The Master of Fine Arts in Design is a two-year terminal degree program that encourages an interdisciplinary approach to design research and practice. Students are given the chance to deepen their knowledge in one or more areas of design while also connecting their work to broader social, cultural, technological and environmental issues.

During their time in the program, graduate students develop a thesis project that showcases the kind of novel rigorous research that can only be developed at a top tier public research university. Students are guided in their work by a dedicated and renowned design faculty both within the department as well as with faculty and staff across the university. We offer generous funding to our graduate students including through Teaching Assistant (TA) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions.

Design Department faculty expertise includes exhibition, fashion, history, information, interactivity, interior architecture, immersion, lighting, product, textiles, theory, visual communication, wearables, and more. Students are encouraged to build connections across campus by working with faculty from the arts and humanities to social sciences and politics; from biological sciences and engineering to the professional schools of medicine, law, and veterinary.

Information to Apply

For questions, please contact Rachelle Agundes, Arts Graduate Programs Administrator, ragundes@ucdavis.edu.

• The priority application deadline is January 15. 
• Apply by the Priority Deadline to qualify for fellowships and Teaching Assistantships.
• The rolling deadline is April 1. 
• Applications will only be accepted if there is space available.