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: A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is offered, with a focus on studio art and design.
• BA: A Bachelor of Arts degree is offered, with a focus on art and design history, theory, and criticism.
• Interarts Performance: An interdisciplinary program that combines art, design, and performance.
• Dual Degrees: Students can pursue dual degrees in art and design, and other fields such as business, engineering, or environmental studies.
• Minor in Art & Design: A minor program is available for students who want to pursue art and design in addition to their major field of study.
• Courses: A wide range of courses are offered in art and design, including studio art, design, art history, and theory.

Graduate

• Overview: The graduate program provides advanced education in art and design, with a focus on research and creative practice.
• MDes in Integrative Design: A Master of Design degree is offered, with a focus on integrative design and innovation.
• MFA in Art: A Master of Fine Arts degree is offered, with a focus on studio art and design.
• Courses: A wide range of courses are offered in art and design, including studio art, design, art history, and theory.

Pre-College Programs

• Overview: Pre-college programs are available for high school students who want to pursue art and design.
• Spring Programs: Programs are offered in the spring semester, with a focus on art and design fundamentals.
• Summer Programs: Programs are offered in the summer, with a focus on intensive art and design study.
• Fall Programs: Programs are offered in the fall semester, with a focus on art and design fundamentals.
• Anytime: Online programs are available for students who want to pursue art and design at their own pace.
• 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 work.

• View Our Work: Examples of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate student work are available.
  • Faculty: Examples of faculty research and creative work are available.
  • MDes Students: Examples of MDes student research and creative work are available.
  • MFA Students: Examples of MFA student research and creative work are available.
  • Undergraduate Students: Examples of undergraduate student research and creative work are available.

Exhibitions & Events

Explore Events

The Stamps School of Art & Design hosts a wide range of exhibitions and events, including the Penny Stamps Speaker Series and the Stamps Gallery.

• Penny Stamps Speaker Series: A series of lectures and events featuring prominent artists, designers, and scholars.
  • Upcoming Events: A list of upcoming events is available.
  • How to Attend/Watch: Information on how to attend or watch events is available.
  • Past Events/Videos: Archives of past events and videos are available.
  • About the Speaker Series: Information about the speaker series is available.
  • Nominations: Information on how to nominate speakers is available.
• Stamps Gallery: A gallery featuring exhibitions of student, faculty, and alumni work.
  • 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 available.
  • Visit the Gallery: Information on how to visit the gallery is available.
• Calendars: A calendar of events is 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.

Specific Course Details

Intro to Product Design

• Credit Hours: 3
• Semester: Fall 2025
• Studio: Elective
• Prerequisites: All of the following: ARTDES 120: Studio: 3D.
• Description: This course offers a gateway to the discipline of product design with an introduction to its history, cultural significance, and social importance. Through a series of projects, students learn the key components of product development and manufacturing, including design research, human factors, design methodology, materials and processes, and form and object appearance.
• Frequency: This course is typically offered in both the fall and winter terms of every academic year, though scheduling may vary according to future term circumstances.