Summary
The page outlines the College for Creative Studies’ 2026–2027 M.F.A. in Transportation Design degree requirements, showing a total of 60–61 credits and a two-year, four-semester curriculum. It specifies first-year courses such as Graduate Communication, studio work for exterior messaging and interior experience, digital visualization, analytical drawing/rendering, a graduate seminar, transportation design seminar, and 3D rendering/animation components, along with second-semester research methods and portfolio development. In the second year, students complete Thesis Project I and II (6 credits each), additional studio courses focused on strategic branding and professional focus, and choose either a Graduate Studies Internship or electives for remaining credit requirements. The catalog also notes that assigned electives come from an approved list confirmed with the graduate department chair, that students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and that one course is contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam.
Master of Fine Arts Three Year Degree Requirements
Catalog Year 26/27
Total Credits 72-91
First Year
12-31 Credit Hours †
First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours
| Earned | Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DGR 601 * | Graduate Communication | 1 | |
| GRT 519E / GRT 519I | Graduate Foundation Studio I | 3 | |
| GRT 521 | Grad Foundation: | 3 | |
| GRT 531 | Grad Foundation: | 3 | |
| — — | Assigned Elective | 3 | |
| — — | Assigned Elective | 3 |
Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Earned | Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRT 520E / GRT 520I | Grad Foundation Studio II | 3 | |
| GRT 522 | Grad Foundation: Visual Communication II | 3 | |
| GRT 532 | Grad Foundation: | 3 | |
| — — | Assigned Elective | 3 | |
| — — | Assigned Elective | 3 |
Second Year
Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Earned | Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRT 601 | Studio I: Exterior Messaging | 3 | |
| GRT 605 | Digital Viscom I | 3 | |
| GRT 607 | Analytical Drawing & Rendering I | 3 | |
| DGR 613 | Graduate Seminar | 3 | |
| 7 WK -F1 | GRT 609 | Transportation Design Seminar | 1.5 |
| 7 WK -F2 | GRT 611 | 3D Rendering & Animation I | 1.5 |
Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Earned | Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRT 602 | Studio II: Interior Experience | 3 | |
| GRT 606 | Digital Viscom II | 3 | |
| GRT 608 | Analytical Drawing & Rendering II | 3 | |
| DGR 620 | Graduate Research Methods | 3 | |
| 7 WK -F1 | GRT 610 | Portfolio Development | 1.5 |
| 7 WK -F2 | GRT 612 | 3D Rendering & Animation II | 1.5 |
Third Year
Fifth Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Earned | Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DGR 711 | Thesis Project I | 6 | |
| GRT 701 | Studio III: Strategic Branding | 3 | |
| Choose One: | DGR 775 | Graduate Studies Internship | 3 |
| — — | Elective | ||
| — — | Elective | 3 |
Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Earned | Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DGR 712 | Thesis Project II | 6 | |
| GRT 702 | Studio IV: Professional Focus | 3 | |
| — — | Elective | 3 | |
| — — | Elective | 3 |
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.
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.
GPA Requirement
Students enrolled in graduate level programs must maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Footnotes
* Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam.
† Year One is customized based on the Department Chair’s recommendation and Plan of Work.