Iowa State University requests this information for the purpose of departmental records. No persons outside the university are routinely provided this information. If you fail to provide the required information, the University may not be able to offer you admission. An individual applying to the graduate program of the Department of Art and Design must meet the following requirements in addition to the minimum general requirements of Graduate College of Iowa State University. The GRE is NOT required by the Department of Art and Design.

Application Requirements (download PDF)
1.    Presentation of a portfolio of original work by the applicant, or slides of the applicant's work. At least 15 to 20 slides or examples of actual art/design work must be presented.

2.    Undergraduate preparation or equivalent professional work comparable to the department's undergraduate major program in the area in which the candidate intends to specialize.

3.    Completion of the following questions on a separate sheet to be returned to the address below. Your name and social security number be at the top of this sheet.

a. Give a brief account of your background in relation to education, employment and activities relevant to the field of art/design.

b. State why you have selected Art and Design at Iowa State University for graduate study.

c. Describe your objectives and professional goals.

d. State your point of view in relation to the following:

What do you believe are strong art and/or design directions today?

Whom do you consider as outstanding contemporary artist/designers in your field of interest? Evaluate your knowledge of art/design history.

e. A current resume which includes a list of scholarships, honors, awards, exhibitions, publications, outstanding extra curricular activities, employment experience and research.

f. Iowa State University makes reasonable efforts to comply with the special needs of handicapped students. If you require special accommodations, please describe.

4.    A personal interview may be requested of each candidate by the Art and Design graduate faculty.


A review of an applicant's undergraduate transcript and portfolio or slides by the department graduate faculty in the student's proposed area of study will determine whether or not a candidate has an appropriate background for graduate study in the department. In unusual circumstances some of the above requirements may be waived.
Send portfolio/slides, your response to listed questions, a current resume and letters of recommendation to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Art and Design, 158 College of Design, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3092.
There will be two review periods for graduate admission to the Department of Art and Design; please note and meet one of these deadlines: February 1 if applying for an assistantship and May 1 for anticipated fall or spring semester entry. All materials must be available on the deadline date or the candidate may not be considered for admission. It is the candidates responsibility to check to make sure all his/her materials are on file in the Department of Art and Design.
All graduate program areas have enrollment limits due to studio facilities and number of faculty per area. Should space be unavailable in the chosen area of study, a student may reapply the following year or request that their application be reviewed by graduat faculty in another program area. Fewer spaces are available for spring semester entry.
Transcripts and university graduate application should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions; 100 Alumni Hall; Ames, IA 50011-2010.