MS in Accounting
Northeastern University in Boston offers a robust MS in Accounting pro...
MFA in Experience Design
Boston
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MFA in Experience Design at Northeastern University is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of how to design engaging, meaningful, and immersive experiences. The program emphasizes the integration of design thinking, creative problem-solving, and hands-on experimentation to develop solutions that resonate with users. Students engage in collaborative projects, pushing the boundaries of traditional design through the exploration of new media, interaction methods, and technologies.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MFA in Experience Design combines theory with practical application, offering courses in areas such as interactive design, user research, digital storytelling, and experience strategy. Students are encouraged to explore emerging trends in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies while learning the fundamentals of design principles. The program also includes workshops, studio projects, and electives that enable students to specialize in areas such as product design, service design, or digital media, ensuring a well-rounded education that aligns with industry needs.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the MFA in Experience Design program at Northeastern University. Students are encouraged to explore the intersection of design, technology, and human behavior. They engage in research projects that investigate how design influences user interaction, emotion, and engagement. This research-oriented approach ensures that students are at the forefront of innovations in experience design and are prepared to apply these findings in real-world scenarios.
Industry Engagement: Northeastern's strong focus on industry engagement sets its MFA program apart. The university has a robust network of industry partnerships, including collaborations with leading companies in the tech, design, and entertainment sectors. Through co-op opportunities, internships, and live projects, students have the chance to work directly with industry professionals, gaining invaluable experience and building their professional portfolios. This hands-on involvement not only enriches the students' learning experience but also enhances their career prospects upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The MFA in Experience Design program offers a global perspective by encouraging students to consider cultural, social, and environmental factors in their design process. Northeastern University’s international network of partners and opportunities for global study abroad programs allows students to work on projects with international teams, gaining insights into global design trends and user needs. This global outlook prepares students to create experiences that are inclusive and accessible to a diverse audience, making them valuable assets in the international design landscape.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59670
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Northeastern University in Boston offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships are designed to support academically talented students from around the world, promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive campus environment.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Northeastern University provides merit-based scholarships to international students based on academic excellence and achievements. These scholarships are awarded during the admissions process and are highly competitive. The amount and criteria for these scholarships may vary, but they aim to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership potential, and a strong their chosen field of study.
Northeastern International Scholars Program: This prestigious program offers scholarships to outstanding international students who exhibit leadership, academic excellence, and a desire to contribute to the global community. The Northeastern International Scholars Program provides both financial support and opportunities for personal growth through networking events, leadership training, and involvement in community service initiatives.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Although Northeastern University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, there are still many merit-based scholarships available that can significantly reduce tuition costs. However, international students are encouraged to seek external scholarships or funding from their home country to help cover the remaining costs.
External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to institutional scholarships, international students at Northeastern University can explore a variety of external scholarship opportunities from governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. Many international students receive funding from these sources to support their education at Northeastern.
Graduates of the MFA in Experience Design program from Northeastern University are well-positioned for a diverse range of high-level roles across various industries such as technology, entertainment, retail, healthcare, and consulting. With expertise in designing immersive, user-centered experiences, they are equipped to lead innovative projects in a fast-evolving field that blends creativity, technology, and human interaction.
Experience Designer: One of the primary career paths for graduates is becoming an Experience Designer, where they are responsible for creating memorable and impactful experiences across both digital and physical touchpoints. These professionals use design thinking and user research to develop seamless user experiences that meet both business objectives and user needs.
Interaction Designer: Interaction Designers focus on the user interaction with products, ensuring that these interactions are intuitive and engaging. Graduates in this role apply their knowledge of UX principles, prototyping, and usability testing to design interactions that enhance the user journey across web, mobile, and other digital platforms.
UX/UI Designer: As a UX/UI Designer, professionals are responsible for both the user experience (UX) and the user interface (UI) of products. They create user interfaces that are not only functional but also visually appealing, ensuring that users have an enjoyable and intuitive experience with digital products. Their work blends aesthetics with usability, ensuring that the design meets user needs effectively.
Creative Director: With their advanced knowledge of design principles and leadership skills, some graduates of the MFA in Experience Design may take on the role of Creative Director. In this position, they oversee the creative process for projects, leading design teams to develop compelling experiences that align with both user expectations and brand strategies.
Service Designer: Service Designers focus on the entire service experience, ensuring that all customer touchpoints, whether digital or physical, are designed to work harmoniously. These professionals consider the end-to-end user journey, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create services that deliver value and a seamless experience for customers.
Design Strategist: Design Strategists use their design knowledge and business acumen to drive innovation and guide organizations in creating strategic, user-centric design solutions. They focus on aligning business goals with customer needs and ensuring that design projects support organizational objectives and enhance the overall user experience.
Product Designer: In this role, MFA graduates take on the responsibility of designing products that offer great user experiences while meeting practical requirements. They apply user-centered design methods to create digital and physical products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use.
Digital Experience Manager: A Digital Experience Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the user experience across all digital platforms. They ensure that the design and functionality of websites, apps, and other digital products are user-friendly, engaging, and aligned with the company’s digital strategy.
Immersive Media Designer: Graduates interested in cutting-edge technologies may pursue careers as Immersive Media Designers, where they design experiences using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR). These designers create interactive and immersive environments that blend the digital and physical worlds, offering users novel experiences.
Consultant or Entrepreneur: With their broad skill set and entrepreneurial mindset, some graduates choose to become consultants or start their own design firms. As consultants, they provide expert guidance to organizations looking to improve their customer experiences, while as entrepreneurs, they may develop innovative design solutions or products that cater to emerging market needs.
