# UC Davis Graduate Studies

**Source**: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/programs/gdes
**Parent**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/design/design-mfa/

# Design

## About the Program

### Learn More About the Program

[Visit the Program](https://arts.ucdavis.edu/design-graduate-program)

[Email the Program](mailto:ragundes@ucdavis.edu)

The M.F.A. in Design at UC Davis is a two-year program that encourages interdisciplinary approaches through research and practice aligning with social and environmental responsibility. We offer graduate students a unique opportunity to work with faculty in the Department of Design and across departments in one of the nation’s top public research universities. Design faculty expertise includes design theory, exhibition, fashion, history, information, interactivity, interior architecture, immersion, lighting, product, textiles, time-based, visual communication, wearables, and more. Students are encouraged to build connections across campus to expand perspectives and deepen understandings. Students’ progress through core courses alongside their cohort members while advancing their individual research. Core courses are augmented by graduate-level independent and group studies and upper-division undergraduate level electives. The M.F.A. program culminates in a written- and project-based thesis publicized in a major graduate exhibition. The program is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and public engagement.

Degree Type

Departmentally-Based Graduate Program

Degrees Offered

M.F.A. Plan I

Lead Dean

College of Letters and Science

Degree Requirements

[2013](https://programs.gs.ucdavis.edu/api/doc/2913)

[2006](https://programs.gs.ucdavis.edu/api/doc/2914)

Administrative ByLaws

[2000](https://programs.gs.ucdavis.edu/api/doc/2915)

Major Code

GDES

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## Admissions and Fellowship Information

Admission Requirements

[UC Davis General Admission Requirements](https://grad.ucdavis.edu/applying-uc-davis)
\
[Program Admissions Requirements](https://arts.ucdavis.edu/general-information/mfa-applications-design)

Admission Deadlines

General: Jan 15, 2026\
Space Available: Apr 1, 2026\

Internal Fellowship Deadlines

Prospective Student Fellowship: Jan 15, 2026\
Continuing Student Fellowship: Jan 15, 2026

### Admissions Actions

[Request Admissions Info](https://apply.grad.ucdavis.edu/register/?id=9c9a7154-1f83-4dfa-a1c8-e60f719b1b81)

[Apply for Admission](https://grad.ucdavis.edu/node/841)

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## Program Contact Information

### Primary Program Contacts

Graduate Program Coordinator

**Program Coordinator**\
 Rachelle Agundes
\
[ragundes@ucdavis.edu](mailto:ragundes@ucdavis.edu)

Graduate Program Chair

**Department Chair**\
 Simon Sadler
\
(530) 752-2004 | [sjsadler@ucdavis.edu](mailto:sjsadler@ucdavis.edu)

**Graduate Program Chair**\
 Brett Snyder
\
[blsnyder@ucdavis.edu](mailto:blsnyder@ucdavis.edu)

**Department Chair**\
 Jae Yong Suk
\
[jysuk@ucdavis.edu](mailto:jysuk@ucdavis.edu)

### Additional Contacts

Program Contacts

**Advisor: Admissions and General**\
 Brett Snyder
\
Design \
[blsnyder@ucdavis.edu](mailto:blsnyder@ucdavis.edu)

**Advisor: Admissions and General**\
 Jiayi Young
\
Design \
[jdyoung@ucdavis.edu](mailto:jdyoung@ucdavis.edu)

Graduate Studies Contacts

**Internal Fellowship Analyst**\
 Heidi West
\
(530) 754-9473 | [hewest@ucdavis.edu](mailto:hewest@ucdavis.edu)

**Senior Academic Advisor**\
 Brittney Solar
\
[bsolar@ucdavis.edu](mailto:bsolar@ucdavis.edu)