Industrial Design (MFA)

MFA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
• Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
  1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
  1 Professional Practices & Communications course
  1 Major Designated Graduate Liberal Arts course

Additional Information

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
• Demonstrate the feasibility of their thesis project
• Explain the relevance of their project to their professional goals
• Complete an approved body of work which represents an advanced level of achievement in their area of focus

Research & Analysis

• Clearly define the problem/opportunity, hypothesis, main objectives, and product requirements in their project brief
• Conduct adequate research and communicate findings using appropriate supporting materials

Visual Communication

• Produce work that demonstrates proficiency in branding, graphics, drawing, rendering, 3D modeling, and model making

Design Process

• Explore materials, color, form, manufacturing, ergonomics/human factors, and sustainability
• Incorporate understanding of costs, bill of materials, and specifications into design planning process
• Use innovative processes and design methodologies to develop conceptually strong projects (including brainstorming, mapping, sketches, and synthesis/testing of many ideas)
• Explore secondary designs: packaging, engineering, user interface, and/or user experience

Presentation Skills

• Give clear and concise professional presentations (verbal and visual)
• Accurately present their ideas in writing

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio of work demonstrating their skills to a potential employer
• Organize a final, stand-alone gallery exhibit of their completed thesis project

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.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.