Design M.F.A.

The Design M.F.A.

The design M.F.A. is a two-year graduate program that engages students in collaborative practice within a dynamic, multidisciplinary studio environment. This professional graduate program breaks down boundaries and brings together students, faculty, communities and businesses to work collaboratively on the world’s significant problems for the greater good.

We offer a dynamic multidisciplinary studio environment within a tier-one, research-led university. This professional graduate program is designed to operate across disciplinary boundaries collaborating with experts across the University and beyond working in a spirit of co-creation and participation to together seek to understand and find collective solutions to some of the most entrenched systemic issues facing people and planet.

• Do you see the potential of design in addressing social impact?
• Are you excited by the idea of co-creating responses to systemic societal issues?
• Do you understand that these issues are too complex and entangled to work on alone as a designer?
• Are you looking for a community to learn with, and create stories of hope?
• Do you want to work with others to research the issues, define the problems, and co-create solutions?

If so, come and join us.

The program intersects design thinking with a specific area of focus, allowing for in-depth exploration of major issues with a variety of industry and research partners. The M.F.A. in design is closely aligned with the internationally recognized strengths of Syracuse University, allowing design to be integrated with various campus-wide initiatives. Examples include:

• Sustainability (Syracuse CoE, Biomaterials Institute)
• Entrepreneurship (Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Blackstone LaunchPad)
• Social innovation (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, College of Law)
• Aging and disability studies (Aging Studies Institute, School of Education Center on Human Policy)

We are proud of our alumni, who come from across the globe, including China, India, Pakistan, Syria, Taiwan and New York State (Brooklyn and Syracuse).

A background in design is normally required for admission, although we have in the past had exceptional candidates who can demonstrate an affinity with design practice through their prior experience and learning. If you think you are this person, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can discuss your interest in the program.

All students will attend a summer orientation to gain an understanding of the many opportunities for focused research on our campus. They are also required to take Design Thinking and Strategies (DES 601) in preparation for the fall semester.