明尼苏达大学双城分校

The design graduate program focuses on the study of relationships between humans and their designed environments. This focus is based on the assumption that the design and analysis of environments contribute to the improvement of the human condition. The program addresses theory, research, and application, using a shared disciplinary base from the arts and social and behavioral sciences. The goal of the program is for students to analyze, evaluate, and integrate theoretical frameworks related to humans and their designed environments.

Applications submitted to the design graduate program specify a track and degree objective. Formal tracks are: Apparel studies (including dress, history, and culture; product development; and retail merchandising and consumer studies); Graphic design; Housing studies; Interior design.

Program Sub-plans

Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.

Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.

Apparel Studies

The apparel studies track advances both theoretical knowledge and applications for textile and apparel products and their relationship to human behavior using a design lens. Students may focus on product development; dress, history, and culture; or retail merchandising and consumer studies. Within each of these areas of emphasis within the track, the student completes related coursework as well as research or creative production that culminates in a thesis. The MA degree is focused on the arts and humanities and is appropriate for the dress, history, and culture emphasis.

Graphic Design

The track in graphic design focuses on design theory, process, and methods related to design practice and research. Potential areas of study include graphic design history, theory, and critical narrative; design creativity; color and design; user-centered design; design authorship; data visualization; and interactive design.

Housing Studies

The housing studies track advances both theoretical and applied knowledge in the housing field. Through research experiences, students are prepared to assist people and communities in addressing housing-related issues. Courses emphasize human needs and behavior, analysis of designed environments, policy and community development, and housing of specific subpopulations such as the elderly or low-income families with children.

Interior Design

Graduate study in the interior design track emphasizes the theory, research, and specialized practice components of design as applied to people's health, safety, and welfare in the interior environment, including design education, sustainability, social/cultural issues, aspects of professional practice, and facilities research (educational, office, criminal justice, and residential). Students are prepared for teaching and research positions as well as design specializations within the profession.