SVA MA Design Research
136 W 21st St, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011
designresearch@sva.edu
(212) 592-2228
SVA MA Design Research
136 W 21st St, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011
designresearch@sva.edu
(212) 592-2228
We are currently accepting applications for our two-semester MA program
Established professionals and recent graduates, particularly designers and thinkers interested in elevating their careers to the next level through publishing, teaching, and thought leadership.
Those seeking to expand their professional network in design, publishing, and curation. D-Crit’s curriculum is led by an esteemed faculty of active practitioners in design and journalism, and supplemented by numerous invited guest critics and guest speakers, whom MA candidates interact with directly through seminars, presentations, and informal events.
If you have questions about whether you'd be a good fit, email designresearch@sva.edu to schedule a call with our program chair to discuss how the program might fit your professional or personal goals.
Admission to the program is by online application, the submission of required documents, and an interview via Zoom or in person. All applicants will receive an admissions decision in writing.
Info Session and Open House attendees will receive an $80 application fee waiver if they apply for Fall 2026 admission.
(Note: This waiver will be applied to the email address used to register for this webinar. It is important to use the same email address consistently throughout the entire application process.)
After January 15 our admissions panel consisting of the department chair and faculty will begin reviewing applications.
International applicants who attended an undergraduate institution where the primary language was not English will be invited for an interview with the program chair via Zoom.
We will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis as space allows.
Information on tuition and fees can be found on the SVA Financial Resources page. Substantial scholarship support will be offered to all successful candidates.
Up to 500 words
This personal essay should convey why you’re interested in joining the program as well as where you’re coming from professionally/intellectually, and where you hope to go.
Published or unpublished
Our orientation is toward journalistic writing rather than creative writing. Ideally, your writing sample will reflect writing based on some type of research or investigation. Samples may be existing published or unpublished work, including articles, essays, blog posts, papers submitted for an academic class, white papers, or content strategy work, among other types of research-based writing. You may submit multiple short pieces/excerpts up to 2000 words, or one long piece/excerpt of 2000 words.
This helps us get a quick snapshot of your educational and professional background.
The recommender should be someone who has worked with you professionally or academically, and can speak to your research and writing skills as well as your intellectual curiosity and drive. You may submit your application with a recommender’s name, even if the recommender’s letter will not be submitted by January 15. (Note: We waive the letter of recommendation requirement for Summer Intensive participants)
From all schools attended
A Bachelor’s degree is required to enter this program. Please request transcripts from all institutions from which you have received a degree. These should be sent to SVA directly from the institution. You may submit your application by January 15 even if your transcript request is in progress.
Applicants whose primary language is not English are required to submit proof of language proficiency.
Successful applicants will be invited for an informal interview with program chair, Molly Heintz
Schedule a call with our program chair, Molly Heintz, to discuss your personal and professional goals.
Attend an online or in-person info session
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) portal opens for prospective students seeking financial aid
Priority application deadline
Priority applicants receive admissions decision
Design Writing & Research Summer Intensive (mini-version of the MA program)
We accept applications throughout the year on a rolling basis as space allows
03.04.26 – 12 p.m.
01.13.26 – 6:00
01.07.26 – 12:00 p.m.
12.17.25 – 12:00 p.m.
12.10.25 – 12:00 p.m.
12.03.25 – 12:00 p.m.
11.21.25 – 12:00 p.m.
10.28.25 – 12:00 PM
01.07.25 – 12:00 pm
12.16.24 – 12:00pm
12.07.24 – 1:00 pm
12.05.24 – 9:00am
11.14.24 – 12:00pm
10.29.24 – 5:00pm
10.18.24 – 12:30pm
10.16.24 – 6:30 pm
10.02.24 – 9:00am
09.17.24 – 12:30pm
01.09.24 – 7:00 PM ET
01.09.24 – 7:00 PM
12.13.23 – 11:00 AM EST
12.12.23 – 10:00 am
12.09.23 – 1:00 pm
11.28.23 – 6:30 PM
11.21.23 – 12:00 pm