MFA in User Experience Design

Graduate applicants may receive a preliminary offer of admission based upon unofficial transcripts/mark sheets from their last degree-bearing institution.

Two letters of recommendation should be provided by professors, advisers, supervisors, or community leaders who have had immediate contact with the applicant, and who have knowledge of the applicant's level of commitment and history of achievement. Recommendations should provide relevant information about the applicant's creativity, initiative, motivation, character, and achievements, thus assessing the applicant's reasonable potential for success as a student at SCAD. Recommendations may not come from friends or family members.

This portfolio serves as a testament to the applicant's adeptness, creativity, and proficiency in the field of UX design, showcasing their capability to analyze user requirements, develop user-centric solutions, and evaluate design efficacy. It stands as a testament to their competence and readiness for the rigorous M.F.A. program. Outlined below are the essential prerequisites for crafting a comprehensive UX design portfolio for M.F.A. degree applicants: Résumé and statement of purpose: A meticulously designed professional résumé should accentuate the candidate's UX design experience and competencies. The candidate's statement of purpose should not only outline their intended thesis focus but also align with admission requirements. UX design projects: The portfolio must feature detailed case studies of three to four UX design projects, each exemplifying the candidate's prowess in applying UX design principles to real-world problems. These case studies should encompass the complete UX design process, from user research to testing phases. Within each UX design project, the following key components should be addressed: User research: Provide compelling evidence of the applicant's adeptness in conducting comprehensive user research and sophisticated analysis. Explain methodologies used and how insights guided design decisions. Design process: Offer a comprehensive exposition of the design process, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. Emphasize iterative refinement using user feedback. Design solution: Showcase creativity and innovation, encouraging candidates to produce portfolio pieces that impress and inspire, reflecting their unique design perspective. Accessibility and communication skills: Highlight a deep understanding of accessibility principles and effective communication, reflecting the capacity to present designs and articulate design rationale. Portfolio format and realization: The presentation should exemplify professionalism and user-friendliness, facilitating easy navigation. It should encapsulate concise yet in-depth portrayals of user research, design concepts, processes, and innovative solutions. Individual contributions to each project should be highlighted. Documentation and application of software: Artifacts must be meticulously realized and documented. Print-based works require tangible documentation, while web-based projects need accessible URLs. Interactive examples should include functional prototypes and well-structured code. Proficiency in industry standard UX design software, tools, and techniques should be demonstrated.

The résumé should document educational credentials as well as professional and other employment such as internships or field experience in the intended area of graduate study, and should list commissioned works, exhibitions, performances, publications, honors, memberships, interests, and activities, including volunteer work. Return to admission information

The statement should be a 500- to 750-word overview of the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments and should demonstrate a high level of interest in and a highly developed understanding of the discipline. The applicant should describe knowledge of the discipline, approach to past work, qualifications for graduate study and intended focus, as well as personal and professional goals.