ID FAQ

 

1. What kind of graduate degrees are available through this program?
2. How is the graduate education at Georgia Tech different from undergraduate education?
3. Why should I come to Georgia Tech for the MID?
4. How do the 2 –Year MID students and 3-Year MID students interact?
5. What kind of education is the MID program designed for?
6. What if my undergraduate degree is not in industrial design?
7. How can I obtain an application for the graduate program?
8. How do I set up an interview regarding the MID program?
9. How much does it cost to be a MID student?
10. Where can I learn about international applicants?
11. Is a portfolio required for admission into Georgia Tech’s MID Program?
12. What should the portfolio contain?
13. Is a statement required for admission into Georgia Tech’s MID Program?
14. Is GRE required for admission into Georgia Tech’s MID Program?
15. Is TOEFL required for international students?
16. What criteria are employed to assess acceptance into the MID Program?
17. Is it possible to pursue MID education on a part-time basis?
18. Is it possible to take two design studios at the same time?
19. Is it possible to finish the Industrial Design Program in less than specified semesters?
20. What grade must I receive to satisfactorily complete a course?
21. Is there an application deadline?
22. When are MID acceptance notified?

1. What kind of graduate degrees are available through this program?

Industrial Design Program at Georgia Tech offers two types of degree options, the 2 year Masters of Design degree for those with a degree in industrial design, and the 2+1 year Masters of Industrial Design degree for those with a degree in other disciplines.  

 

2. How is the graduate education at Georgia Tech different from undergraduate education?

The undergraduate education is broad-based, market oriented and prepares students with skill sets to face the professional challenges needed to find an entry level position in industrial design. The graduate education, builds on basic undergraduate education to offer an in-depth industrial design education related to theory and practice. Research driven, the education prepares students to identify problems, face future challenges, provide leadership role in education and practice, and undertake independent thinking and creative work. 

 

3. Why should I come to Georgia Tech for MID?

The MID program allow students to develop expertise in a specialized area while pursuing an in-depth education in industrial design. Built on the natural strengths of Georgia Tech, inter-disciplinary education is the another important aspect of our MID program. The 3-year students have come with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computer engineering, psychology, sociology, anthropology, graphic design, textile design, inventive design, fine arts, and sculpture.  

 

4. How do the 2 –Year MID students and 3-Year MID students interact?

The 3-year students begin design education by undergoing one year of preparatory design work. They are introduced to basic skill sets and critical thinking in a graduate way. After the preparatory year, the 3-year students merge with the incoming 2-year MID students who have an undergraduate degree in ID. For the following two years, the 3-year and 2-year students work together and follow same educational path. 
 

5. What kind of education is the MID program designed for?

The program is primarily designed for independent and hard working students who want to pursue:

Design teaching and research work
Consulting, corporate and advocacy position
Doctoral work
click here for more career opportunities

 

6. What if my undergraduate degree is not in industrial design?

The Industrial Design Program offers two types of graduate programs – a two year MID program for students with an undergraduate degree in industrial design, and a three year MID program for all other undergraduates. The 3 year MID students need to take additional 28 credit hours of preparatory coursework before taking graduate industrial design courses. The preparatory courses includes two design studios and 6 lecture courses; Materials and Processes, History of Modern Design, Computing 1, Computing 2, Advanced Sketching, and Professional Practice.

 

7. How can I obtain an application for the graduate program?

Graduate application is available on-line. Please write or call the Industrial Design Program for questions and information.  

 

8. How do I set up an interview regarding the MID program?

You may set up an interview with the Academic Advisor by calling the Industrial Design Program at 404-385-7210.

 

9. How much does it cost to be a MID student?

Please visit the following link: http://www.gradadmiss.gatech.edu/costs.php

 

10. Where can I learn about international applicants?

Please visit the Office of International Education website at Georgia tech.

 

11. Is a portfolio required for admission into Georgia Tech’s MID Program?

Portfolio is required for all applicants. Because of the prior design experience, the portfolio of 2 year MID applicants must demonstrate design competence.  The portfolio of 3 year MID applicants, on the other hand, must demonstrate strong design interests.  

 

12. What should the portfolio contain?

All applicants must include evidence of creative, technical or written work (articles, papers, reports) that best exemplifies their preparedness to undertake graduate industrial design education. The portfolio of 2-year applicants should contain school work, professional work (if practitioner) and personal work; include concepts, process, development and final designs. The portfolio of 3 year MID applicants must demonstrate design interest and what they have accomplished, untaught. Project examples include but not limited to drawing, sketching, sculpture, crafts, photography, furniture, graphic work, technological projects, writing samples, and film/animation projects. Submit a digital or paper portfolio and include a current resume. 

 

13. Is a statement required for admission into Georgia Tech’s MID Program?

All applicants need to submit a 500 word statement answering the following questions:

Why are you interested in the MID program at Georgia Tech?

What have you done to prepare yourself for graduate education in industrial design at Georgia Tech?

How do you expect to further your career goals with the MID degree?

 

14. Is GRE required for admission into Georgia Tech’s MID Program?

Yes, all applicants need to take the general test of the GRE for applying to the MID Program. 

 

15. Is TOEFL required for international students?

All international students must take the TOEFL to be considered for admission into the MID Program, with the minimum score of 100. Please visit the Graduate Studies and Admission at Georgia Tech link to learn about score requirements.

 

16. What criteria are employed to assess acceptance into the MID Program?

The Admissions Committee evaluates all applications based on the following criteria: transcripts, statement, portfolio, GRE scores, recommendation letters and TOEFL scores (for international students). Based on the evaluation, the committee makes admissions recommendations to the Program Director who makes the final determination.  

 

17. Is it possible to pursue MID education on a part-time basis?

The Industrial Design Program does not recommend part-time enrollment into the MID Program. Because of the sequential nature of graduate design courses and studios, part-time enrollment would greatly extend educational tenure at Georgia Tech. 

 

18. Is it possible to take two design studios at the same time?

Since each studio course is dependent upon the previous studio course, students are not permitted to take more than one studio per semester.  

 

19. Is it possible to finish the Industrial Design Program in less than specified semesters?

There is no way to complete the MID Program in less than the specified time. Typically, no Industrial Design studio courses are offered during the summer term, which makes it harder to complete in less than the specified time.  

 

20. What grade must I receive to satisfactorily complete a course?

Graduate students must receive a grade of B or better in all Industrial Design courses. Courses in which a student receives a grade below B, must be repeated. 

 

21. Is there an application deadline?

The application deadline for Fall semester admission is February 1.  

 

22. When are MID acceptance notified?

Applications are reviewed in several phases. The results of Phases-1 applications are notified by the end of March. Subsequent reviews and acceptance are informed on an on-going basis.

< back