Seminars meet once per week and address critical issues in design through research, writing, presentation and discussion. Additionally, students work closely with faculty to identify studio course work – often drawing on significant resources from the undergraduate program – that corresponds to their needs and objectives. Students are encouraged to define personal areas of interest that connect throughout the sequence and ultimately relate to their thesis. By the end of the first year, students propose a thesis topic to research and develop during their second year.

Design Methods (Autumn)
An in-depth inquiry of the design process and examination of classic and emerging models for design activities. Literature covers the past forty years, starting with the Design Methods movement, systems design and participatory design, and concludes with current design response strategies to contemporary challenges such as globalization, new technologies, and social networks. Expected outcomes include a written paper and presentation on a selected key concept, research line, and/or design case study.

Design Research (Winter)
Studies involve different methods for gathering information and testing hypotheses above and beyond the traditional "identify, iterate, decide" design model. Students are asked to map the research process, and explore it's integration into work from the previous seminar. Expected outcomes include visual and/or written presentation of a hypothetical process which integrates research into the student's working method.

Design Propositions (Spring)
Several lines of inquiry are identified based on a student's individual area of interest. An in-depth analysis of a selected topic (written or visual) is developed throughout the quarter. In addition, a thesis proposal is one of the expected outcomes of the course.

Year 2
In the second year, graduate students continue to complete required graduate seminars and advanced design classes. However, the focus of this final year is on developing a master's thesis. In the final two quarters of study, degree candidates produce a substantial thesis project that is publicly exhibited at the Henry Art Gallery on campus.

Design Methods (Autumn)
A repeat of the first year seminar with additional emphasis on readings and moderated discussions led by second year students. In this way, some repeated material will gain new validity based on a student's previous year of study and individual experiences. Expected outcomes include a written paper and presentation on a selected key concept, research line, and/or design case study. In addition, second year students are expected to present on-going thesis research during the quarter.

Design + Society (Winter)
The role of sustainability, ethics, and individual responsibility within the design field are discussed. Expected outcomes include a written paper, presentation and/or independent project of substantial quality.

Degree Requirements
Graduate Seminar: 25 credits
Studios: 20 credits
Thesis: 15 credits
Art History: 10 credits
Electives: 20 credits