainability into every stage of the design process to ensure that projects are both innovative and environmentally conscious. Encourages the use of life-cycle assessments, eco-friendly materials, and designs that consider long-term environmental impact.

Design Tools
Applicants should be comfortable working with industry-standard design software for both 2D and 3D projects. These tools are essential for visualizing, representing, and communicating design concepts. Examples include:

  • Adobe Creative Suite or similar (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign for 2D design and visual communication)
  • Rhino, Fusion360, or similar (3D modeling tools for digital fabrication and prototyping)
  • Figma, Sketch, or similar  (UI/UX design and wireframing tools for interactive and digital projects)
  • Grasshopper, TouchDesigner, Max/MSP, or similar (visual programming environments for generative design, procedural modeling, and interactive media)

Studio Practices
The design studio is central to creative exploration and experimentation. Applicants should be ready to engage in studio culture, collaborating with peers, experimenting with materials and media, and iterating on design ideas. Key practices include:

  • Collaborative design (working effectively in groups to solve design problems)
  • Presentation and communication (visually and verbally presenting design ideas effectively)
  • Documentation (maintaining a portfolio and documenting the design process for future reference)
  • Material exploration (engaging with both physical and digital media to discover new methods of making)
  • Portfolio development (building a body of work that reflects design thinking and technical skills)

Core Technical Skills
The following technical skill sets are essential for successfully completing projects in the MDes program, with students expected to build on these foundations to develop technically-rich designs. 

A successful applicant will demonstrate experience in some technical skill sets described below, and and eagerness to learn about them all.

Software Programming
One avenue to demonstrate technical capacity is through experience in writing and debugging code. This includes familiarity with core programming concepts and an ability to quickly learn new programming environments. Examples include:

  • Python, Java (common languages for scripting and automation)
  • C++, C# (useful for system-level programming and real-time applications)
  • JavaScript, HTML/CSS (for web development and interactive projects)
  • API integration (working with different APIs to connect systems)
  • Data structures and algorithms (essential for problem-solving and optimization)

Electronics Prototyping
One avenue to demonstrate technical capacity is through experience with the hands-on creation of functional circuits and integrating hardware with software. This includes basic understanding and assembly of electronic components. Examples include:

  • Arduino (microcontroller-based prototyping)
  • Raspberry Pi (single-board computers for IoT and automation projects)
  • PCB design (for custom electronics and hardware integration)
  • Sensors and actuators (for input/output interfacing in projects)
  • Soldering and wiring (skills to physically connect components)

Physical Prototyping/Fabrication
One avenue to demonstrate technical capacity is through experience with turning digital designs into physical objects. This includes familiarity with tools for rapid prototyping and material processing. Examples include:

  • 3D printing (for creating complex forms from digital models)
  • CNC machining (for precise cutting and engraving on various materials)
  • Laser cutting (for quick fabrication of flat parts)
  • Woodworking, metalworking (for hands-on fabrication of structural components)
  • Mold making and casting (for creating repeated parts and complex geometries)

 

 

Program Information

Do you offer a part-time study option? Is it possible for me to continue working full-time while completing my studies?

The MDes is a full-time program with a rigorous course load. Students can expect to spend a minimum of 13 hours of in-class time per week and twice as many hours per week of work outside the classroom. Some MDes students take part-time jobs, but maintaining a full-time job during the program is not feasible.

Do you offer a remote or hybrid study option?

No, the curriculum is delivered fully in-person and we do not offer remote or hybrid study options. The MDes is an in-person, studio-based program, with many courses and projects requiring extensive hands-on, team-based work. 

I am interested in a specific field in design and/or technology; will I be able to focus on that area during my MDes studies?

The MDes core curriculum introduces students to a variety of technologies and design practices, rather than focusing on one field for the entire duration of the program. For instance, students may have one course module on AR/VR before pivoting to the next module on microcontrollers. That said, there are several ways that students are able to shape their learning experience to explore their individual interests; these include the selection of elective courses, the shaping of the Design@Large summer experience, the decision about what extracurricular activities to join, and what capstone thesis topic to select.

Can I earn a concurrent degree or dual degree during the MDes?

No, the MDes does not offer a concurrent or dual degree program. UC Berkeley does not offer ad hoc joint degree programs and applicants may only apply to one single degree program per admissions cycle.

Do you accept transfer students or transfer of credits?

No, we do not accept transfer students; any student who joins the MDes after leaving another program will be considered a new student and follow the same standard curriculum plan as their peers. The program also does not accept transfer units or classes taken prior to a student’s enrollment in the MDes program. This includes UC Berkeley undergraduate students who took elective-eligible courses prior to admission into the MDes.

 

 

International Applicants

Will the MDes program sponsor visas for international students admitted to the program?

Yes. If an offer of admission is extended, then the Berkeley International Office (BIO) will assist you in obtaining a visa to study at UC Berkeley. Please see the BIO website for information for new students regarding applying for a visa or F-1 Visa employment related information.

BIO is also a good starting resource for other questions regarding international student resources and policies. If you have specific questions not answered on the BIO website, you can contact BIO directly for advising. 

Is the MDes STEM OPT-eligible?

Yes, the MDes is classified as a STEM program under CIP code 14.999 – Engineering, Other, so MDes graduates can request a 24-month STEM extension to their standard 12-month OPT. Learn more about STEM OPT from the Berkeley International Office.

 

 

Funding Resources

Am I eligible for Academic Student Employment (ASE) positions as an admitted student?

MDes students are eligible to hold Academic Student Employee (ASE) Appointments, including Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions. They may apply for ASE appointments in any of the three semesters during which they are enrolled. ASE (Academic Student Employment) positions are selected within the departments according to academic, budgetary, and staffing circumstances. 

Some ASE appointments qualify fee remission up the equivalent in dollar amount to a UC state-supported graduate program tuition, campus fee, and health insurance fee.

MDes students who are fully sponsored, meaning all fees are paid by a third party or outside agency, may choose to work as GSIs and/or Readers. However, if you are eligible for a fee remission from UC Berkeley, you will only receive it if your sponsoring agency reduces the sponsorship by that amount. Fee remissions will not be paid to the student as a refund if fees are being covered by an outside source.

For comprehensive information about these appointments, please see the Berkeley Graduate Division’s Graduate Student Academic Appointment website.