Art and Design for Social Impact MA

The MA in Art and Design for Social Impact underscores the critical function of design in helping to address complex social issues. Working with a diverse range of community partners and social justice advocacy groups, students develop a better understanding of design’s pivotal role in generating positive social change. Students learn the value of an integrative and interdisciplinary design practice that encourages critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration-empowering a new generation of designers to become more active members of their community.

Required Core (21 credits)

ART 599TUT - First Year Grad Research Credits: 1 - 8 (3 credits)
VS 505SEM - Tactics of Praxis Credits: 3
VS 521SEM - Intro to Critical Theory Credits: 3

Elective Courses (6 credits)

Select 2 from:

(or another graduate elective, with approval from the program director)

COM 540SEM - Persuasion and Social Influence Credits: 3
COM 629SEM - Top: Credits: 3
COM 629 Course Title: Entertainment Education for Health Promotion and Social Change
COM 673SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
COM 673 Course Title: Narrative Persuasion
COM 682SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
COM 682 Course Title: Audience Analysis and Program Evaluation

Art Elective Courses (3 credits)

Select 1 from:

(or another graduate elective, with approval from the program director)

ART 502LAB - Tactical Media Credits: 3
ART 525LAB - Interactive Art & Design Credits: 3
ART 562LAB - Installation: Urban Space Credits: 3
ART 564LAB - Biological Art Credits: 3
ART 573LAB - Performative Action Credits: 3
ART 576LAB - Topics in Print Media Credits: 1 - 3
ART 589LAB - Real-Space Electronic Art Credits: 3
DMS 518LEC - Special Topics Credits: 3
DMS 518 Course Title: Emerging Technologies
DMS 555LEC - Special Topics Credits: 4
DMS 555 Course Title: Green Media
DMS 562SEM - Game Design Credits: 3
MGM 670LEC - Advertising & Promotion Credits: 3
VS 525LAB - Designed Play Credits: 3
VS 550SEM - Art & Psychoanalysis Credits: 3

Culminating Experience

Completed in required course, ART 599.

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

30 Hours

Time-To-Degree

1 Year

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.