Start a Career in Community-Centered Design with an MDes from the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas School of Art has announced that its Master of Design in Communication Design (MDes) program is now accepting applications through January 15, 2026. This two-year, tuition-free program is housed in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and offers a distinctive blend of studio-driven research, community engagement, and advanced design practice.

Located in a rapidly growing US region near Fortune 500 companies, the MDes program fosters professional growth through hands-on making and conceptual exploration. Students collaborate with local organizations, companies, and communities, utilizing emerging technologies to explore speculative and socially impactful design.

Ryan Slone, interim MDes graduate director and assistant professor of graphic design, highlights the program’s community-centered design approach. Students engage with nonprofits, businesses, and cultural partners, integrating participatory and social-impact experiences within their studies.

The curriculum features intensive design studios combined with seminars, offering courses such as Design and Communities, Design and Futures, and Design and Technology. Special topics courses include Design and the Poster, Handmaking for the Digital World, Speculative Wayfinding, and Design and Maternal Health.

Students benefit from access to world-class facilities like the Studio and Design Center, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and resources. The program ensures every student receives a full tuition waiver and a graduate assistantship.

Through various projects, collaborations, and showcases, students build portfolios showcasing leadership, research, and design relevance. Participation in workshops, colloquia, and design events further develops professional skills, preparing graduates for diverse roles in academia, UX/UI design, community-based work, research, and creative leadership.

The MDes program keeps pace with evolving design and technology trends, with faculty research influencing courses and studios. Topics such as AI, sustainability, and social-impact design are highlighted, ensuring students gain creative agility for today’s design challenges.

Interested individuals can apply until January 15. For more information, contact Ryan Slone at [email protected] or visit art.uark.edu.