Design and Merchandising Frequently Asked Questions

Apparel and Merchandising

We do not require a bachelor’s degree in apparel and merchandising to apply for the Apparel and Merchandising Specialization. However, if your degree is in another field, you will need to take some undergraduate background courses to build foundational apparel and merchandising knowledge/skills needed for your graduate studies.

Interior Design

We do not require a bachelor’s degree in interior design to apply for our Interior Design Specialization. However, if your degree is in another field, you will need to take undergraduate background courses to build foundational interior architecture and design knowledge/skills needed for your graduate studies. This will extend the length of your program of graduate study.

Unfortunately, we don’t offer a doctoral degree at this time. However, our Master of Science degree gives you a solid foundation for doctoral study. Many of our graduate students go on to pursue doctoral-level work.

Yes! Visit the Graduate School site to learn about fee waivers and other options.

Yes. Please visit our assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships page.

For additional funding opportunities, please visit the Graduate School website.

For information about course fees, please visit Student Financial Services.

Visit CSU’s academic calendar.

We do not require the GRE as part of the application process for the Master of Science in Design and Merchandising degree at Colorado State University.

English Proficiency Exam Scores

CSU requires that proficiency in the English language be demonstrated either by the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic tests prior to admission.

• TOEFL minimum score – 550 (paper-based), 80 (Internet-based)
• IELTS minimum score – 6.5
• Duolingo minimum score – 120
• PTE minimum score – 58

Official scores, taken within two years prior to admission, must be submitted directly from the testing agency.

Please request that official examination scores be reported to Colorado State University. Use CSU institution code 4075 when submitting scores. Photocopies will not be accepted.

International applicants need to complete the following:

• Request that official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE examination scores be reported to Colorado State University – use CSU institution code: 4075.
  • Photocopies will not be accepted.
• Request that official international paper transcripts and certified translations from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended be sent to Office of Admissions, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062.
  • Colorado State University transcripts are not required.
• Request three letters of recommendation; you will be asked to provide names and contact information for those writing letters when you complete the online application.
• Submit the Application fee to the Office of Admissions.
  • Once the application fee is received, your application will be processed.
  • If applying to more than one department, a nonrefundable application fee is required for each application submitted.
• Obtain a student visa.
  • Once you are admitted, you will receive information from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) about the process to obtain an F or J student visa.
  • An overview of this process can be found on the ISSS website: first, you receive an immigration document from CSU (steps here) and then you apply for a visa with the US government (steps here).
  • If you already hold a US visa that allows for full-time study (such as H4, L2, or E2), you can indicate this on your application and will not need to obtain a student visa.

Most graduate courses are offered during evening hours and on-campus. However, the department may offer some daytime and online courses during certain semesters and/or summer session.

A transfer evaluation is conducted to evaluate how a student’s previous coursework can count toward the degree requirements of the Department. Only six transfer credits may be applied to the Design and Merchandising master’s degree.