Design

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.

Degree Type
Departmentally-Based Graduate Program
Degrees Offered
M.F.A. Plan I
Lead Dean

College of Letters and Science

Major Code
GDES

Admissions and Fellowship Information

Admission Deadlines
General: Jan 15, 2024
Space Available: Apr 1, 2024
Internal Fellowship Deadlines
Prospective Student Fellowship: Jan 15, 2024
Continuing Student Fellowship: Jan 15, 2024

Program Contact Information

Primary Program Contacts

Graduate Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator
Rachelle Agundes
ragundes@ucdavis.edu

Graduate Program Chair

Department Chair
Simon Sadler
(530) 752-2004 | sjsadler@ucdavis.edu

Graduate Program Chair
Brett Snyder
blsnyder@ucdavis.edu

Additional Contacts

Graduate Studies Contacts

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