Design, M.F.A.

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Design, M.F.A.: 3-year sequence  

Introduction

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design provides a unique and collaborative program that engages students across a wide range of design disciplines. The MFA in Design is a terminal degree that qualifies graduates for careers in higher education as well as work in a range of professional positions within the design industry and other creative fields.

Students within the program take both theoretical and practice-based design courses to develop their critical thinking and making skills. This coursework allows students to identify a focus area for their degrees. Students also complete several cross-disciplinary courses to further personalize their research focuses. Students’ experiences culminate in final thesis projects that demonstrate mastery within their chosen fields/disciplines.

Students take 30 credits of required “core” courses and select the remaining 30 credits from an array of options to support their professional goals. Design-oriented coursework can include studies in animation, game design, graphic design, illustration, industrial design, interior design, interactive media, studio art, and design history. Cross-disciplinary coursework engages classes in other fields of study, including but not limited to art, psychology, and business. The flexibility provided by this program encourages collaboration across disciplines. Participation in this collaboration allows students to respond to the professional expectations of higher education and the practicing design profession.

Graduates of the MFA in Design will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the global, cultural, and technological context of design.
2. Engage in collaboration across disciplines to address advanced design problems and create innovation.
3. Critique processes and methodologies used in contemporary design practice.
4. Evaluate design perspectives and precedents related to process, aesthetics, creativity, and societal need.
5. Explore and utilize appropriate design methods and tools to support creative and theoretical research.
6. Implement ethical research, leadership, and business methods in personal design practice.
7. Practice sustainable and responsible design.
8. Identify and apply appropriate methodologies to design education, practice, and research.
9. Create and evaluate advanced design solutions.
10. Disseminate novel design-related knowledge.

Admission

To apply for admission to the MFA in Design program, students need to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Graduate School Application
2. Completed MFA in Design Program Application: This application requires a visual portfolio, a personal statement of goals and objectives for graduate study, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Applicants need to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in design, art, or a related field prior to beginning the program. The minimum undergraduate GPA for entrance is 3.0.

Requirements

1. A minimum of at least 60 semester hours of graduate credit with an overall graduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
2. One-half of the minimum credits required for graduation from this program must be in graduate-level only (700/800) courses.
3. Successful creative thesis project completion.
4. Approval for degree candidacy at the appropriate time.
5. Program requirements completed in seven years.

General Requirements
Master of Fine Arts Degree

Total for Graduation:	60 credits
Core Curriculum:	30 credits
Focus Curriculum:	21 credits
Focus Electives:	9 credits