Introduction
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Overview
Form, function, and experience tell a story of considered design and the best possible outcome. The industrial design masters will enhance your career success by further developing your knowledge in the design process and technology. This project-based program allows you to explore design theory, design history, and human-centered design. You will conduct unique research on various topics of interest, which will further your understanding of the industry and society. As you conclude your studies, you will obtain hands-on experience in technical competence, analytical thought, sustainability, and transdisciplinary collaboration, all key to fueling your career.
The MFA in industrial design is for career enhancement or redirection. The educational experience is project-oriented, requiring research into design methods and technologies. Cross-disciplinary collaboratives provide an experiential dimension.
The first year of study includes seminar courses in design history and research, which are common to all graduate students in the School of Design. In addition, studio courses involve extensive design work with respect to sustainability, design process, the meaning of artifacts, and critical analysis. Additional course work using three-dimensional software for modeling and fabrication fills out the program.
In the second year, students conduct research and develop a thesis project, which is presented in a graduate thesis exhibition or presentation and is documented in a written thesis report.
Industries
Design
Consumer Packaged Goods
Manufacturing
Fashion
Typical Job Titles
Industrial Designer
Product Designer
Curriculum
Industrial design, MFA degree, typical course sequence
First Year
IDDE-701 Design Laboratory I
IDDE-703 Function of Form
IDDE-705 2D Ideation and Visualization
VCDE-701 Design History Seminar
IDDE-702 Design Laboratory II
IDDE-704 Form of Function
IDDE-706 Integrated Design Visualization
IDDE-711 Design Research and Proposal
Second Year
IDDE-790 Thesis: Research and Planning
IDDE-890 Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation
Free Electives
Art History Elective
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MFA program in industrial design, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Complete a graduate application.
Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
Submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates strong design skills, visual sophistication, and aesthetic awareness. (Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.)
Submit a personal statement of educational objectives detailing the professional goals the candidate wishes to achieve, and the attributes the candidate brings to graduate study.
Submit three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
