University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Design is an Investment Worth Making

The MFA in Design was developed in response to shifts in the world economy that have moved the boundaries of design. Global competition, a workplace that increasingly values creative workers, the increasing role of evidence-based design, and the search for sustainability have created the need for a new model for graduate education in design. The MFA in Design prepares students to become transformational practitioners and educators with a focus on innovation, breaking boundaries, design leadership and sustainable models of practice.
 
UW-Stout is uniquely positioned to offer this cross-disciplinary graduate program. With contributing programs already established in graphic, industrial, multimedia and interior design, and a diverse, talented faculty, the School of Art and Design can provide a collaborative environment unlike any other in this region. You’ll use your talent to create from concept to capability to culture.
 

Mapping Meaningful Experiences

This graduate degree is intended to prepare people to pursue roles in the academic community and as design professionals and leaders. The program provides a unique opportunity for experiential learning and design-based research through collaborative faculty-student projects that reach across design disciplines. Courses will be delivered through a variety of methods including on-site courses, online, evening, weekend and intensive summer courses.
 

Measuring Success

The MFA in Design is a 60 credit, terminal creative degree – which is the highest possible degree in the arts. This program is built on inter-disciplinary coursework in Art and Design that builds on each student’s individual knowledge base, interests and talents. Varied coursework in Ethics and Social Responsibility, Research Practices, Sustainability, the Historical and Cultural Context of Design and Interdisciplinary Design Studios contribute to a broad understanding of the possibilities of design.