“The Master of Arts in Design Research (MA) is designed to prepare individuals to engage the research needs of contemporary design practice. Our program is distinguished by its emphasis on design research through practice and its interdisciplinary approach to graphic design. Our degrees are built around the application of design research methods: In the first semester we emphasize disciplinary inquiry that can be used to expand the possibilities of how we think about visual communication; and in the second semester we emphasize human-centered methods that attempt to address many of the vexing issues facing society today. Our students learn rigorous processes that question, analyze, and interpret the role of design in contemporary culture and society.

For practicing designers who want to energize their practice, our one year, 3-term program’s applied emphasis allows a student to immediately transfer what they learned into the workplace. The MA shares the same curriculum as the first year of the Master of Design (MDes) program but culminates in a 1-semester Major Research Project or Major Research Paper completed under the guidance and support of a supervisor. The MA program helps students develop the applied research expertise needed in today’s workforce and offers practical and attainable means of developing a strong, forward-thinking contemporary practice. Students sharpen their design skills, gain exposure to design research methods, and learn to articulate the value of design-based innovation”.