Within the Media Design Masters there are two pathways that students may take. You can download the curriculum pdf to see the course distribution and degree requirements for each.

2-Year path
The MDP accepts students with exceptional training and experience in the visual, spatial, interactive, and graphic design fields into the 2-year path. The condensed 2-year path is ideal for the experienced maker who wishes to expand their thinking and explore new practices within media design. The 2-year path consists of the concept year, the summer x-term, and the thesis year (see curriculum structure).

3-Year path
Applicants who are relatively new to design but who have other training and life experiences are perfect candidates for the 3-Year path. Open to all applicants–including experienced designers–the 3-year path offers the deepest engagement with the program. The additional year allows students to work with Art Center’s world-renowned programs and facilities and increase the number of core and elective studios they take within the MDP. The 3-year path consists of the foundation year, the concepts year, the summer x-term, and the thesis year (see curriculum structure).

Students on either the 2-year or 3-year path can graduate with a concentration in design research. This concentration prepares students for careers as researchers within design studios, research labs, corporations, and academic settings.

You can download the curriculum pdf to see the course distribution and degree requirements for the design research concentration.