Design Methodology, Theory and Criticism in Design. This area of study is available to majors with backgrounds in art or design history, industrial design, interior design, architecture, sociology, environmental psychology, or research methods. Applications include design education, design marketing and production decision, and design criticism. The program examines successful design strategies for problem solving and theories related to design forecasting. Program of Study for the Research-Based Program.
Emphasis is on the techniques of criticism and individual and group studio teaching.
Thesis or Applied Project. For students in the research-based program choosing the thesis option, six semester hours of 599 Thesis and 592 Research apply toward the thesis. Guidelines in the Format Manual must be followed. For students choosing the applied project option, six hours of 593 Applied Project apply. An oral examination in defense of the thesis or applied project is required for all students in the M.S.D. program.