M.F.A. Design

Cultivate your knowledge and skills in diverse design disciplines.
Degree Type Master of Fine Arts
Careers & Salaries Graduate Degree Outcomes
Delivery Hybrid

Define Your Future in Creative Leadership.

At UW-Stout, our Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Design is not just a degree—it's your canvas to lead, inspire, and instigate change. Blending practical problem-solving with a 'change the world' ethos, we elevate the traditional art school experience, crafting leaders who are as adept at teaching as they are at design.

National Reputation & Recognition

The M.F.A. Design is regularly ranked by the Princeton Review as a Top Graduate Program for Game Design. In addition, students from the program frequently present their work in film festivals, exhibitions, competitions, and a variety of academic design conferences.

MFA Design graduate showcases final project to observer

Upcoming Virtual Program Information Sessions

Join us online for an overview of how our M.F.A. Design program can further your creativity and your career.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 
7:00–8:00 p.m. CT
(Online on Microsoft Teams)

Register Now

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 
7:00–8:00 p.m. CT
(Online on Microsoft Teams)

Register Now

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 
7:00–8:00 p.m. CT
(Online on Microsoft Teams)

Register Now

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National Program Ranking

Top graduate program for game design.
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Refine Your Design Expertise

Our M.F.A. Design program utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach that allows you to blend your interests into a personalized education path. Our dedicated faculty work with you to weave course offerings and independent projects leveraging synergies among diverse disciplines.

Focus Areas

  • Animation & Digital Media
  • Cinema, Video, & Photography
  • Experience Design
  • Fashion Design & Development
  • Game Design & Development
  • Graphic Design & Interactive Media
  • Illustration 
  • Industrial & Product Design
  • Interior Design
  • Sustainable Design
  • User Experience Design

Student exploring multiple areas of focus.

Hybrid On-Campus/Online Degree Model

Designed for contemporary creatives, UW-Stout's M.F.A. Design operates with a hybrid model, merging flexibility with academic foundation. Core classes are offered during the evenings with a combination of on-campus and online meetings. Students can opt for full-time, on-campus studio courses or customize a part-time plan with hybrid classes and independent projects. This program does not offer a fully online experience.

Program Accreditation

UW-Stout's School of Art & Design is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design.

School of Art & Design is NASAD accredited.

Download Our Program Handbook

MFA Design Handbook

Our Master of Fine Arts in Design Program Handbook serves as an essential guide, encompassing a comprehensive overview of program structure, course offerings, and key academic policies. It's a valuable resource for students, offering insights and answers to facilitate their journey through the M.F.A. program.


Career-Defining Curriculum

Our M.F.A. program's core curriculum fosters an understanding of design principles through an immersive blend of historical insights, ethical frameworks, and sustainable practices. Our students engage in rigorous research strategies, critical analysis of design education, and a culminating creative thesis that together empower them to emerge as thought leaders in the design community.

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Program Overview

View program plans, credit requirements, and course descriptions.

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Fulfill Your Electives Earning a Professional Certificate

Enhance your knowledge, skills and career in critical areas related to design leadership. Whether you want to distinguish your education with specialized expertise or pursue a certificate before earning your master’s degree, the courses in these professional certificate and certification programs can be applied to the M.F.A. Design’s elective requirements.


Lab, Studios & Galleries

At UW-Stout’s School of Art & Design, our polytechnic tradition merges with diverse studios and labs—from digital realms to tactile arts— to empower you to prototype and perfect your creative pursuits. Every space is designed to foster discovery, ensuring your journey from concept to creation is filled with hands-on learning that defines your future. As you explore and experiment, you’re not just using facilities; you’re crafting a path that harmoniously blends your education with real-world application, supported by our commitment to your success.

View Labs, Studios & Galleries

Vicon Motion Capture Lab
Photogrammetry Lab
Green Screen Studio
Recording Studios
Photography Studios
Editing Suites

Wacom Digital Drawing & Sculpting Labs
Game Design Central Studio
Gaming & Digital Innovation Lab
Digital Fabrication Lab
Traditional Process Lab
Furlong Gallery

Students create character animation in the motion capture studio.

Faculty at the Forefront of Innovation

Erik Evensen, Associate Director of Transfer

Erik A. Evensen, M.F.A.

