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-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

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-521 GRAD FOUNDATION:VISUAL COMM I

In this course, graduate transportation students,review basic drawing skills of perspective and,form rendering. Convincing description of original,designs via multiple perspective views and tonal,modeling to describe form is stressed. Through,group analysis of work, students learn how to,improve their skills, as well as how to,professionally give and receive constructive,criticism. 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-702 STUDIO IV: PROFESSIONAL FOCUS

This course has two main components. The first,half of the semester will concentrate on the,completion of a compressed project. This can be a,stand-alone mini-project that provides yet another,opportunity in the area of desired professional,specialization, or the project can be an extension,and completion of the one conducted in the,previous semesters’ GRT-701. For example, if a,vehicle exterior was the focus for GRT-701, the,mini project in GRT-702 could be the interior for,that exterior or vice versa. The second half of,the semester will then focus on the finalization,and refinement of student portfolios and online,promotional presence in preparation for the end of,the year exhibition and industry interviews. 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 701

IXD-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-619 FOOTWEAR DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS

In this course, students will explore the process,of designing a research-driven,,culturally-appropriate, and professionally,presented footwear collection. Students will gain,insight into conducting trend- and self-led,research to translate into marketable concepts for,entrepreneurial or industry landscapes,,understanding how color, material and finish can,play an influential role within the design process,of the product. The knowledge acquired in the,course will be applied by students to construct a,comprehensive design package that includes key,elements such as mood and lifestyle boards, color,schemes, material selection, illustrations, and,technical drawings.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: