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 the 2023–2024 academic year on a rolling basis, as space allows.
The MA program in Design Research, Writing & Criticism is suited to mid-career design or media professionals who wish to deepen their multi-dimensional research practice and enrich their understanding of design, architecture, and urban infrastructure. The program is also aimed at recent graduates, holding BA and BFA degrees, interested in strengthening their writing and critical thinking and developing an area of expertise.
Applicants come to the program with experience in design, architecture, journalism and curation, or from academic backgrounds in art history, English literature, philosophy, social sciences, and critical studies.
Admission to the program is by online application, the submission of required documents, and an interview by phone or in person. All applicants will receive an admissions decision in writing. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, as space allows.
Upon acceptance to the program, nonimmigrant alien applicants are required to submit documentation of sufficient financial resources to attend SVA.
Information on tuition and fees can be found on the SVA Financial Resources page. Substantial scholarship support will be offered to all successful candidates. Please contact us for details.
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.
Totaling up to 2000 words
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 Samples may be existing published or unpublished work, including articles, essays, blog posts, papers submitted for an academic class, white papers, or content strategy work, among other types of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. For those applying for the January 15 priority deadline: you may submit your application with a recommender’s name, even if the recommender’s letter will not be submitted by January 15.
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. For those applying for the January 15 priority deadline: You may submit your application 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.
We accept applications on a rolling basis, as space allows.
Design Writing & Research Summer Intensive
Fall classes begin
Attend a departmental info session
Priority application deadline (first consideration for scholarship funding)
11.08.22 – 12:00 pm