ADMISSIONS

Transfer students go through the formal admission procedure. Applicants are asked to submit official high school transcripts as well as official transcripts from each college attended.

Transfer students may be awarded transfer credit for those courses completed at an institution accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education which are similar in content and purpose to courses offered at Design Institute.

It is required that students who seek transfer credit for courses taken at other colleges provide catalogs with course descriptions of classes from all colleges from which transfer credit is sought, if such information is not available on the internet. In most cases it will be necessary for the transferring student to submit actual work for evaluation of courses in the interior design major.

Design Institute will accept up to 45 units in the major and up to 36 units in general education taken at other accredited institutions, if they were completed with a grade of "C" or better, and if they relate to the college's degree requirements. Courses in the interior design major are reviewed and evaluated by the Program Director with relevant departmental faculty. At the discretion of the Program Director, additional units in the major may be accepted for transfer.

The Director of Academic Services is responsible for evaluating all transcripts to determine general education transfer credit appropriate to the degree.

Transfer credit is given only when the course is applicable toward the interior design major or general education categories required for the degree at Design Institute of San Diego. Additional specific general education courses may be required to support the academic major.

The final decision on the awarding of all transfer credit is made by the Director of Academic Services.

Veterans enrolled at Design Institute of San Diego may be eligible for educational benefits under the Veterans Administration Educational Benefits Program. Veterans and dependents are required to comply with Veteran Administration regulations in regard to attendance and acceptable academic progress.

Design Institute welcomes applications from students from foreign countries. Proficiency of the English language must be demonstrated by at least one of the following: transcript evidence of successful completion of course work taken in the English language either at the High School or University level; residence in a country whose native language is English; evidence of written TOEFL score of 500 or higher, computerized TOEFL score of 173 or higher, or internet-based TOEFL score of 61 or higher.

High School and college transcripts must be presented in English translation, and a grade point average of C (2.0) or better must have been earned. International students must provide verification of educational credentials from an approved international credentials' evaluation service. In addition, international students must provide a verification of financial status, notification of Health Analysis, two academic references, and submit an application fee of $25. Those interested in an International Student Application should contact the Director of Admissions.

Design Institute is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to accept foreign students. A Certificate of Eligibility Form (I-20) will be issued after the applicant has submitted all admission's material and the tuition deposit has been accepted by the college.

Visa services and English language instruction are not provided.

Design Institute will gladly assist international applicants in the application process. All international applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Admissions with questions regarding admissions, immigration advisement, and U.S. cultural or practical matters.