Design BFA Pre-major Application

The 2024-2025 BFA Pre-Major application is closed. Check back in January 2025 for details on the 2025-2026 application.

 

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Design. The annual admission process for the Design BFA Pre-Major is highly competitive and occurs every winter quarter for the subsequent fall quarter start. Please note that all application materials must be submitted online. Applications sent by mail, email, or after the deadline will not be considered.

Design BFA Pre-Major applications are carefully reviewed by the Design faculty. Each application is evaluated based on a demonstrated understanding of visual communication, technical proficiency, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Please note that all applications are reviewed simultaneously, irrespective of submission date. Whether you apply early or closer to the deadline, rest assured that each submission will receive equal consideration.

The pre-major courses follow a sequential structure, commencing in fall quarter. Applicants should note that most of these courses are offered only once a year and are prerequisites for winter quarter courses. Transfer students are highly encouraged to plan for fall quarter admission at Western.

Thank you for considering WWU's Department of Design for your academic pursuits. We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the best throughout the admission process.

Design BFA pre-major important application dates:

  • Admission application opens - January 10, 2024 12pm noon
  • Admission application deadline - March 27, 2024 12pm noon
  • Notification of admission - applicants will be notified of admission decisions on April 17, 2024

Portfolio

The portfolio should consist of seven specific assignments – see link below – plus three projects of your choice. These additional three projects can be of any media such as drawings, paintings, photography, graphics, printmaking, etc. They can also consist of documentation of your design process for any of the seven assignments (sketches, thumbnails, iterations, etc.), demonstrating your conceptual and visual potential in the design field.

Candidate Statement

A short, typed statement (150 words, maximum) detailing your interest in the program as well as your long-term goals within the design field.

Portfolio Format

  • A PDF, 8.5 x 11 inches, portrait orientation.
  • The first page should be your name and the Candidate Statement described above.
  • Use the defined number of pages for each assignment and one page for each personal project. Titles or captions are optional.
  • Make sure photos and scans of any work are good quality; images should be a minimum of 1080 px (width or height) and 150 px/inch resolution.

Instructions and examples for each of the seven assignments

File size and format

The format for all attached files must be .pdf and not exceed a combined total of 16 MB. Check for proper functioning of files and links, and proofread for spelling/grammatical errors.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

Status message

Sorry…This form is closed to new submissions.

Note: First-Year student WWU admissions decisions occur beginning in March 2024. You have until May 1 to confirm your intent to enroll.

WWU Admissions Information

If you have any questions while submitting your material for review, please email design@wwu.edu.