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

CLA-722 ADVOCACY IN CLIMATE POLICY

In this course, students reflect on their program,studies so far and make persuasive cases for,policy and political change. Understanding global,mapping of climate action politics, business,practices, and social justice is necessary for,effective advocacy for change. Students learn,about geo-political, economic and trading factors,that impact climate change.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-640 MINOR PROJECT

“On average, it takes a (design) graduate two,years to get their first job, but 76% of Student,Award winners walk into a job or placement within,3 months.” The minor project is an opportunity,for students to diversify their portfolios and,broaden career opportunities with a project(s),taken from national and international student,design competitions. By working on briefs set,outside of the college, students can widen their,scope for employment and evidence successful,team-working on their resume and in portfolios.,It enables students to assess their professional,skills, redefine ideas and strategies for art,,media and design and provide quickly visualized,outcomes in response to creative briefs.,Students are encouraged to take risks, but also,work to their strengths. However, while there is,a range of project briefs to choose from, students,are cautioned not to venture into creative,disciplines that are beyond their skillset.,Students are required to work in teams of two or,three, and interdisciplinary groups drawn from,across programs and year groups* are strongly,encouraged.,*NOTE: The course is also offered as an elective.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

GRT-520 GRADUATE FOUNDATION STUDIO II

The graduate first-year transportation design,experience is divided into two semester-length,studios: one interior-focused, one,exterior-focused. Students taking an,interior-focused studio in the fall semester will,then take an exterior focused studio in the winter,semester, and vice versa. In both interior and,exterior studios, students will be encouraged to,pursue a user-center design approach. Incoming,graduate transportation design students will be,introduced to rendering and modeling techniques,integral to the transportation design process.,Course content may be reinforced through field,trips to local design studios and factories.,Students prepare a comprehensive presentation at,the end of semester which includes critical,self-assessment and reflection of their,developmental strengths and needs.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

GRT-701 STUDIO III: STRATEGIC BRANDING

This course will focus on the examination of brand,identity and competitive market analysis to,further the development of an original vehicle,concept. Target user research will be conducted,to assess specific needs and wants as well as to,establish contextual scenarios that will help,inform design criteria. This studio’s project,brief can be either interior or exterior focused,and students are encouraged to tailor this choice,towards the specialty they hope to pursue,professionally. This course will result in a,final exterior or interior design executed as a,technical digital 3D model data set capable of,further engineering assessment fabrication and/or,animation.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GRT 602

IXD-775 GRADUATE STUDIES-INTER DES INTERNSHIP

Participation in an internship experience allows,students to use classroom-learned skills in a,related employment experience. Students must work,a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the,entire semester. Students must have a minimum,cumulative GPA of 3.0. All internships must be,approved by the graduate program department,chairperson.,

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CMD-607 APPLIED MATERIALS & PROCESSES

In this course, students will increase their,experiential knowledge of industry standards,regarding engineered materials, manufacturing,processes, and relevant applications through a,series of local and regional field trips, guest,lectures, workshops, in-studio prototyping, and,self-led projects.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CMD 604