M.F.A. in Design
Get Your Master's Degree in Design
Admissions for the 2024-2026 cohort are now closed.
Information regarding the 2025-2027 cohort will be available later this year.
About the Program
The M.F.A. in Design at The University of Texas at Austin is a full-time, on-campus, 21-month graduate program for highly motivated, intellectually curious designers. In this program, you’ll develop a design process to creatively solve complex 21st-century challenges from health and wellbeing to social justice, sustainability, education, and more. Our rigorous studio and project-based courses are taught by award-winning design practitioners who emphasize design-led research, critical inquiry, prototyping, and advanced making skills to help you gain real-world experience that can be applied to a variety of global contexts.
Dive Deeper Into the M.F.A.
![student interacting with MFA Design student's exhibition at UT Austin's School of Design and Creative Technologies](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_340w_227h/public/2022-10/mfa_26.jpg?itok=78VSpC7b)
Design Studios & Research Curriculum
Engage in projects that integrate research, theory and making skills to build a portfolio of design-led work with courses taught by award-winning practitioners.
![Master of Fine Arts in Design student enjoying a screen printing workshop outdoors with her MFA cohort at UT Austin](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_340w_227h/public/2022-12/dsc_8114.jpg?itok=XOWQddlT)
Application Process
Admission to the M.F.A. program is based on a holistic review of the applicant's portfolio, written statement of purpose, academic qualifications, and letters of recommendation.
![M.F.A. student in hijab asking a question during a Fall 2022 public lecture with designer George Aye](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_340w_227h/public/2022-12/dsc_4485.jpg?itok=-Z6DUePe)
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our most frequently asked questions about the M.F.A. in Design program application process, all right here.
![A man interacting with an M.F.A. Thesis Design project at the Spring 2019 public exhibition.](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_340w_227h/public/2022-12/mfa-38.jpg?itok=6jyaWbOF)
Thesis Work
Take a look at the exhibitions, graphic design, product prototypes, and digital experiences created by our students.
![Six SDCT Design Graduates in cap and gown standing in front of UT Seal](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_340w_227h/public/2022-11/2022_sdctdesignalumnigraduation.jpg?itok=M8OA_cxs)
From Campus to Career
Design students receive one-on-one career consulting, resume reviews, and interview training. Our dedicated Industry Relations team is ready to help jumpstart your professional network.
![Design Lab presses and supplies for UT Students](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_340w_227h/public/2022-11/designlabprinting.jpg?itok=nqRJnFOO)
Develop Your Creative Practice
In our dedicated studio spaces and fabrication labs, you’ll gain exposure to a range of design disciplines and hone your craft.
M.F.A. Student Showcase
![Photo of 2022 MFA Exhibition Over Under attendees interacting with R and D installation](/sites/sdct/files/styles/utexas_image_style_330w_200h/public/2023-11/dsc_1067.jpg?itok=LoWx1mtS)
Our students mix user-centered design, storytelling, and craft to create unique and impactful cross-platform experiences that reshape the future.
Explore More Design Work