We seek individuals who are broadly curious, committed, and mature enough to take responsibility for their own futures. We don’t expect you to have solved the world’s challenges already. We’ll get started on that together.
Each application cycle begins in September to be admitted for the following Fall.
Step 1: Submit Application Materials
Complete the SVA Online Application for Graduate Admissions through the SVA Portal here.
Create an account if you don’t already have one, choose MFA Design for Social Innovation, and follow instructions from there.
Step 2: Interview with DSI
When your information is complete, we will contact applicants under consideration to schedule an interview that will be conducted via Zoom.
We welcome applicants to email any access needs related to interviews to dsiinfo@sva.edu.
Step 3: Admission Decision Issued
Applicants who apply by the first deadline January 15th will be notified by March 15th. All other applicants will be notified one month after completed submissions of application.
If you have any questions please contact us at dsiinfo@sva.edu or SVA Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@sva.edu.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Applications are a combination of important records and information, as well as opportunities for you to show us who you are and your vision. We seek individuals who are passionate about making a positive difference in the world, dedicated to lifelong learning, and mature enough to take responsibility for their own futures.
Please include three letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals.
Online submission is available through the online application. Applicants will be required to provide the email address and contact information for their references.
To be considered official, transcripts must be submitted in a stamped and sealed envelope by the college registrar of the issuing institution. Transcripts must be mailed, delivered, or submitted electronically from an SVA-approved e-service. For further information, click here and see the SVA section on Official Transcripts.
Your resume/CV should include your professional experience as well as related activities such as volunteering, research, awards, and exhibitions. Please indicate whether you possess core design skills and a mastery of design-related applications, including all programs in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, social media platforms, video editing software, HTML/programming, and collaborative tools such as Miro, Mural, Notion, and Slack.
For graduate school, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate proficient skills and maturity; therefore, it’s ideal to have 2-3 years of professional or related work experience.
Your Statement of Purpose articulates your aspirations, vision, and interests, and why you feel MFA DSI can support your goals. It should also clearly state the social issue(s) that will anchor your explorations and studies at MFA DSI. We aim for the Statement of Purpose to be open-ended and a reflection of you. You can start with one of these prompts or take a different route:
Tell us about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
Share about a time when you have been innovative, critical, and responsive.
What activates and inspires you?
Share a story that reflects your lived experience or an experience that shifted your mindset.
Connect the dots and reflect upon what you hope to achieve at MFA DSI.
We value personal voice and storytelling, so please submit original work with citations, including mentioning if you use AI generative software.
Format: No more than 500 words.
We ask applicants to refrain from strictly using AI to generate this statement, as we would like to hear from you in your own voice; however, if AI is used, please disclose which AI tool you incorporated. Submit as a PDF via the SVA online application portal.
There are three options for submitting your portfolio/work sample. We would particularly like to see examples that relate to themes of social design, social impact, the environment, and/or social justice. Please include proper citations where appropriate.
When submitting your portfolio/work sample:
Submit one URL for your portfolio/work sample submission. The link can be to a personal website, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Please ensure that all uploaded PDFs and files can be accessed and downloaded.
Please submit original work with citations, including the use of AI generative software.
We do not accept files via email.
Please choose and submit ONE of the following options:
1. Case Study: Describe, analyze, and reflect on initiatives that you have led, collaborated and/or that reflect your lived experience. Provide an analysis of complete case studies with an explanation of the issue, response, and outcomes, if available, including thumbnail photos of any visual elements.
Format: 1- 3 Case Studies, Max 5 pages total (including images if necessary)
2. Portfolio/Visual Work: Share examples of your visual work with a description of your role in the design approach, including processes, learnings, and outcomes (communication/graphic design, design research, 2-D, 3-D, interactive design, data visualization, service design, and/or system design).
Format: Max 10-15 examples as a PDF or provide a URL.
3. Project Proposal: Write a proposal for a future project or research plan (this can be real or imagined) that you would like to do. Your proposal should include the following elements: Description/Summary, Background/Context, Vision, Objectives, Research Methods, Inspiration, and Evaluation.
Format: No more than 3 pages, submitted as a PDF or provide a URL.
We value personal voice and storytelling, so please submit original work with citations, including mentioning if you use AI generative software.
Please email us if if you have questions or would like to request a portfolio review with us in advance: dsiinfo@sva.edu
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: Submission of a Writing Sample and/or Video Essay is helpful, but will be considered supplemental. Please email these materials directly to dsiinfo@sva.edu.
It is recommended, although not required, that you are familiar with design applications such as Adobe Creative Suite, film/video editing software, online collaboration and facilitation tools, and mapping software.
Good verbal and written communication skills are essential (email, Slack, Zoom, in person, etc.) We use Gmail/G Suite and Microsoft Office, so familiarity with these tools is useful.
Not a designer by background? It’s ok, diverse experiences and backgrounds are welcome. A lack of design experience should not discourage you from applying. Course audits are available if you are not familiar with design applications.
We find candidates are best prepared for the program if they have at least 2 years of work experience, internship experience, volunteer, organizing and/or advocacy experience.
All graduate applicants are required to complete the online application and submit a nonrefundable application fee of $80.
NOTE: You can apply for free by attending a DSI info session or event that specifies “an $80 application fee waiver.”
In addition to the general application requirements, the following must be submitted for all International students:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): International applicants whose primary/native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The TOEFL must be completed with a minimum score of 79 (internet-based) or 213 (computer-based). For more information, click here and see the Demonstration of English Proficiency section.
Foreign Transcripts: All foreign post-secondary (university level) transcripts should be converted into U.S. educational equivalencies. Those records that are not converted into U.S. equivalencies must be evaluated by an external evaluation agency. For more information click here, and see the Transcripts / Academic Records from Foreign Institutions section.
Declaration of Finance: Upon acceptance to DSI, all international students are required to submit original documentation of sufficient financial resources to attend SVA. For more information click here, and see the Verification of Finances section. The downloadable forms can be found in the Student Life-International Students section.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for passionate, committed people from all cultural and educational backgrounds who are curious about the world’s diverse systems and environments. We welcome generalists with a breadth and depth of experience, who might find other disciplines too confining – people who like to act as much as they like to think, and who want to engage with the world creatively.
The Statement of Purpose is important; we want to understand your perspective, your thought process, and the questions you ask yourself as you approach a problem. We’ll be spending a lot of time together, and want to know as much about your hopes and ambitions as we can. Write from your heart as well as your head. Tell us why you want to join DSI, and about the life you want to begin here on the day you arrive. And yes, we’re looking for collaborative workers, independent thinkers, good communicators, and visual thinkers.
Including quotes and references to work or people who inspire you in your Statement of Purpose and Work Samples is encouraged. We value personal voice and storytelling, so please submit original work with citations, including mentioning if you use AI generative software.
If you have any needs or considerations that would make this process more equitable for you, please let us know at dsiinfo@sva.edu!
Get To Know DSI
Tour
More Info
Financial Aid Support
Financing a graduate degree can look different for everyone. Check out some of the available resources here.
