MFA in Design in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The two-year MFA in Design program fosters interdisciplinary exploration through research and practice grounded in social and environmental awareness. Our graduate students collaborate with distinguished design faculty at a leading public research university, benefiting from comprehensive funding via Teaching Assistant (TA) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) roles. They engage with experts across the Design Department and university, spanning specialties like design theory, fashion, interactive media, textiles, visual communication, and beyond. The program promotes cross-disciplinary partnerships, connecting students with faculty from arts and humanities to sciences, agriculture, and professional fields like medicine and law.

Participants refine their research and creative work while examining pivotal design concepts in history, theory, and methodology. Core coursework guides cohorts through shared learning experiences, while advanced classes and independent studies support individualized thesis development. Key courses include: Design Theory & Issues, Design Research Methods & Critical Writing, Professional Practice & Ethics, Studio Practice, Critique, and Exhibition Design. The program concludes with a written thesis, creative project, and final exhibition.