Apply to Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

You have three different paths for applying to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program in our School of Design. Please select your path below:

– First-year students applying to enter UT Knoxville
– Transfer students from another institution applying to enter UT Knoxville
– Transfer students currently enrolled in another major at UT Knoxville

First-Year Students

A first-year student is someone who will be entering the university for the first time. For this, you will need to apply to both the university and the Graphic Design program for admittance. Seating in the first-year Graphic Design Foundations program is limited; therefore, students are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible.

• November 1 – Early-action deadline for admission to the college and deadline to apply for competitive scholarships including the category called Chancellor’s Scholarships. Admitted students will receive an email with the link to the scholarship application, which you need to complete by December 15. We strongly encourage you to apply for admission as early as possible.
• December 15 – Regular admission deadline for the University of Tennessee

There are two ways to apply online:

• Go Vols account – this portal will allow you to apply for scholarships available within UT Knoxville.
• Common application – You’ll need to activate your Go Vols account to apply for scholarships.

Once within the application, applicants need to select Graphic Design as first major choice.

Once your application has been submitted, it will first be reviewed for admission into the university. Upon admittance to UT, applications are then forwarded to our college for entrance into our School of Design’s Graphic Design Foundations year. The School of Design employs a holistic application process that considers students’ overall academic performance in combination with academic activities and review of application essay submissions.

We will communicate admission decisions in mid-December and mid-February. Upon approval, you will receive an acceptance letter directly from the School of Design with directives to secure your spot in the Foundations year.

Transfer Applicants Coming from Within UT Knoxville

Students interested in applying to the Graphic Design program from within UT Knoxville are required to attend one of our Transfer Information Sessions. During the session, many if not all of your questions about the program will be answered, and you will be provided a link to the transfer application.

These are held via Zoom which require registration prior. Once you find the time that works for you, select ‘Reserve’ and submit your details. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.

Please use this link to register for one of the dates below (all sessions will cover the same material, so do not feel obliged to attend more than once 😉

FALL 2024 and SPRING 2025 session dates:

September 5

October 3

November 7

December 5

If you wish to be considered for SP25 start, we encourage you to submit your application by December 15th.  This will give you the greatest chance for consideration.

Final session:  March 6

All Application Final Deadline: March 15th. 

Upon completing this session, transfer applicants from inside the university will be given access to the internal transfer application, which is unique to the College of Architecture and Design.

Once your application has been submitted, it will first be reviewed for admission into the School of Design’s Graphic Design Foundations program. Upon approval, you will receive an acceptance letter directly from the School of Design with directives to secure your spot.