MA in Applied Design - Furniture Design and Woodworking in San Diego United States | San Diego State University

The Furniture Design and Woodworking concentration falls under the Applied Design focus within the Art degree program. This specialization aims to guide students in cultivating a refined artistic vision, blending intellectual growth, aesthetic sensibility, and technical skills to align with their professional aspirations.

The coursework is designed to expand knowledge of Woodworking as a discipline, examining both its historical roots and modern applications through research, hands-on exploration, and analysis of key topics in art and design. Equal importance is placed on mastering techniques, fostering creativity, and pushing boundaries through experimentation. Though furniture creation serves as the primary concentration, alternative artistic directions are equally supported. The program also investigates using unconventional materials like metal, glass, recycled paper, cement, and repurposed items for furniture and sculptural pieces. Students are urged to collaborate across disciplines and consider international study programs to gain fresh viewpoints.

While undergraduate studies maintain a foundation in classic woodcraft and furniture construction, equal focus is given to cultivating concepts that engage with modern artistic discourse. The instructional approach combines classroom teaching, practical workshops, and presentations by both resident and guest artists. Although furniture remains the central theme, diverse creative methodologies are embraced. The program further examines incorporating atypical materials such as metal sheets, transparent panels, pressed fiber, cement mixtures, and salvaged objects into functional and sculptural works. The School of Art's flexible framework promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling furniture students to engage with photography, three-dimensional arts, two-dimensional media, and other departments. Students encounter various techniques for both traditional and alternative materials while investigating artistic meaning and studying modern visual language alongside its historical influences. Classes balance inventive conceptual development with hands-on skill building. The workshop environment accommodates detailed carving, structural joinery for frames and cabinets, layered wood techniques, rotational forming, and surface treatments. Qualified participants may undertake specialized independent projects or participate in global academic exchanges.