MFA DESIGN
Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre offers an MFA in Design which prepares professional designers as well as future academicians. An interview is required for acceptance into the program. No GRE required.
MFA candidates in Design with an emphasis in scenery, costume, lighting, sound or integrated media design receive personally tailored instruction in a well-rounded theatre context, which includes courses in the theory and history of design, as well as a carefully developed program of practical training, put together under professional guidance with the student’s career goals in mind. Small design classes assure a high degree of one-on-one critique of projects and coursework, and the position within a large university enriches the opportunities available from other departments and disciplines. Art history, literature, music, interior design, textiles, communications, digital media, and technology represent some of the topics one may choose. The Department’s digital design lab, lighting lab, and audio/visual studio provide the necessary design and production software to familiarize students with many of the most common professional practices in the industry
- Duration: This three-year program admits students annually. We are CURRENTLY accepting applications for the MFA in Design for Fall 2026 start.
- Funding: Students receive valuable financial support for all three years, provided they make satisfactory progress in their studies, including a full tuition waiver ($52,000 approximate total value), premium health insurance, dental coverage, competitive stipend ($20,000 – $22,000/year estimated minimum, based on previous years), and funding opportunities for summer professional development, conference travel, or education abroad.
- Summer Support Fellowship (guaranteed one-time award) of $4,500 connected to working in our professional summer theatre.
- Travel Award (based on national presentation) of up to $1,000/year.
- Philosophy: Growth as artist and educator go hand-in-hand; each supports and enlivens the other.
- Each semester, students typically take two design or technical classes and one theatre studies course.
- Designer: Three years of individualized and challenging advanced designer training, including scenery, costume, lighting, sound, and integrated media design, with rotating topics related to technology in those areas. Design for our vibrant multi-tiered department season, Williamston Theatre (our local AEA partner, a 2014 American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company), and Summer Circle Theatre.
- A minimum of six design or production credits on departmental shows.
- Educator: Explore topics in design and technology and receive close mentorship and career guidance from a guidance committee. Opportunities to expand your CV by teaching several classes while at MSU, including our Introduction to Technical Theatre class, Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities, master classes/lectures in design classes based on your expertise, and laboratory mentorship of undergraduate students.
- Specialize: Select opportunities for in-depth specialization through electives, design opportunities, and mentorship.
- Credentials: Students may choose to earn credentials such as a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching, Arts and Cultural Management, Community Engagement, Learning Design, and Online Teaching and Learning.
- Facilities: Design for a 3,100-seat concert auditorium, a 600-seat thrust, a 450-seat proscenium, a 200-seat arena, a 150-seat endstage, a 100-seat studio, or MSU’s popular outdoor 400+ seat Summer Circle amphitheater.
- The Spartan Experience: At one of the world’s leading research universities, you’ll have access to life-changing opportunities, powerful resources, and a supportive, inclusive community.
60 credits total, including the following:
All of the following courses (29 credits):
THR 813 Period Resources and Research (3 credits)
THR 818 Design Studio (9 credits)
THR 830 Introduction to Graduate Studies (3 credits)
THR 831 Studies in Theatre History (3 credits)
THR 832 Comparative Drama and Criticism (3 credits)
THR 834 Professional Aspects (2 credits)
THR 870 Collaborative Studio in Theatre (3 credits)
THR 894* Special Projects in Theatre (3 credits)
*Students must enroll in 1 credit increment for Theatre 894. Each credit is associated with one of three required design projects. Students must participate in production activities during each semester of enrollment in the program.
Three of the following courses (9 credits):
THR 411 Stage Lighting Design (3 credits)
THR 412 Stage Costume Design (3 credits)
THR 414 Stage Scene Design (3 credits)
THR 416 Stage Sound Design (3 credits)
THR 419 Projection Design for Live Performance (3 credits)
One of the following courses (1 credit):
THR 819 Applied Design Studio (1 credit)
THR 819A Applied Design Studio: Scenery (1 credit)
THR 819B Applied Design Studio: Costume (1 credit)
THR 819C Applied Design Studio: Lighting (1 credit)
THR 819D Applied Design Studio: Sound (1 credit)
THR 819E Applied Design Studio: Media (1 credit)
Four of the following courses (12 credits):
THR 811 Practicum: Design and Technology (3 credits)
THR 814 Stagecraft: Scenic Construction Techniques (3 credits)
THR 815 Drafting for Theatre (3 credits)
THR 837 Media Creation & Animation for Theatre (3 credits)
THR 861 Lighting Technology (3 credits)
THR 862 Costume Construction (3 credits)
THR 862 Costume Construction (3 credits)
THR 863 Costume Crafts (3 credits)
THR 865 Props & Crafts for Theatre (3 credits)
THR 866 Stage Make-up (3 credits)
THR 869 Media & Audio Engineering (3 credits)
Electives approved by the student’s guidance committee (9 credits)
MFA candidates develop portfolios by accepting a minimum of six design or technical assignments for fully realized departmental productions as members of the production team.
From time to time, visiting design professionals augment the design curriculum and provide further opportunities to learn from some of the best in the business.
The faculty are experienced educators, scholars, and active practitioners. Click here to read their bios: https://theatre.msu.edu/faculty-and-staff/. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study with notable guest artists.
At Michigan State University, we believe our differences are assets. We foster a community that respects and values a broad range of backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences and encourages and creates opportunities so all Spartans can reach their full potential educationally and professionally. As a department, we aim to reflect these values, to support and empower our students, and to be proactive agents of change through our curricula, season selection, play commissions, casting, recruitment, outreach, and other practices. Click here to learn more about Inclusive Excellence and Impact at MSU.