About Our MFA Program

School of Industrial Design

About Our MFA Program

Diversification within the Industrial Design graduate curriculum allows for concentrations in transportation, product and furniture design. Graduate studio courses hone the graduate student's mastery of industrial design skill sets that visually communicate ideas accurately. Graduate Students will work on independent and group projects under technical and creative guidance from professional faculty.

The program emphasizes the identification and resolution of design problems and the nurturing of creativity and innovation. Graduate students will achieve expert skills in digital technology, and problem solving. The graduate student is guided by professionals and faculty in the achievement of an individually conceived Final Thesis Project. This project will incorporate the graduate student's personal creativity, through analytical skill, concept, aesthetic sensitivity and human factors. Each student must present the completed Final Thesis Project to a formal Committee for approval.

School of Industrial Design

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

MFA graduates of the School of Industrial Design will meet the following student performance criteria:

1. MFA Thesis Project

   • Students will develop an IDS Thesis hypothesis, which is a structured introduction of artifacts that defines a social, economic and technical expression of design as a tool for a specified result. Their final thesis must present a cohesive story in a professional graphic manner without a verbal presentation. Students are required to present to a professional review committee and peers prior to being granted an MFA degree.

2. Tools / Skills

   • Ability to freehand sketch in scale with definition of details, sections, parting lines and exploded views for artifacts.
   • Ability to apply advanced 2D and 3D computer drawing and rendering skills to design artifacts.
   • Ability to produce quality iterative models from initial form studies to final models of designs.
   • Ability to link user interface with hardware design of products.
   • Ability to design innovative objects that reflect ergonomic, mechanical, technical and cost considerations.
   • Ability to utilize relevant technical and digital tools with proficiency including accurate mechanical requirements for the making of production artifacts.

3. Conceptual / Critical Thinking

   • Ability to identify critical social, economic or technical factors ton include in a design brief.
   • Ability to conduct observational and ethnographic research.
   • Ability to conduct market trends and brand influences for design criteria and evaluation.
   • Ability to incorporate research outcomes into design process.
   • Ability to site historical context for conceptual design ideas and innovations.
   • Ability to synthesize conceptual design criteria, business drivers and market trends into an aesthetic design language.
   • Ability to apply color, material definition and manufacturing processes as a criteria for design and mechanical outcomes.
   • Ability to recognize and design for efficiency, sustainability and cost effective products.
   • Ability to design effective narrative structure/story telling to sell a design concept.
   • Ability to incorporate systems thinking and management of the design process.

4. Outreach Communication

   • Ability to give professional quality presentations using information graphics and visual ideation methods for decision making.
   • Ability to communicate and conduct effective dialogue including visual, verbal, and written means for control of design outcomes.
   • Ability to evaluate their own work and the work of their peers aesthetically, technically, and conceptually.
   • Ability to define effective time management, schedules and agendas for conducting meetings.
   • Ability to accept and apply critiques as it influences the social, economic and technical outcomes.
   • Ability to work effectively in a team and accept a leadership role when merited.
   • Ability to network with professionals within their group and outside their specific field.

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

For application and portfolio requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions at 800-544-2787 or info@academyart.edu.

^ back to top