Program Director & Professor 
Design Department
323C Applied Arts Building
Phone: 715-232-5324
Email: evensene@uwstout.edu

 

Student Support Specialist

Shannen Jochim 
312 Sorensen Hall
Phone: 715-232-2636
Email: domecqs@uwstout.edu

Julie E. Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor of Interior Design
Courses: Ethics in Design, Research Strategies in Design

Robert Fraher, M.F.A., Ph.D.
Professor of Graphic Design & Interactive Media
Courses: Design Seminar 2, Critical Issues in Design Education and Practice

Wendy Jedlicka, M.I.M.
Senior Lecturer of Sustainable Design
Courses: Sustainable Design Practice, Sustainable Design II: Global Impact

James E. Bryan, Ph.D.
Professor of Design History
Courses: History of Design Seminar

David Richter-O'Connell, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Industrial & Product Design
Courses: Sustainable Design Practice

Michael Heagle, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of Animation & Digital Media
Courses: Creative Thesis in Design

Andrew Williams, Ph.D.
Professor of Game Design
Courses: History of Design Seminar


A Legacy of Graduate Success

Since our inaugural graduate in 2015, our M.F.A. alumni have ascended as industry innovators, creative directors, and academic mentors, shaping the future of their respective fields. Their journey from Stout to success is a testament to the transformative education and hands-on experience that propels our graduates to excel and lead.

Featured M.F.A. Thesis Topics

"Playing with Heartbreak: Research and Development for a Game about Breaking Up" 
Jackie Cummings ('22)
Game Design, Illustration & Storytelling

"Representation and Diversity in the Horror Genre: How Design Research can Inform the Creation of a Themed Lifestyle Publication" 
Jessica Kromrie ('22)
Graphic Design, Art Direction, Cinema/Video

"Changing Design Aesthetic: Trends and Social Organizations of the Growing Toy Market for the Adult Collector" 
Shane Sanders ('22)
Product Development, Toy Design, Entrepreneurship

"Out of the Darkness: Defining the Three Eras of Film Noir" 
Drew Hagen ('21)
Cinema/Photography

"Designing the Future: Diegetic Sculpture & Literary Adaptation in Speculative Fiction Cinema"
Jonathan Wheeler ('21)
Cinema/Video

"Web-based Media for Asynchronous Communication Among International Students at the University of Wisconsin–Stout" 
Liang Wu ('20)
Graphic Design & Interactive Media

"From vacant shopping malls to thriving senior living facilities" 
Nicolette Brehm ('20)
Interior Design & Sustainability

"Sun of the Children" 
Hue Vang ('18)
Game Design

"Forgotten Treasure: An Ode to the Omaha Train Depot in Menomonie" 
Dharshana Gopalakrishnan ('18)
Interior Design & Sustainability

"No Parent Left Behind: A UX Research & Design Project" 
Michelle Mailey Noben ('17)
Graphic Design & Interactive Media

“A Thread Through History: How Interlinking Contemporary Art with Paj Ntaub Can Connect Generations.” 
Jackson Chufeng Yang ('23)
Graphic Design, Illustration & Storytelling

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Tuition & Fees

As a hybrid program, the M.F.A. in Design uses Customized Instruction tuition model.

Customized Instruction at UW Stout can be described as programs that are designed with the adult learner in mind. If you're comparing UW-Stout's customized instruction tuition to our competitors, keep in mind:

  • Customized instruction tuition rate includes the textbook rental fee.
  • There are no additional university-based semester or technology fees.
  • Students in customized instruction programs pay the same rate of tuition regardless if Wisconsin residents, out-of-state or international participants.

Value for your Money

There’s more to value than just tuition. UW Stout also provides:

  • Program Director – faculty with discipline expertise.
  • Student Services adviser – one point of contact, providing support to students for each program.
  • Course sequences and matrices – know what courses are offered when so you can plan ahead.
  • Courses and programs may be stackable for use in another program.
  • Courses are flexible and convenient for working professionals.

Other universities will present costs and value differently - make sure you're comparing apples to apples.

Funding & Financial Support
  •  Graduate Assistantships: A limited number of department-funded Graduate Assistant positions are available each year. They provide a monthly stipend with the requirement of 10 hrs. per week of departmental assistance in the classroom, technology labs, or offices. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible for Graduate Assistant positions. To be fully considered, please apply by the priority deadline of April 1.
     
  • Advanced Opportunity Program: The Multicultural Student Services Offices offers the AOP with the intent to provide financial assistance to designated minority and disadvantaged graduate students. Please visit the MSS website for more information. 
     
  • Wisconsin GI Bill Benefits: The state of Wisconsin offers financial assistance to veterans and their family members. Please contact our Office of Veteran Services for more information. 
     
Example Course Plan

This is an example of a three-year course plan for a full-time student. This is not reflective of part-time study. Please review the Graduate Bulletin for the official program planner, credit requirements, and course descriptions. Please note that core courses are on a two-year rotation.

