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Department of Design and Merchandising
College of Health and Human Sciences

Design and Merchandising Accelerated Master’s Program

Accelerated Master's Program in Design and Merchandising

Are you an undergraduate student who already knows you would like to continue your studies to earn a Master of Science degree in design and merchandising? Streamline your efforts with the Accelerated Master’s Program! By taking graduate-level courses as an undergraduate student, you can apply credits toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. This can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in graduate school while building research skills and career preparation.

A group of three students use eye-tracking technology for interior design research

What can I study in the DM M.S. program?

Apparel and Merchandising

Scientific discovery and creative scholarship in:

  • apparel design and production
  • consumer behavior
  • historic fashion and textiles
  • merchandising
  • product development
  • social-psychological and cultural aspects of dress
  • textile science
a fit model stands in a 3D body scanner in a research lab to collect data as a part of earning an M.S. in Design and Merchandising

Interior Design

Scientific discovery and creative scholarship in:

  • design research
  • person-environment relationships
  • evidence-based design scholarship
  • interior architecture environments to support user health and wellness
  • environmental sustainability
a graduate student explores interior design renderings with virtual reality goggles

Accelerated Master's Program Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get a master's degree in Design and Merchandising?

The M.S. in Design and Merchandising allows students to deepen their disciplinary understanding and gain research skills by working closely with faculty in the department. This degree prepares students for specialized practice in industry, continuation into Ph.D. programs, and/or teaching positions in higher education.

What is an Accelerated Master’s Program at CSU?

  • Accelerated master’s programs (AMPs) partner an undergraduate and a master’s degree graduate program in a streamlined path that reduces the time to earn a master’s degree.
  • Undergraduate students are admitted internally by the participating programs and are guaranteed conditional admission to the partnering graduate program during their undergraduate career.
  • Final admission to the graduate program and the Graduate School is granted when students meet the minimum graduate program and Graduate School admissions criteria upon completion of the bachelor’s degrees.
  • Students must complete the Graduate Admissions Application.

What does the Accelerated Master’s Program look like in DM?

  • The Accelerated Master’s Program in DM partners the Bachelor of Science degrees in Apparel and Merchandising and Interior Architecture and Design with the Master of Science in Design and Merchandising with Apparel and Merchandising and Interior Design specializations.
  • In the fall of their junior year, undergraduate students in AM and IAD with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are encouraged to apply for conditional admission to the M.S. in DM, with an application deadline of Oct. 15.
  • During their senior year, students conditionally admitted to the AMP will take up to 9 credits of AM/DM/INTD 500-level, regular courses (i.e., courses ending in 00-81) of their choosing.
  • Students will complete the application to Graduate School their senior year, with a deadline of Feb. 1 so that they can be considered for funding opportunities (e.g. research or teaching assistantships).
  • Final acceptance to the Master of Science in Design and Merchandising will be confirmed when students meet the minimum graduate program and Graduate School admissions criteria following completion of their bachelor’s degrees.
  • Students may “double count” up to 9 graduate credits toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees to be counted toward the graduate degree, students must earn a “B” or better in the graduate courses taken.

How do I apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program in DM?

Applications are reviewed beginning on October 15, and then on a rolling basis thereafter. We recommend junior year as an ideal time to apply. However, will discuss the possibilities of applying at different times in your plan of study. Below are the steps toward making an application.

– Find Faculty Nominator: Identify a Design & Merchandising faculty member who can nominate you for the accelerated master’s program.
o Ask your faculty nominator to fill out this form.

– Complete Student Online Application: Go to this online form to fill out the application, which will require:
o Statement of Purpose (max 500 words)
o Resume
o Unofficial Transcript (note: required GPA is 3.5+)
o Writing Sample

All applications will be reviewed by the Design & Merchandising Graduate Committee. Please contact Dr. Laura Cole at laura.cole@colostate.edu for any questions regarding the application process.

What should I do once admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Program?

Once admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Program, students work with their advisors and the DM Graduate Coordinator to incorporate up to 9 credits of graduate coursework into their undergraduate programs of study.

What are some important considerations with the Accelerated Master’s Program?

  • Deferral of enrollment into the master’s program is not permitted; students must enter the M.S. in DM directly after completing their Bachelor of Science degree.
  • For students pursuing the Accelerated Master’s Program, there may be implications for federal student aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for details. Undergraduate students enrolled in graduate-level coursework will be required to contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about the availability of financial aid for such coursework.
  • Students must complete the Graduate School application and pay the application fee during their final year as undergraduates. Graduate applications will not be accepted earlier than one year prior to starting the graduate program.