Design and Merchandising, MS

Curriculum

Ourindustry-based curricula is taught by nationally recognized faculty in fully equipped design studios and classrooms. The master’s program requires30 credit hours for completion and students may choose between a traditional research thesis or a design thesis option. The design thesis option is based on the creation of original work that represents processes of experimental design. 

Course topics for the master’s degree include:

• Research developments
• Planning and proposal writing
• Statistics
• Functional design
• Consumer behavior
• Theories of the creative process

Course information

Research and Faculty

Research in the Department of Design and Merchandising includes aging in place, dementia housing and assistive technology, facility management and design, comfort and protection in textiles and much more. Our laboratories feature virtual and augmented reality software and equipment, including eye-tracker and psychophysiological equipment and 3D printing capabilities.

Meet our faculty
Facilities and technology
College research initiatives

Admissions

The preferred annual deadline to apply is January 15, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

To apply, submit the following:

• Graduate College application
• GRE scores
• Official academic transcripts (3.0 minimum GPA required)
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of professional goals
• Resume or CV
• Portfolio
• If English is a second language, applicants must submit results for TOEFL or IELTS tests.

Graduate student resources

Cost & Assistance

Students may be eligible for graduate assistantships. Currently enrolled students are also eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Assistantships and support
Cost
Financing graduate school
Scholarships