Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
· Do you offer a Ph.D?
The Department of Design and Merchandising does not offer a doctoral degree. However, students can earn a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies through the School of Education. This program is designed for individuals who wish to gain a mastery of educational skills and also focus on another area of expertise such as Apparel and Merchandising or Interior Design. The program of study for individuals pursuing the Interdisciplinary Studies degree combines coursework in the School of Education and the Department of Design and Merchandising. Several graduates of the Interdisciplinary Studies program are now teaching in the design and merchandising area at universities around the country. For information about this program, please visit the School of Education website at http://soe.cahs.colostate.edu/Graduate/PhD/IDS/Default.aspx
· Is there any financial assistance available to graduate students?
Yes. Please see Financial Assistance . For additional funding opportunities, please visit the University website at http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Grad/StudentFundingOpportunities.html
· What are the course fees?
For information about course fees, please visit the University website at http://sfs.colostate.edu/e20000.cfm.
· What is the academic calendar?
For information about the academic calendar, please visit the University website at http://www.colostate.edu/cgi-bin/webevent/webevent.cgi?cmd=opencal&cal=cal5&.
· Are the GRE and TOEFL required for graduate study at your university? What scores do I need?
Yes, the Department requires domestic and international students applying under Track I to submit GRE scores (for an explanation of Track I, please see the Graduate Bulletin http://www.colostate.edu/~cwis177 ). The Department of Design and Merchandising does not require a certain score on the GRE. GRE scores are, however, factored into the admission decision. For more information regarding admission requirements, please see our explanation of the Admissions Click Here.
International students are required to submit TOEFL scores. The minimum scores required for admission to the University are 550 (written version of the test) and 213 (computer version of the test).
· If I have a high GPA and several years of professional experience, can I be exempted from taking the GRE?
Yes, applicants with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience may apply under Track II. For an explanation of Track II, please see the Graduate Bulletin.
· What are the requirements for international students?
- Request that GRE, (CSU institution code 604075), and TOEFL examination scores be reported from ETS to Colorado State University. Photocopies will not be accepted. Request that two official transcripts and certified translations from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (Colorado State University transcripts are not required) be sent to Office of Admissions, Spruce Hall, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0015. Request that three letters of recommendation be sent to the Office of Admissions. Submit the Application fee to the Office of Admissions address. Once the application fee is received, your application will be processed. If applying to more than one department, a non-refundable application fee is required for each application submitted.
- Provide financial support (International students only). This is required before a student visa can be issued. Have the appropriate authority sign the Certificate of Financial Support Form, and mail along with the required supporting documents to: Office of Admissions, Spruce Hall, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523-0015. In addition to an F or J visa, students may enroll in the DM graduate program with an L-2 visa.
· Do you offer evening or correspondence classes through Colorado State University?
Yes, the department may offer a limited number of evening and online courses during certain semesters. CSU does offer a distance learning graduate degree http://www.learn.colostate.edu/gpidea/degree_merchandising.htm. Most courses, however, are offered during daytime hours and on-campus, only.
· How do you work with transfer students?
A transfer evaluation is conducted to evaluate how a student's previous coursework can count toward the degree requirements of the Department. Only six credits may be applied to the Design and Merchandising Master's degree.
· What are the deadlines for submitting application materials to your university?
Applicants in Apparel and Merchandising: During the academic year (i.e., August 15- May), the Department Graduate Selection Committee considers applications on a rolling basis. To be considered for assistantships and fellowships, however, complete application materials should be submitted by February 15 for fall semester entry and by October 15 for spring semester entry.
Applicants in Interior Design: Effective in fall 2004, the Department Graduate Committee will review applications for fall admission, only (i.e., students will not be allowed to begin the program in the spring semester). To be considered for fall admission in the interior design area, application materials should be submitted by February 15. International students need to be sure to allow for adequate time to have visas and other travel documents processed after the Committee's application decision and prior to the semester of entry. For more information, please visit the website for the Office of International Programs at http://www.international.colostate.edu/ .