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Curriculum: MASTER of the Arts

The goal of the MFA in Design Program will be to provide advanced studies in design in three key areas: visual communication (print, exhibition and multimedia), interior architecture, and textile and fashion design. Graduate studies will blend a breadth of understanding about issues in design, responsible practice, sustainable design practices, history of design, and research methodology with focused research and creative projects in each of the key areas of the program. Graduates of the major will be prepared for careers in both academia and professional practice.

While and idea of the emphasis areas may be evident by their titles, the following descriptions expand on understanding of the disciplines within design. These fields of design are also emphasis areas in the undergraduate major.

Interior Architecture includes study, design and creation of interior environments, furnishings and finish materials for both functional and aesthetic objectives; coordination of interior design with building structural, mechanical and electrical, acoustic, lighting communication systems; new materials (especially environmentally appropriate) and their uses, reuse and waste management of products; color theory and environmental perception; psychological and sociological environmental behavior issues, and history are other general areas of study.

Textile Arts and Fashion Design includes study, design and creation of textiles for clothing, structures, carpet, drapery and other consumer products such as upholstery and household “linens” in print, woven and composite forms, and the study, design and creation of clothing for fashion, functional gear, and a range of user groups from children to elderly and disabled individuals. Other issues in the area include the use, reuse, and waste management of textile materials, textile construction and chemistry, and social, historical and psychological aspects of textile and fashion design.

Visual Communication includes the study, design and creation of communication tools and products in the visual realm with respect to educational or informational impact in print, digital, film and three-dimensional media. Psychological issues, history of media, and perception and intent of visual communications are also areas of potential learning.

Information on the Design major and Environmental Sciences can also be found in the:
UC Davis General Catalog.

For up-to-date information regarding changes to design courses and curriculum that may not be listed in the UC Davis General Catalog please check the:
2006-2008 General Catalog Course Supplement and Policies & Requirements Addendum.