Category: Academic Programs & Courses

M.F.A. – Interdisciplinary Design Studies

Master of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

First Year

First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 601Graduate Communication1*
GID 601Interdisciplinary Studio I3
DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
DGR 635Design Thinking3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Graduate Course Option3
*Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam

Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
GID 602Interdisciplinary Studio II3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Elective3
DGR 620Graduate Research Methods3
Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 711Thesis Project I6
DGR 631Written Thesis3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Graduate Course Option3
Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 712Thesis Project II6
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Elective3
— —Elective3

Catalog Year 24/25

Total Credits: 60/61

Graduate Course Option – Interdisciplinary Design Studies (IDS) students will work with their Graduate Department Chair to determine course selections for this requirement and develop a plan of work for their program. Must be approved prior to registration by the Graduate Department Chair.

Elective – Studio or Lecture course from the Graduate (or Undergraduate) level. Must be approved prior to registration by the Graduate Department Chair. Additional permission may be required for confirmed UG credits.

Students enrolled in Graduate Level Programs must maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA.

M.A. – Interdisciplinary Design Studies

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

First Year

First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 601Graduate Communication1*
GID 601Interdisciplinary Studio I3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Graduate Course Option3
DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
DGR 635Design Thinking3
*Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam

Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
GID 602Interdisciplinary Studio II3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Graduate Course Option3
— —Elective3
DGR 650Final Project3

Catalog Year 24/25

Total Credits: 30/31

Graduate Course Option – Interdisciplinary Design Studies (IDS) students will work with their Graduate Department Chair to determine course selections for this requirement and develop a plan of work for their program. Must be approved prior to registration by the Graduate Department Chair.

Elective – Studio or Lecture course from the Graduate (or Undergraduate) level. Must be approved prior to registration by the Graduate Department Chair. Additional permission may be required for confirmed UG credits.

Students enrolled in Graduate Level Programs must maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA.

M.F.A. – Color & Materials Design

Master of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

First Year

First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 601Graduate Communication1*
CMD 601Studio I: CMD Experience3
DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
CMD 604Trend Research Methods3
CMD 605Color Lab: Theory & Science3
CMD 609Digital Visualization for Color & Materials Design3
*Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam

Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
CMD 602Studio II: CMD Brand Narratives3
CMD 606Material Lab: Crafted Science3
DGR 620Graduate Research Methods3
DGR 721Professional Practice3
DGR 775Graduate Studies Internship3*
—–Assigned Elective3*
*Choose one of the indicated courses.

Second Year

Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 711Thesis Project I6
CMD 701Studio III: CMD Impact3
CMD 607Applied Material and Processes3
DGR 631Written Thesis3

Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 712Thesis Project II6
CMD 702Studio IV: CMF 3603
CMD 790Color & Materials Independent Study3*
—–Assigned Elective3*
DGR 775Graduate Studies Internship3†
—–Assigned Elective3†
*Choose one of the indicated courses.
†Choose one of the indicated courses.

Catalog Year 24/25

Total Credits: 30/31

Assigned Electives – Studio or Lecture course assigned from a specific list of approved courses. Students are required to meet with their Graduate Department Chair for final confirmation of elective selection, prior to registration.

Students enrolled in Graduate Level Programs must maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA.

M.A. – Color & Materials Design

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

First Year

First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
DGR 601Graduate Communication1*
CMD 601Studio I: CMD Experience3
DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
CMD 604Trend Research Methods3
CMD 605Color Lab: Theory & Science3
CMD 609Digital Visualization for Color & Materials Design3
*Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam

Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

Course #Course TitleCredits
CMD 602Studio II: CMD Brand Narratives3
CMD 606Material Lab: Crafted Science3
DGR 620Graduate Research Methods3
DGR 650Final Project
DGR 775Graduate Studies Internship3*
—–Assigned Elective3*
*Choose one of the indicated courses.

Catalog Year 24/25

Total Credits: 30/31

Assigned Electives – Studio or Lecture course assigned from a specific list of approved courses. Students are required to meet with their Graduate Department Chair for final confirmation of elective selection, prior to registration.

Students enrolled in Graduate Level Programs must maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA.

GID-601 INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIO I

This is the first of two studio courses on the MA,and MFA Interdisciplinary Studies,programs. These studio courses enable students to,explore modes of interdisciplinary,and collaborative practice. Building on,multidisciplinary experiences and technical,knowledge from option courses, or in other,programs of study, students will explore and,develop frameworks for anti-siloed practices that,extend laterally across numerous disciplines, and,when possible, outside of art and design.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

GID-602 INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIO II

This is the second of two studio courses on the MA,and MFA Interdisciplinary Studies,programs. These studio courses enable students to,explore modes of interdisciplinary,and collaborative practice. Building on,multidisciplinary experiences and technical,knowledge from option courses, or in other,programs of study, students will explore and,develop frameworks for anti-siloed practices that,extend laterally across numerous disciplines, and,when possible, outside of art and design.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GID 601

CMD-622 ADVANCED FOOTWEAR DESIGN

Within this course, students engage with advanced,techniques in crafting luxury footwear, fostering,an inclusive environment with a curriculum that,includes advanced patternmaking, cutting, sewing,,and the creation of varied footwear styles,,including pumps, boots, sandals, and sneaker,constructions. The final outcome will result in,students producing a footwear collection,,developing a deep understanding of diverse color,and finish strategies for materials and hardware,,and reflecting on a spectrum of cultural,influences. Students are trained on various,industrial machines and how to make sole and heel,components with leather, including high-heel,attachment techniques. This inclusive approach,nurtures skills in CMF design while acknowledging,and valuing diverse perspectives, cultural,influences, and material choices in the field of,footwear design.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CMD-621

DGR-644 RAPID PROTOTYPING: PLA-Y

In this course, students will acquire a working,knowledge of the main 3D printing methods using a,range of basic equipment and PLA Filament. ,Turning ideas into objects and swatches, students,will become familiar with the software and related,tools that are used for prototyping with 3D,printers. Students will explore producing their,own 3D filament, with a focus on creating,sustainable and environmentally friendly material,options.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

GRT-605 DIGITAL VISCOM I

This course introduces multiple 3D modeling and,rendering tools, techniques, and processes,required for both analyzing and realizing complex,formal design expressions. These are then,executed as final, technical digital 3D model data,sets that are capable of further engineering,assessment and fabrication. Special attention is,given to the rapid exploration and development of,3D vehicle exterior form through extensive use of,a range of 3D digital modeling and rendering,software including Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot,,Blender &/or Unreal Engine.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

IXD-605 USER INTERFACE DESIGN

This course introduces the fundamental concepts,,methods, and practices of UI design, emphasizing,the crucial interconnection between User,Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design.,The course covers the step-by-step process of,creating a user interface, including ideation,,prototyping, iteration, and implementation. It,will familiarize its students with technical,aspects, design tools, methodologies, and,techniques commonly used in the industry. Students,delve into the UI development process through a,blend of individual exploration and collaborative,teamwork. They gain hands-on experience and refine,their abilities to express and communicate their,ideas through narrative media and deliver visual,mockups and prototypes. The User Interface Design,course adopts an in-studio format that cultivates,an environment supportive of group discussions,,constructive critiques, and compelling,presentations. This structure ensures that,students understand the complexities within UX and,UI Design and prepares them to thrive in this,dynamic and constantly evolving field.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: