Program Overview

Industrial Design Master of Fine Arts Degree

Overview

The Industrial Design Master of Fine Arts Degree is a project-based program that explores design theory, design history, and human-centered design. Students will conduct unique research on various topics of interest, which will further their understanding of the industry and society. The program is designed to enhance career success by further developing knowledge in design processes and technology.

Why Study RIT's MFA in Industrial Design

• Project-Based Practice: Explore design theory, design history, and human-centered design; conduct unique research that furthers your understanding of the industry and society; and gain hands-on experience in technical competence, analytical thought, sustainability, and transdisciplinary collaboration.
• A Hub for Design and Prototyping: Experience the full capabilities of the seven makerspaces inside the SHED, RIT’s 209,000-square-foot facility that features an abundance of tech, resources, materials, and workspaces for prototype design and development and interactive design installations.
• Develop In-Demand Skills: Learn design history and research, studio courses involve extensive design work with respect to sustainability, design process, the meaning of artifacts, and critical analysis. Engage with three-dimensional software for modeling and fabrication.
• Collaborate and Create: Share labs, fabrication spaces, and studios spaces with graduate students from architecture, graphic design, integrative design, and more.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Industrial Designer
• Product Designer

Cooperative Education and Internships

Cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Creative Industry Days

Connect with Design Industry Leaders through RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, which hosts Creative Industry Days.

Featured Work and Profiles

• Medical Device Designs
• Pyaha
• Rectilinear Form
• Industrial Design MFA Student Work Reel
• Think Space: Past Forward Competition
• By The City / For The City Competition

Curriculum

Industrial Design, MFA degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • IDDE-607 | Technology Studio | 3
  • IDDE-701 | Design Laboratory I | 3
  • IDDE-702 | Design Laboratory II | 3
  • IDDE-703 | Function of Form | 3
  • IDDE-704 | Form of Function | 3
  • IDDE-705 | 2D Ideation and Visualization | 3
  • IDDE-706 | Integrated Design Visualization | 3
  • IDDE-710 | Industrial Design History, Theory and Culture | 3
  • IDDE-711 | Design Research and Proposals | 3
  • Open Elective | 3
• Second Year
  • IDDE-671 | Graduate ID Studio I | 3
  • IDDE-672 | Graduate ID Studio II | 3
  • IDDE-790 | Thesis: Research and Planning | 6
  • IDDE-890 | Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation | 6
  • Open Electives | 9
  • Art History Elective* | 3
• Total Semester Credit Hours | 60

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Industrial Design MFA program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: None
• Submit a portfolio. View portfolio requirements.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores.

• TOEFL | 88
• IELTS | 6.5
• PTE Academic | 60

Faculty

• Mindy Magyar
• Juan Noguera
• Christopher Lyons

Facilities

• Packaging Science Dynamics Lab
• Cary Graphic Arts Collection
• Fabrication Room

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