MAMFA

Interdisciplinary Design & Media

Minor in Design for Sustainability Chat with the Chair Support CCS

CCS’s Graduate program in Interdisciplinary Design & Media empowers you to build a versatile one-of-a-kind skill set. Working with faculty, students have the opportunity to customize their curriculum across other graduate programs and upper-level undergraduate classes at CCS.

Student looking into kiln to discover how their project turned out.

STEM-Designated
Program

As students advance their creative practices through this interdisciplinary approach, they will develop a sharp ~~multi-dimensional perspective~~ and the leadership skills needed to guide multidisciplinary teams in today’s creative industries.

Rigorous Curriculum

Students enrolled in Interdisciplinary Design & Media explore and engage with interdisciplinary research methods and analysis that strengthen their design and media arts practices in the program and beyond.

Real-world Experiential Learning

Design and strategic partnerships play a vital role in Detroit’s global resilience. As an Interdisciplinary Design & Media student, you will live, learn, and work among a vibrant, international community studying in the only U.S. city designated as a UNESCO City of Design.

Multidisciplinary

Here, your design and visual arts practices are sharpened through interdisciplinary research methods and collaborative projects. You’ll tackle complex briefs and test your strategic communication and leadership skills directly with real-world stakeholders.

Degrees Offered

Interdisciplinary Design & Media Program offers 2 types of Degrees

60 Credits

2-year Full-time MFA

Upon graduation, students in the MFA Interdisciplinary Design & Media program will be able to:

Utilize advanced creative skills and knowledge that integrate inter- and multi-disciplinary practices to resolve complex challenges in, or at the intersection of, technology and the sciences.
Critically engage with inter- and cross-disciplinary research methods and analysis in informing practical and/or critical creative outcomes.
Initiate imaginative and innovative creative outcomes and hypotheses that critically challenge, transcend and redefine established boundaries of practice in the arts and sciences.
Exploit inter- and cross-disciplinary perspectives in the generation of ideas for coherent cross-disciplinary narratives and outcomes.
Utilize communication and negotiation skills in proposing and implementing advanced ideas and thinking for creative leadership in inter- and cross-disciplinary practice.
Develop in-depth critical and contextual understanding of interrelated cross-disciplinary factors informing innovation and evidence original thought and creativity in the generation of ideas.

30 Credits

1-year Full-time MA

Upon graduation, students in the MA Interdisciplinary Design & Media program will be able to:

Utilize advanced creative skills and knowledge that integrate inter- and multi-disciplinary practices to resolve complex challenges in, or at the intersection of, technology and the sciences.
Initiate imaginative and innovative creative outcomes and hypotheses that critically challenge, transcend and redefine established boundaries of practice in the arts and sciences.
Exploit inter- and cross-disciplinary perspectives in the generation of ideas for coherent cross-disciplinary narratives and outcomes.
Develop in-depth critical and contextual understanding of interrelated cross-disciplinary factors informing innovation and evidence original thought and creativity in the generation of ideas.

A hand opening a foldout from a booklet detailing a visual site map — Amin Einakian, Yubo Hu, Zhenmin Li, Kunlun Liu, Mengya Wang, Qian Yu, Wei Zheng

Copies of thesis publication being prepped for exhibition. — Anna Eigner

A closeup of the Fabritecture projcet, featuring cement blocks — Mahran Musta

Film still from thesis process film; close-up of hands and brayer printing from ceramic plate — Anna Eigner

A concept design of a vehicle, featuring a center powered by water — Dominic Batoha, Imani Brown

Film still from thesis process film; close-up of litho test print depicting printmaking brayers — Anna Eigner

We welcome students with undergraduate degrees and backgrounds in the visual arts, design, architecture and other creative disciplines.

Applicants may transfer up to 30 graduate-level credits from previous study. Those who have earned an MA in a related discipline may be eligible for the second-year MFA coursework.

Graduate Admissions Info

Your Future, In Motion

With our extensive industry connections spanning over a century, we ensure that the active learning our students engage in aligns with industry needs, preparing them for careers.

Learn More about Experiential Learning at CCS

Students using laser printers and other innovative tools to creative their works of art.

Cutting-Edge Spaces for Creative Minds

Enjoy unlimited access to industry-standard facilities that prepare you for real-world production.

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Internationally, nationally and right here in Detroit, Interdisciplinary Design & Media graduates pursue multiple avenues upon graduation

*Note: This information was gathered using Lightcast Labor Market Analytics and includes the median salary for the lifetime of a career in these specific professions. CCS alumni outcomes may vary.

Possible Career Choices

Creative Design Agencies and Consultancies

Visual Narrative and Curation

Creative Leadership and Policy Making

Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship

Academic Research (PhD)

Higher Education

News & Events

Hear more about CCS’s community of artists, designers, and creative thinkers.

Through collaborative projects, industry partnerships, and citywide exhibitions, students push boundaries, forge connections, and draw on Detroit’s energy to shape bold ideas and future creative leaders.

Explore CCS News Events