Master in Design and Applied Arts (Master's)

University of Wisconsin-Stout has spent 135 years developing an applied, career-focused approach to education. Its polytechnic model connects classroom learning with laboratory experiences, giving students opportunities to work with practical methods and tools. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, over 70 minors and 20 graduate degrees, along with online degree options and certificates. Academic areas include art, design and graphics; business and management; education; human and social sciences; information technology and communications; and science, engineering and mathematics.

The campus is in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where university life includes campus events, community partnerships and public arts activities. Students, staff and university artists have taken part in Murals in Menomonie, a public art event involving muralists from the United States and other countries. The university also provides opportunities to explore campus through an interactive virtual tour or an on-campus experience. International applicants receive support through the admissions process, alongside services for first-year, transfer, graduate and returning adult students. Financial support may include scholarships, grants and loans. Students considering further study can choose from professional development, graduate education and certificate options, while families and supporters can access information about finances, academics and campus services.

The M.F.A. in Design prepares graduates for careers in higher education and professional design roles. This hybrid programme emphasizes creative thesis work and individualized study within defined focus areas. Students engage in studio-based learning with access to specialized labs and facilities. The curriculum integrates practical design work with research and public presentation of creative projects.

Focus areas include Animation & Digital Media, Cinema, Video & Photography, Experience Design, Fashion Design & Development, Game Design & Development, Graphic Design.

The programme requires 60 credits, distributed across core courses, focus area courses, electives, and a creative thesis. Core courses include seminars, research strategies, and ethics in design, while the thesis spans three semesters in the final year.

Graduates pursue careers as design educators, creative directors, user experience professionals, and industry innovators in fields such as animation, fashion, and interactive media.

Applicants must submit a visual portfolio of 10-15 images or documents, a 2-3 page written statement of interest, a resume or CV, and three letters of recommendation through SlideRoom. All materials must be submitted digitally.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. Hybrid on-campus and online; full-time study typically takes three years; core courses meet in the evenings with a mix of in-person and remote sessions. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 85% of applicants.