M.F.A. – Color & Materials Design

Summary

The page describes College for Creative Studies’ 2026–2027 academic catalog entry for the M.F.A. in Color & Materials Design, outlining the degree requirements, including a total of 60–61 credits across four semesters. In the first year, students take courses such as Graduate Communication, Studio I (CMD Experience), Graduate Seminar, Trend Research Methods, Color Lab (Theory & Science), Digital Visualization for Color & Material Design, Studio II (CMD Brand Narratives), Material Lab (Crafted Science), Graduate Research Methods, and advanced digital visualization for CMF, along with an internship option or an assigned elective. In the second year, the curriculum includes Thesis Project I (6 credits) and Thesis Project II (6 credits), Studio III (CMD Impact) and Studio IV (CMF 360), plus applied material and processes, with additional options for independent study or assigned electives, and an internship pathway option in the final semester. It also notes that assigned electives come from an approved list with confirmation by the graduate department chair, that graduate students must maintain a required 3.0 cumulative GPA, and that Graduate Communication is contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam.

Master of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

Catalog Year 26/27

Total Credits 60-61


First Year

First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

EarnedCourse #Course TitleCredits
DGR 601 *Graduate Communication1
CMD 601Studio I: CMD Experience3
DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
CMD 604Trend Research Methods3
CMD 605Color Lab: Theory & Science3
CMD 609Digital Visualization for Color & Material Design3

Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

EarnedCourse #Course TitleCredits
CMD 602Studio II: CMD Brand Narratives3
CMD 606Material Lab: Crafted Science3
DGR 620Graduate Research Methods3
CMD 610Adv. Digital Visualization for CMF3
Choose One:DGR 775Graduate Studies Internship3
— —Assigned Elective

Second Year

Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours

EarnedCourse #Course TitleCredits
DGR 711Thesis Project I6
CMD 701Studio III: CMD Impact3
CMD 607Applied Material and Processes3
Choose One:CMD 790Color & Materials Independent Study3
— —Assigned Elective

Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

EarnedCourse #Course TitleCredits
DGR 712Thesis Project II6
CMD 702Studio IV: CMF 3603
Choose One:CMD 790Color & Materials Independent Study3
— —Assigned Elective
Choose One:DGR 775Graduate Studies Internship3
— —Assigned Elective

Additional Information

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.

GPA Requirement

Students enrolled in graduate level programs must maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Footnotes

* Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam.