Design Studies
The Department of Design Studies in the School of Human Ecology houses two graduate degrees–a Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Ecology – Design Studies.
The MFA promotes creative conceptual thinking, innovation, exploration, and excellence in design execution. The PhD program grounds itself in human ecological theory with a particular focus on how humans interact with their built environment. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to be leaders in the field of design research and scholarship, both within the US and globally.
Students are mentored by graduate faculty within the department, the School of Human Ecology, and the University more broadly, allowing students to build a team of expert faculty in subjects such as Art, Art History, Engineering, Folklore, Consumer Science, Civil Society & Community studies, and more.
Our Graduate Offerings
The PhD Program
The PhD program currently offers three areas of concentration. Within each area, students are expected to build a self-directed but highly coherent curriculum in close consultation with a major faculty advisor. The tracks are:
- Design History – seeks to understand design in its historical context, as both a process and a product. Our program defines design broadly to include architecture, interior design, industrial design, decorative arts, and other areas of material culture.
- Environmental Design Research – addresses the interaction between people and their built, natural, and/or virtual environments with a clear goal to create environments that are sustainable and responsive to human needs
To learn more about the PhD program please visit the Graduate School’s Human Ecology: Design Studies PhD Guide page.
The MFA Program
Notice: The Human Ecology MFA: Design Studies program will not be accepting applications for the Fall 2027 admissions cycle. Please check back closer to the start of the Fall 2028 admissions cycle, which will be in September 2027
Students generally focus their work in one of two general areas:
- Textile and Fashion Design – students focus on the conceptual, technical, and aesthetic possibilities of textiles and clothing
- Interior Architecture – students typically concentrate on the innovative application of aesthetic, conceptual, and expressive design strategies in interior environments
There are many students who may work across these areas or have an even more idiosyncratic integrative focus. In every case, students formulate a plan of study to suit their individual needs. The course of study requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credits includes a substantial studio work component. The curriculum seeks to create a foundation with flexibility to fit student needs.
To learn more about the MFA program please visit the Graduate School’s Human Ecology: Design Studies, MFA Guide page.
Department Affiliations
We emphasize and promote a multi-disciplinary, global approach to design, and we value connections, nationally and internationally, with other campus, community, and professional programs. Click the button below to explore partner, centers, and lab affiliations.
Design Studies Faculty
Interested in learning more about the faculty in the Design Studies department? Click the button below to explore Design Studies faculty!
Program Resources
Interested in Applying?
Impressed with what you have seen? Feeling like this program is the one for you? Then check out our admissions page to get more information on the admissions process and start an application!
Students & Alumni
Student Stories
Shug Munic Interviewed by PBS Twin Cities
Shug Munic, an MFA student in the Design Studies (DS) graduate program, has recently been interviewed by PBS Twin Cities! The interview recaps their residency at the Center for People and Craft in Minneapolis and former project, Quilting Amidst Collapse: Devotion is Never a Waste, Funded by Springboard for the Arts.
Pursuing a love of American art and material culture: Meet Natalie Wright
Check out this feature chronicling all the amazing work Natalie has done as a Design Studies PhD student!
Ian Danner Co-Presents at BICCS with DS PhD Erin Dowding
Recently, DS MFA student, Ian Danner went with his co-researcher, DS PhD Student, Erin Dowding, to the BICCS Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden to present their poster “Queer/Trans Weaving in the USA”.
Shields Featured for Research on Promotion of Environmental Wellbeing Through Design
Rachael Shields, DS PhD Student, was recently featured in the School of Human Ecology’s web story: How human ecologists are propelling environmental well-being through design for the research that she has done with her faculty advisor.
Addison Nace named Summer Research Fellow at Museum of International Folk Art
“Nace will work with local artists and researchers to showcase the ways in which folk art traditions, particularly textiles, explore broader economic practices while respecting and protecting Indigenous knowledge systems.”
Improving early childhood classrooms fuels PhD student Rudy Dieudonne
“This research provides…the power to help our government revise classroom design standards across this country and the power to defend students with autism, as well as their constitutional rights to education.”
DS Graduate Students
Inspired to learn more about the amazing students in the DS program after reading some student stories? Click the button below to explore DS graduate students!
Recent Alumni
PhD
Program Contacts
Graduate Program Committee Chair
Marina Moskowitz, PhD
Lynn and Gary Mecklenburg Chair in Textiles, Material Culture & Design | Professor of Design Studies
608-262-2015