Master of Fine Arts – 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 to 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 allow familiarization with many of the most common professional practices in the industry.

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.

Students interested in careers in academic theatre may teach introductory classes in their specialty. 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.