For Fall 2027, applicants interested in interaction design, graphic design, product design, and social impact should apply to MFA Design: SVA’s new multidisciplinary graduate design program.
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 to the new MFA Design program are open and are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications. The priority deadline to apply for Fall 2027 is January 15, 2026.
Please submit three letters of recommendation from practicing professionals orinstructors.
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 issuing institution’s college registrar. 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 résumé should include professional experience as well as related activities such as research, awards, and exhibitions.
Applicants must submit an original Statement of Purpose (250-500 words) to showcase their authentic voice as a designer and their personal reason for pursuing graduate study at MFA Design at the School of Visual Arts.
Important Note:
Be sure to read the instructions in the “Video Introduction” below. You must upload your video to a platform such as Vimeo or YouTube, or to an accessible folder, and include the link in your statement of purpose.
Your portfolio is a collection of 5-7 projects that demonstrate your experience and interest in design. 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.
Demonstrate any technical experience with materials, tools, and craft.
For non-designers: MFA Design welcomes candidates without a formal design degree or professional design experience. Here, your portfolio will be a collection of projects that convey your ability to problem-solve and to think critically and analytically. It may also be a place to show hobbies and craft work. Maybe you have experience with materials and techniques, but have never thought of it as “design.” We want to see it!
Project Examples (you are not required to present each type of project; these are simply examples):
Websites or apps
Research projects or project proposals
Business plans
Creative or critical writing
Volunteer initiatives
Community engagements
Crafts, sculpture, or jewelry
Do not be afraid to show broken models, failed attempts, iterations, and learning.
Portfolio Submission Format:
Portfolio must be submitted either as an online portfolio site (preferred) or as a single PDF document.
Do not send links to Google Folders, Dropbox folders, or individual JPG/mp4 files, please.
In a video of no more than 60 seconds, introduce yourself as a human and a creative. We want to get a sense of your energy, curiosity, and voice. No need to be overly polished, we’re looking for authenticity, not perfection.
Please respond to the following:
What excites you about design right now?
You might reflect on a moment, experience, or frustration that’s pushing you to explore this field more deeply.
Why MFA Design and why now?
Tell us why you’re applying to MFA Design at this moment in your life.
You must upload your video to a platform such as Vimeo or YouTube, or to an accessible folder, and include the link in your statement of purpose.
All graduate applicants are required to complete the online application and submit a nonrefundable application fee of $80.
You must enter valid credit card information in order to submit the online application.
In addition to the general application requirements, international applicants whose primary/native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The following are acceptable ways to demonstrate English proficiency:
For exams taken before January 21, 2026: We require a minimum score of* 79 (internet-based or paper-delivered).
For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum score of* 4.5 (internet-based or paper-delivered).
The CEEB code for the School of Visual Arts is 2835. This is the code that must be supplied to ETS in order to have TOEFL scores mailed to SVA.
Please note this means a composite score for a single test date. SVA does not accept MyBEST TOEFL scores.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum score of 6.5. IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council, and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia.
Ideal candidates are individuals who are eager to expand and refine their design practices, tackle complex design challenges across various media and platforms, and bring their original ideas and concepts to the world. The MFA Design department welcomes applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, including experienced designers, emerging talents, and those from interdisciplinary fields such as technology, art, architecture, journalism, psychology, finance, medicine, and business.
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