First Year (24 credits)
Fall Semester
DES-700 Design Seminar I (3 cr.) core
ARTH-720 History of Design Seminar (3 cr.) core
DES-XXX (3 cr.) focus area

Spring Semester
DES-730 Critical Issues in Design Education & Practice (3 cr.) core
DES-561 Transmedia Studio (3 cr.) focus area
Focus Elective (3 cr.)

Summer Term
DES-710 Ethics in Design (3 cr.) core
DES-750 Graduate Design Studio (3 cr.) focus area


Second Year (24 credits)

Fall Semester
DES-701 Visual Communication for Graduate Study (3 cr.) focus area
DES-800 Design Seminar 2 (3 cr.) core
Focus Elective (3 cr.)

Spring Semester
DES-524 Color Seminar (3 cr.) focus area
DES-712 Sustainable Design Practice (3 cr.) core
DES-725 Research Strategies in Design (3 cr.) core

Summer Term
DES-715 Sustainable Design II: Global Impact (3 cr.) focus area
DES-750 Graduate Design Studio (3 cr.) focus area


Third Year (12 credits)
Fall Semester
DES-870 Creative Thesis in Design (3 cr.) core
Focus Elective (3 cr.)

Spring Semester
DES-870 Creative Thesis in Design (3 cr.) core
DES-870 Creative Thesis in Design (3 cr.) core

Admission Requirements

General UW-Stout Graduate School Application

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our Graduate School. Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program:

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

To apply to the M.F.A. Design program, you will need to submit additional application materials through our SlideRoom account:

Visual Portfolio

10-15 examples of creative/professional work from your area(s) of expertise:

  • A series of 10-15 images or documents of creative/professional work, and brief written descriptions. 
  • A limit of 5 motion/video images will be accepted as part of the total 10-15 examples, each no more than 3 minutes in length. External video links accepted.

All work must be created by you, the applicant. Failure to follow this rule will result in immediate rejection. If your work is the result of a group project, highlight the role you played in its creation within the written description list.

Written Statement of Interest

This 2-3 page statement should describe your goals for graduate study, your topics of interest for research and exploration, and should provide context for your work included in the visual portfolio. PDF preferred.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

PDF Preferred, and titled with your last name (i.e. Nelson_CurriculumVitae.pdf).

Candidate Recommendation Form

Three letters of reference from individuals who can speak to your abilities or potential as a designer, creative practitioner, and graduate student. PDF preferred.

All program application materials should be submitted digitally through SlideRoom.

Program Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Members

ErikEvensenAssociate Professor & Program Director, Department of DesignUW-Stout
SethBerrierProfessor, Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer ScienceUW-Stout
RobertFraherProfessor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
AmeliaKennedyDesign Manager3D Design Studio - Target
KimberlyLokenAssociate Professor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
RochelleMareshStrategistAlliance
JoanMenefeeProfessor, Department of English & PhilosophyUW-Stout
SarahMurawskiGraphic Design ManagerGreat Northern Corporation
JuliePetersonProfessor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
MichaelHeagleAssistant Professor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
GlendaliRodriguezProvostProvost's Office (ex-officio)
DaveRichter-O'ConnellAssociate Professor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
RichWaltersProduct Design ManagerLSR
JulieWattsProfessor, Department of English & Philosophy, Founding Director of MSTPCUW-Stout
WendyJedlickaSenior Lecturer, Department of DesignUW-Stout
NicoletteBrehmAssistant Professor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
MichelleMailey NobenSr Mgr UX Research & MeasurementGrainger
JonathanWheelerLecturer, Department of DesignUW-Stout
AndyJanetskiLecturer, Department of DesignUW-Stout
KarlKoehleLecturer, Department of DesignUW-Stout
ShannenJochimStudent Services CoordinatorUW-Stout Online

Design

All Design News
Outside in: UW-Stout M.F.A. student hits Omaha Fashion Week runway with nature-inspired collection Featured Image

Outside in: UW-Stout M.F.A. student hits Omaha Fashion Week runway with nature-inspired collection

The excitement of being a featured designer at Omaha Fashion Week isn’t lost on Bex Cermin: Going backstage, seeing her creations modeled on the runway, network
University and partners continue to illuminate opportunities through graphic communications, design programs Featured Image

University and partners continue to illuminate opportunities through graphic communications, design programs

UW-Stout M.F.A. design student Jake Cater creates winning design for chancellor's seasonal greeting card
MFA design graduate rediscovers his Hmong culture through traditional art of story cloths and Paj Ntaub Featured Image

MFA design graduate rediscovers his Hmong culture through traditional art of story cloths and Paj Ntaub

Jackson Yang’s ‘spiritual journey’ of transforming textiles into modern-day storytelling exhibited at new Library Art Lab

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