About the Program
Learn More About the Program
The M.F.A. in Design at UC Davis is a two-year program that encourages interdisciplinary approaches through research and practice aligning with social and environmental responsibility. We offer graduate students a unique opportunity to work with faculty in the Department of Design and across departments in one of the nation’s top public research universities. Design faculty expertise includes design theory, exhibition, fashion, history, information, interactivity, interior architecture, immersion, lighting, product, textiles, time-based, visual communication, wearables, and more. Students are encouraged to build connections across campus to expand perspectives and deepen understandings. Students’ progress through core courses alongside their cohort members while advancing their individual research. Core courses are augmented by graduate-level independent and group studies and upper-division undergraduate level electives. The M.F.A. program culminates in a written- and project-based thesis publicized in a major graduate exhibition. The program is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and public engagement.
College of Letters and Science
Admissions and Fellowship Information
Space Available: Apr 1, 2025
Continuing Student Fellowship: Jan 15, 2025
Admissions Actions
Program Contact Information
Primary Program Contacts
Program Coordinator
Rachelle Agundes
ragundes@ucdavis.edu
Department Chair
Simon Sadler
(530) 752-2004 | sjsadler@ucdavis.edu
Graduate Program Chair
Brett Snyder
blsnyder@ucdavis.edu
Additional Contacts
Advisor: General
Brett Snyder
Design
blsnyder@ucdavis.edu
Internal Fellowship Analyst
Heidi West
(530) 754-9473 | hewest@ucdavis.edu
Senior Academic Advisor
Brittney Dinelli
bjdinelli@ucdavis.edu
External Fellowship Analyst
Yvette Garcia
ycgarcia@ucdavis.edu