Apply Today!

Looking for great minds and great makers.

Our program is seeking both trained designers + those without experience who are passionate about entering the world of design.

EVERYTHING IS A PRODUCT OF DESIGN. EVEN YOUR FUTURE.

Product Design at SVA empowers exceptional people to use design to accomplish great things. We are looking for creative, curious, fearless learners who believe in the power of design to tackle the challenges ahead. We seek both trained designers and those without experience who have the passion to transition to the world of design. Strong 2D and 3D skills recommended.

Join the Class of 2025 today!

Our priority deadline of January 15th has passed, but we’re on rolling admissions until spots are filled. Before you apply, take a look at some of our program information below:

Deadlines + Schedule:

To apply for the fall 2024 semester:

  • The priority application deadline was January 15th, but there is still time to apply. Applications submitted after this date will be considered as space remains in the program.

  • February - March 2024 - Zoom interview with select applicants. Please check your email frequently for an invitation to interview. If you do not respond, we will not be able to proceed with your application.

    • If you are applying after January 15th, newly submitted applications are reviewed at this time.

  • March 15, 2024 - Priority Applicants who applied by January 15 will receive a decision by March 15, 2024. 

  • September 3, 2024 - Classes begin

Get to Know the Program

Note: International applicants will be happy to learn that our program is a
STEM-certified graduate program.

If you haven’t already done so, take a few minutes and visit the following links as you prepare your portfolio and application You will also meet some of the students, faculty, and alumni!

Application Requirements

Types of Candidates:

SVA Product Design welcomes both applicants with deep design knowledge and experience as well as applicants practicing in other disciplines who are interested in joining the world of design. Above all, we are interested in individuals with curiosity and a desire to push the boundaries through design. We can teach you the rest!

Financial Aid

    • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university

    • Online application form and non-refundable $80 fee

    • Official college or university transcripts

    • Three letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals, submitted as part of online application form

    • Résumé - include any professional experience, internships, print or web publications, and awards

    • Proof of English proficiency (required of applicants whose primary language is not English)

    • Upon acceptance to the program, international applicants are required to submit documentation of sufficient financial resources to attend SVA.

    • Portfolio (further explanation below)

    • Statement of purpose (Approx. 500 words; more info below)

  • Your portfolio should be a collection of 6-to-8 projects. Projects should:

    • Demonstrate an ability to identify and think through a problem

    • Articulate the designer’s approach and resolution in compelling ways

    • Offer creative solutions.

    Your projects should show the process and the finished work. We want to see how you came to a resolution, including some of your decision points along the way. Do not be afraid to show broken models, failed attempts, iteration, and learning. Finally, we are looking for the “whole person,” so every project in your portfolio does not have to be a piece of design. Side projects, fine art, and hobbies are all interesting to us as well!

    ** For non-designers: SVA Product Design welcomes candidates who do not have a formal design degree or experience in professional design practice. Here, your portfolio will be a collection of projects that convey your ability to problem solve and to think critically and analytically. Projects might take the form of writing, business plans, community engagements, volunteer initiatives, crafts or hobbies, etc.

    Portfolio Submission Format:

    Only the following formats are acceptable:

    • URL link to an online portfolio (preferred)

    • PDF document

    ** Please do not send loose jpg images or links to DropBox folders.

  • Beyond your portfolio, we want to know who you are as a designer, how critical thinking takes shape in your design work or other pursuits, and why you are choosing to apply to the SVA MFA Product Design department at this time in your life.

    Below are some suggestions that may help you structure your statement of purpose. Feel free to borrow some of these points (all are not necessary) as they seem most relevant and natural for you to speak to:

    • Why are you applying to the MFA Products of Design department at this time; what appeals to you about the program; why do you feel that it is a good fit for you?

    • What is your design story? In other words, what is your relationship to design, making, problem solving, visual art, craft, UX/UI, business thinking or otherwise? Give us a sense of who you are as a designer and who you want to be. If you are not yet a designer, give us a sense of what type of designer you want to be.

    • How do you plan to leverage design to affect and influence change? In what ways are you dreaming about?

    • How do current events, politics, your life experience, identity and history affect your thinking and creative life?

Prospective students seeking financial aid are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 1, 2023.

Learn more about financial aid opportunities here.

Visit the SVA website for more scholarship opportunities.

Departmental Scholarships/Assistantships - A small number of modest departmental assistantships are available on a case-by-case basis, and require a commitment to a set number of work hours per week within the department each semester.

Ready to apply?

Begin your application today by
clicking the link below:

Keep in Touch!

Would you like to know more about the culture and student life at the MFA Product Design department? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here and we’ll keep you in the loop!

Interested in meeting with the department chair to discuss any of the above steps, visiting the department, attending an event, or sitting in on a class?
Contact us to set up a visit.