M.F.A. in Design

Image of Objects of Empathy and Harm by Design installations at Becauseisms MFA thesis exhibition in 2023

M.F.A. in Design

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.

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Get Your Master's Degree in Design

Apply for the 2024-2026 M.F.A. in Design cohort by January 24, 2024

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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

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

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

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.

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

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

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. Faculty & Advisors

The graduate Design faculty are expert makers and scholars with international reputations in the fields of graphic design, industrial/product design, interaction design, design research, engineering, architecture, design history, and design for social change.

M.F.A. Student Showcase

Photo of 2022 MFA Exhibition Over Under attendees interacting with R and D installation

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