Explore Advanced Design Research Opportunities at UC Davis

The two-year MFA Design program at the University of California, Davis offers a dynamic platform for students to explore and innovate in their creative endeavors. This program, designed for interdisciplinary and research-oriented work, provides access to the vast resources of a leading public institution. With a curriculum that supports both creative and scholarly pursuits, students participate in core courses alongside their cohort, leading to a public exhibition at the Manetti Shrem Museum. This culminates in a thesis presentation and a written document archived by the department.

Students benefit from engaging with prominent designers and scholars through events such as the Alberini Family Lecture Series and the Research in Design Lecture Series, complemented by mentorship and funding opportunities to showcase their work at notable conferences and exhibitions. The program offers Teaching Assistant and Graduate Student Researcher positions that cover tuition and health costs for those who meet the January 15, 2026, priority deadline. Additional features include state-of-the-art makerspaces, labs, and critique spaces, as well as interdisciplinary opportunities across the UC Davis campus.

UC Davis stands out with its top rankings in sustainability, diversity, and as one of the nation’s premier public universities. Graduates embark on diverse career paths, securing roles in academia, museums, technology firms, and design organizations globally. To apply or learn more about the program, prospective students can visit arts.ucdavis.edu, with fellowship consideration deadline on January 15, 2026, and a rolling deadline on April 1, 2026. For inquiries, contact Graduate Program Coordinator Rachelle Agundes at [email protected].