Graduate Catalog

2008-09 Academic Year

Department of Design

Main Office
Art Building, Room 237
Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #305100
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-3621

E-mail: design@unt.edu

Web site: www.art.unt.edu

Cynthia Mohr, Chair

Graduate Faculty: Blow, Chang, Gibson, Ligon, Mohr, Nacke, O’Rourke-Kaplan, Owens, Park, Reed, Sprague, Stark, Stidham, Walker, Wong Kung Fong.

The MFA in design with concentrations in communication design, fashion design, innovation studies and interior design seeks to effectively prepare individuals with professional experience to become specialists and educators. The curriculum is divided into two separate, but related, sequences: pedagogy and studio/research. Through pedagogy course work and observation, MFA candidates learn basic educational practices such as the development of outcome objectives, grading criteria, and university practices. The studio/research sequence is designed to help candidates identify and develop a research agenda necessary for success both professionally and within the university environment.

Applicants for the Master of Fine Arts in the design department must hold an earned bachelor’s degree in a related field of study and have professional experience in the proposed area of concentration.

Research

Pursuing research in the Department of Design at the master’s level of study in the College of Visual Arts and Design challenges students to critically examine, analyze and derive knowledge from a variety of design processes and methodologies as a means to positively catalyze a wide variety of social, technological, environmental and political initiatives. Design research undertaken and conducted within the master’s programs in the Department of Design will not only facilitate knowledge creation and thought leadership that can be applied in professional practice, but in the scholarly community as well.

Degree Programs

The department offers the following degree:

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must apply for and be granted admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and also apply separately to and be accepted by the specific design program.

2. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent training at a foreign university in the specific area of design or in a closely related field.

3. Applicants must supply official GRE scores.

4. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose (500–750 words).

5. Applicants must submit a portfolio of work relevant to the subject area that includes representative work of the varied skills and knowledge of the particular field. Work should include evidence of both process and results.

6. Applicants must submit three reference evaluation letters from persons familiar with their academic record or professional work.

Program Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts with a major in design and a concentration in communication design, fashion design or interior design requires a minimum of 60 semester hours, including 30 hours of studio, with a minimum of 21–30 hours in the concentration area; 12 hours in art history; 9–15 hours in the minor area; 3 hours in research methods; and 6 hours in the completion of the Problem in Lieu of Thesis. Candidates are expected to prepare an exhibition of their work for presentation to the public.

The Master of Fine Arts with a major in design and a concentration in innovation studies requires a minimum of 60 hours, including 18 credit hours in the major area (ADES 5510, 5520, 5522, 5524, 5526, 5530), 12 credit hours of required interdisciplinary courses, 12 hours in required minor area (ADES 5532, 5534, 5536, 5538), 6 hours of practicum (ADES 5546, 5548) and 12 hours of graduate art history (AEAH 5842 required).

All graduate students seeking the MFA in the design department are required to participate in graduate reviews every term/semester they are enrolled in a studio course until they pass and are admitted to candidacy.

Funding

Each term/semester the department is able to provide a limited number of teaching assistant positions for graduate students. Applications are available in the department office and are due in early October for the spring semester and early March for the fall semester. Contact the department office for specific dates. A limited number of scholarships are available for graduate students. Applications are due in January. Check online at www.art.unt.edu for specific dates, application forms and requirements.

Courses of Instruction

All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.

Course and Subject Guide

The “Course and Subject Guide,” found in the Courses of Instruction section of this book, serves as a table of contents and provides quick access to subject areas and prefixes.

Graduate Admissions

(888) UNT-GRAD
(868-4723) (toll-free)
graduateschool@unt.edu

UNT Switchboard

(940) 565-2000