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-621 INTERMEDIATE FOOTWEAR DESIGN

In this course, students conduct an in-depth exploration of intermediate techniques in researching and constructing footwear. The curriculum covers patternmaking, cutting, sewing, and the creation of one shoe in several iterations of color and materials. The coursework focuses on transforming concepts from two-dimensional paper patterns into three-dimensional products, utilizing diverse materials that are integral to Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) design in footwear. Moreover, students gain insight into the operation and maintenance of industrial machinery essential to the shoemaking process.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CMD-619

DGR-711 THESIS PROJECT I

Thesis I is part one of a self-directed major project that will be the culmination of the graduate study experience. Students will critically situate the project in a specific context and will be informed by robust research methodologies. Students will develop a body of well-documented research and development work, that will underpin thematically relevant creative outcomes in part two, evidencing practical impact and/or a critical provocation.

Credits: 6

Prerequisites:

GRT-531 GRAD FOUNDATION:DIG MODELING I

This digital modeling course introduces students to digital orthographic drawing, leading to basic 3-D digital modeling and rendering using industry standard software such as Autodesk Alias and Blender. 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-775 GRADUATE INTERNSHIP 6 CREDIT

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: 6

Prerequisites:

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