the department of Industrial, Interior, and Visual Communication Design
  University Information
Department Information
Undergraduate Program
Graduate Program
An Overview of the Graduate Program
  As the profession of design has grown, so has the need for professionals with advanced levels of expertise in the specific areas of Design Development, Design Education, Design Management and Planning, Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM). The Department offers a program of study within each of these areas of emphasis. The Department is also offers computer applications in each of these areas of emphasis.

Design Development (M.A. or M.F.A.)
  Design Development involves the creation of advanced solutions for contemporary design problems. Emphasis is on contributing new knowledge to the field, and on refining professional expertise and intellectual competency in the areas of industrial, interior, or visual communication design. Typical topics of inquiry include computer simulation and animation, interface and interaction design, industrial tools, and "smart" products.

Design Education (M.A. or M.F.A.)
  Design Education is directed toward the planning, development, and evaluation of new educational materials and instructional programs pertinent to the teaching of industrial, interior, or visual communication design at the university level. Research typically concerns design teaching methods, and the development of theoretical and critical tools that can be applied in design studio and classroom settings.

Design Management and Planning (M.A.)
  Design Management and Planning focuses on the study of theories, techniques, and tools related to the efficient organization and management of design activities, and to the effective planning of complex design programs and systems. Students investigate strategic planning and management issues in the design and business communities, and develop ways to bring new knowledge to consultant and corporate design organizations.

Digital Animation and Interactive Media (M.F.A.)
  This specialization focuses on computer animation and graphics as media for diverse areas of communication, research and expression. This focused, studio-based program provides students with the multi-disciplinary education necessary for leadership in a rapidly transforming information society. It explores the use of advanced digital media in combination with aesthetic, creative, and critical thought. The program's multi-disciplinary approach aims to nurture designers, artists and critical thinkers who will use technology in innovative ways in both professional and artistic arenas.

The Research Mission of the Graduate Program
  A strong research program is the foundation of graduate studies in the Department. The research mission of the Department follows logically from process and purpose. This includes research into the process of design, and the conditions of how designs are used. Three broad areas of study have been identified by the Department faculty. Graduate research topics usually fall within the context of these areas of study, and students often contribute new information to both industry and design education, through dissemination of their thesis publications and projects. Students often go on to senior designer, project management, or design education positions upon completion of their graduate studies.

-Systematic processes and methods:
incorporating new approaches, tools, information, and technology in the design process. One particular area of concentration is the application of computing to new design problems. This includes research at the College of the Art's Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD), and the Emerging Technologies Studio (ETS).

-User-centered design: the interface of humans and their environment, and development of designs responsive to human performance. Students examine cognitive and behavioral responses to design concepts and prototypes.

- Semiotics:
including issues of semantics, syntax, pragmatics, and the meaning of form as it relates to human perception, cognition, and behavior.

Program Format
  Completion of the master's program in design generally takes two to three years. The total number of required hours and courses vary within the area of emphasis, and the option of University Plan A or Plan B at the master's level. Plan A involves emphasis on the writing of a thesis document. Plan B involves emphasis on creation of an advanced project, and is available in the Design Development area only.

Entry Requirements
 
To gain admission to the graduate program, one must possess a bachelor's degree in design (or a closely allied field) from an accredited college or university. Professional work experience prior to candidacy is strongly advised, although not necessarily a requirement. Submission of a portfolio of undergraduate and/or professional work is required, as is a statement of intent, letters of reference, and various application forms. Please contact the department for exact requirements concerning application to the graduate program.

Please note: separate materials must be submitted to both the University and the Department. Applications to the graduate program can not be reviewed until all materials have been received.

Please see the Applications for Graduate Studies page for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department office at:
T: 614. 292-6746
F: 614. 292-0217
E: design@osu.edu

Please contact the Graduate School at:
T: 614. 292-6031
F: 614. 292-3656
to receive their specific application requirements.
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