The Bachelor of Design (BDes) at the University of Washington is an intensive, cohort-based program. The admissions process happens each spring quarter (March–June) for the cohort beginning the following academic year in Autumn quarter (September). Applicants apply to one of three specific majors: Industrial Design (ID), Interaction Design (IxD), or Visual Communication Design (VCD). Admission to the program is highly competitive. The program admits around 20 students per major each year — 60 students total.
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to one of the design majors you must be a current UW student who has completed DESIGN 166 or a transferred student who has applied to UW admissions for Autumn quarter.
- Current UW students must take DESIGN 166 during their first year (only offered in Winter quarter). Students who receive a 3.7 GPA or higher are automatically offered admission to one of the three majors. Students who receive below a 3.7 GPA may apply through the application process by the deadline.
- Transfer and post-bac students who have applied for UW admissions for Autumn quarter must submit an application to the design program by the deadline. Please note: Transfer students are not eligible to enroll in DESIGN 166 at UW Seattle. UW Bothell and UW Tacoma students are considered transfer students to UW Seattle.
- Repeat applicants who have previously applied and want to apply for admission again must complete the application form and follow the prompts related to reapplication.
Application
Process
Eligible students can apply to one of the design majors by submitting the application form with the required materials. The application for the next cohort (to start in autumn) opens in March and closes at the end of May. Applicants receive decision notifications by the third week of June. See key dates below.
Requirements
The application form requires the following materials:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Transcripts
- Answers to the prompts (according to the program you wish to apply)
- $20 non-refundable application fee
Visit the application page for detailed instructions and tips on how to put together each of the materials. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.
BDES APPLICATION & INSTRUCTIONS
Key Dates For Autumn 2025 BDes Admission
- October–May: Multiple Info Sessions
- April 14: Faculty presentation on the Visual Communication Design program (details here)
- April 15: Faculty presentation on the Interaction Design program (details here)
- April 16: Faculty presentation on the Industrial Design program (details here)
- May 30: Application Deadline
- June 23: Applicants receive decision notifications from the School via email
- June 30: Deadline for students to accept admissions offer and register for Autumn sophomore design classes by contacting the Advising Office
Policies + Requirements
Admitted Design students must comply with specific policies and requirements. We encourage prospective students interested in one of the design majors to review the Design-specific requirements as they prepare for the application process.