Apply or Declare
Current UW–Madison students can find more information about joining the School of Human Ecology here!
Apply vs declare
What does it mean to apply?
Applying is a competitive process for students who do not meet minimum eligibility requirements. Applications open on the first day of the fall or spring semester and are due on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
What does it mean to declare?
Declaration is a non-competitive process for students who meet minimum eligibility requirements. After filling out the declaration form, you will be added to your major or certificate within five business days.
Apply to or declare a major
Declaration
Students with fewer than 60 credits completed at UW–Madison, a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, and not on probation are eligible to declare.
Application
All students who do not meet declaration criteria must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
Declaration
Students within their first year of enrollment at UW–Madison, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and not on academic probation may declare. Students starting in a fall semester may declare in the summer after their first year.
Application
All students who do not meet declaration criteria must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
Declaration
Students with fewer than 60 credits completed at UW–Madison, a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, and not on probation are eligible to declare.
Application
All students who do not meet declaration criteria must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
Declaration
Students with fewer than 60 credits completed at UW–Madison, a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, and not on probation are eligible to declare.
Application
All students who do not meet declaration criteria must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
Interior Architecture has a selective admission process with a sequence of Phase 1 and Phase 2 courses. Prospective students must complete Phase 1 courses to be eligible to apply for admission into Phase 2 of the program. Phase 2 is limited to 32 spaces and applications are accepted once a year in the spring semester.
Declaration
Students with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA are eligible to declare the pre-Interior Architecture major (Phase One). Eligible students should meet with an academic advisor as early as possible after declaration.
Application
After completing DS 120, 252, and 221, and while enrolled in DS 220 and 140, students apply for admission to Phase 2. The Phase 2 application opens later in the spring semester, and decisions are released in the summer.
Declaration
Students within their first year of enrollment at UW–Madison, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and not on academic probation may declare. Students starting in a fall semester may declare in the summer after their first year.
Application
All students who do not meet declaration criteria must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
Declaration
Students with fewer than 60 credits completed at UW–Madison, a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, and not on probation are eligible to declare.
Application
All students who do not meet declaration criteria must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
Apply to or declare a certificate
All undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible to declare the Design Strategy Certificate.
All students interested in the Material Culture Studies Certificate must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
All students interested in the Textiles and Design Certificate must apply. The application is available the first day of fall and spring semesters and closes on the 5th Friday of the semester at 4pm central.
How to apply
Application Policies
- Students can apply for multiple majors and certificates, but must fill out a separate application for each program.
- Students can apply to a Human Ecology department a maximum of two times.
- To be eligible to apply, students must be in good academic standing with their current school or college.
- Students may formally appeal a denied admission decision.
- No late applications are accepted.
Timeline
- Applications are accepted twice a year and are open until the 5th Friday of the respective semester at 4pm (Central Time).
- Students are notified of admission decision approximately one month after the application deadline.
- Decisions will be released prior to enrollment.
Criteria for Admission
Faculty Admissions committees will review all applicants and will give preference to students who have some or all of the following:
- Competitive GPA
- Successful completion of some coursework in the major
- Experience (paid or volunteer) in work related to the major
- Other life experiences that show a commitment to the major
- Career goals that are a good fit with the major
- Life experiences and personal characteristics that will enrich our learning community
- High quality application materials, including evidence of strong writing skills
Class standing (sophomore, junior, or senior) will also be considered in admissions decisions as it is necessary to have a balance of students across the different classes in the program.
Admission depends both on the quality of the application materials and on the availability of space in the program.
Essay Prompt
In no more than 500 words, please tell us what you hope to gain by pursuing this major, and what you would bring to the School of Human Ecology. Please note career goals/plans, relevant job or volunteer experience, and/or life experiences related to this major.
Special Circumstances (Optional)
If applicable, please describe any special or extenuating circumstances that have impacted your academic performance that you would like to bring to the attention of the admissions committee (200 words or less).
Ready to take the next step?
Thinking about joining Human Ecology? Explore your options and connect with our team to find the path that’s right for you.