Where We Are Going
As designers in this new and complex era we must be catalysts of change–not the sole creative genius to sell a great idea but an empathic, listening facilitator who takes our powerful design tools out of the studio and places them in the hands of people at the grass roots of these many and various challenges. We must partner with people like this:
- The food studies expert who is wrestling with how to scale and propagate an innovation to combat food deserts.
- The activist who is trying to communicate the need for a collective re-envisioning of land and resource use and stewardship in the face of infrastructure change.
- The clinician who is trying to find affordable ways to create adaptations for people with disabilities to enable them to have a more independent life.
Overall we must find ways to co-create a regenerative future for society, people and planet in which we can all not just survive but thrive.
The Design M.F.A.
The design M.F.A. is a two-year graduate program that engages students in collaborative practice within a dynamic, multidisciplinary studio environment. This professional graduate program breaks down boundaries and brings together students, faculty, communities and businesses to work collaboratively on the world’s significant problems for the greater good.
We offer a dynamic multidisciplinary studio environment within a tier-one, research-led university. This professional graduate program is designed to operate across disciplinary boundaries collaborating with experts across the University and beyond working in a spirit of co-creation and participation to together seek to understand and find collective solutions to some of the most entrenched systemic issues facing people and planet.
- Do you see the potential of design in addressing social impact?
- Are you excited by the idea of co-creating responses to systemic societal issues?
- Do you understand that these issues are too complex and entangled to work on alone as a designer?
- Are you looking for a community to learn with, and create stories of hope?
- Do you want to work with others to research the issues, define the problems, and co-create solutions?
If so, come and join us.
The program intersects design thinking with a specific area of focus, allowing for in-depth exploration of major issues with a variety of industry and research partners. The M.F.A. in design is closely aligned with the internationally recognized strengths of Syracuse University, allowing design to be integrated with various campus-wide initiatives. Examples include:
We are proud of our alumni, who come from across the globe, including China, India, Pakistan, Syria, Taiwan and New York State (Brooklyn and Syracuse).
A background in design is normally required for admission, although we have in the past had exceptional candidates who can demonstrate an affinity with design practice through their prior experience and learning. If you think you are this person, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can discuss your interest in the program.
All students will attend a summer orientation to gain an understanding of the many opportunities for focused research on our campus. They are also required to take Design Thinking and Strategies (DES 601) in preparation for the fall semester.
New Project Example: Design Project Class DES 772
