Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Design
Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 41,424 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $41,424 - $54,974 | based on credits taken
Key Summary
About: The MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology develops skills in human-centered design, design theory, design history, sustainability, 3D modeling and fabrication. This project-based, studio MFA emphasizes design research, transdisciplinary collaboration. Year one includes seminars and studio practice; year two centers on research and a thesis presented in a graduate exhibition. Students gain technical competence, analytical thinking and experience relevant to design, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods and fashion.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as Industrial Designer and Product Designer, and can pursue roles in UX, design research, prototyping, production, brand strategy, design management across manufacturing, CPG, fashion.
Form, function, and experience tell a story of considered design and the best possible outcome. The industrial design masters will enhance your career success by further developing your knowledge in the design process and technology. This project-based program allows you to explore design theory, design history, and human-centered design. You will conduct unique research on various topics of interest, which will further your understanding of the industry and society. As you conclude your studies, you will obtain hands-on experience in technical competence, analytical thought, sustainability, and transdisciplinary collaboration, all key to fueling your career.
The MFA in industrial design is for career enhancement or redirection. The educational experience is project-oriented, requiring research into design methods and technologies. Cross-disciplinary collaboratives provide an experiential dimension.
The first year of study includes seminar courses in design history and research, which are common to all graduate students in the School of Design. In addition, studio courses involve extensive design work with respect to sustainability, design process, the meaning of artifacts, and critical analysis. Additional course work using three-dimensional software for modeling and fabrication fills out the program.
In the second year, students conduct research and develop a thesis project, which is presented in a graduate thesis exhibition or presentation and is documented in a written thesis report.
Industries
- Design
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- Manufacturing
- Fashion
Industrial design, MFA degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- IDDE-701 Design Laboratory I
- IDDE-703 Function of Form
- IDDE-705 2D Ideation and Visualization
- VCDE-701 Design History Seminar
- IDDE-702 Design Laboratory II
- IDDE-704 Form of Function
- IDDE-706 Integrated Design Visualization
- IDDE-711 Design Research and Proposal
Second Year
- IDDE-790 Thesis: Research and Planning
- IDDE-890 Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation
- Free Electives
- Art History Elective
RIT awards more than $37 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op
Cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
Work-Study
Graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 9,000 jobs available yearly, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during break periods.
Typical Job Titles
- Industrial Designer
- Product Designer
Most of our programs offer "rolling" application review - there is no specific deadline for applications; applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year.