Program Overview

Overview of the Stamps School of Art & Design

The Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan offers a unique art and design education, focusing on research and creative practice as engines for cultural change and innovation.

Programs

Undergraduate

• Overview: The undergraduate program provides a comprehensive education in art and design, with a focus on creative practice and research.
• BFA: The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a professional undergraduate degree that focuses on intensive work in a specific area of art and design.
• BA: The Bachelor of Arts degree is a liberal arts degree that provides a broad-based education in art and design.
• Interarts Performance: This program combines art, design, and performance to create innovative and interdisciplinary works.
• Dual Degrees: Students can pursue dual degrees in art and design and another field, such as business or engineering.
• Minor in Art & Design: The minor program provides students with a foundation in art and design, and can be combined with a major in another field.
• Courses: A wide range of courses are available in art and design, including studio classes, lectures, and seminars.

Graduate

• Overview: The graduate program provides advanced education in art and design, with a focus on research and creative practice.
• MDes in Integrative Design: The Master of Design in Integrative Design degree is a professional graduate degree that focuses on the integration of art, design, and technology.
• MFA in Art: The Master of Fine Arts in Art degree is a terminal graduate degree that focuses on advanced work in a specific area of art.
• Courses: A wide range of courses are available in art and design, including studio classes, lectures, and seminars.

Pre-College Programs

• Overview: The pre-college programs provide high school students with an introduction to art and design education.
• Spring Programs: Programs are available in the spring semester for high school students.
• Summer Programs: Programs are available in the summer for high school students.
• Fall Programs: Programs are available in the fall semester for high school students.
• Anytime: Online programs are available for high school students.
• FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the pre-college programs are answered.

Research & Creative Work

Leading the Conversation

The Stamps School of Art & Design is committed to leading the conversation in art and design research and creative practice.

• View Our Work: Examples of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate student work are available.
  • Faculty: Faculty members are engaged in a wide range of research and creative projects.
  • MDes Students: MDes students are working on innovative and interdisciplinary projects.
  • MFA Students: MFA students are creating advanced and original works of art.
  • Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students are engaged in a wide range of creative and research projects.

Exhibitions & Events

Explore Events

The Stamps School of Art & Design hosts a wide range of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

• Penny Stamps Speaker Series: The speaker series brings renowned artists and designers to campus to give lectures and workshops.
  • Upcoming Events: A list of upcoming events is available.
  • How to Attend/Watch: Information on how to attend or watch events is provided.
  • Past Events/Videos: Archives of past events and videos are available.
  • About the Speaker Series: Information about the speaker series is provided.
  • Nominations: Nominations for future speakers are accepted.
• Stamps Gallery: The Stamps Gallery hosts a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year.
  • Current/Upcoming Exhibitions: A list of current and upcoming exhibitions is available.
  • Past Exhibitions: Archives of past exhibitions are available.
  • About Stamps Gallery: Information about the gallery is provided.
  • Visit the Gallery: Information on how to visit the gallery is provided.
• Calendars: Calendars of events are available.
  • View All Events: A list of all events is available.
  • Stamps Gallery: A calendar of gallery events is available.
  • Speaker Series: A calendar of speaker series events is available.

MFA Thesis Studio

ARTDES 711.002, Winter 2026

• Credit Hours: 6
• Semester: Winter 2026
• Description: The Thesis Studio centers around the production of the MFA thesis, which is the largest and final degree requirement for MFA candidates. The thesis work embodies the process, significance, and results of a practice-based creative inquiry completed during the second year of study. It must make some original contribution to knowledge in the field of contemporary art practice. In the Thesis Studio, students prepare for their MFA Thesis Exhibition, the Written Thesis, and their Oral Thesis Presentation. The MFA Thesis Exhibition forms the nucleus of the thesis work. The Written Thesis is a supporting document that clearly articulates the background, objectives, outcomes, process, and significance of the thesis work. The Oral Thesis Presentation is a live presentation to faculty and peers that summarizes the thesis project as a whole. A Faculty committee of advisors directs this independent research.