Program Description
The MFA in Collaborative Design and MA in Design Systems start with the end in mind: to produce creative leaders who will apply a whole systems mind set and a tool kit of design, analytical, and entrepreneurial skills to drive positive impact in private, public, and non-profit sectors. Students, faculty, partners, and clients work together on complex problems using a collaborative, systems-based, human-centered approach. Both programs draw on the city of Portland, the Pacific Northwest, and the Pacific Rim as learning labs for graduate students seeking expanded design practices to meaningfully address the emerging challenges of the 21st century. Our faculty, mentors, partners, and participants share a vision where future creative leaders effect systemic change creating equitable, resilient, and profitable solutions for a changing world.
See All Program News
Faculty member Nina Narelle at Design Museum Mornings
Faculty member Nina Narelle and fellow co-founder of Future Work Design, Katie Ausberger, present "From Diversity to Equity, By Design” at Design Museum Mornings
"We Don't Need Racial Equity Allies; We Need Active Accomplices"
Faculty Member Joy Alise Davis's writing published on Design Portland.
Faculty Member Jooyoung Oh on Design Research
Jooyoung Oh, Design Researcher and faculty member teaching our Research + Insights course, shares her handpicked reading list centered on thinking about why and how we engage in design research processes. More of Jooyoung's work can be viewed on her website: http://www.jyoh.co/
DESIGN FUTURES: Mapping Social System Identity Workshop with Howard Silverman
March 5 at 6pm in the Hammer Conference Room. Free and Open to the Public.
choose your path
MFA in Collaborative Design
This 60-credit program is tailored for early- and mid-career creatives who are ready for an immersive experience. Late afternoon and evening classes up-level skills and aptitudes for a rapidly changing design environment. We take a critical and entrepreneurial approach to “wicked” problems such as resource depletion, emerging technologies, climate change and global demographic shifts.
MA in Design Systems
This 40-credit program embraces the reality that all creative endeavors are embedded within complex systems: of design, relationships, hierarchies, production, power, collaboration, and competition. This program is for the working creative who wants to master those systems, whether inside a firm, between organizations, or among multiple stakeholders.
"Collaborative Design prepared me for a life of working with entrepreneurs by introducing me to the world of social innovation and community-oriented design. I am so grateful for the connections I developed with fellow alum, mentors and professionals through the program."
Flexible
Classes are held in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate early and mid-career creatives who want to accelerate their skills while continuing to work.
Collaborative
Participants work with the most creative, professional minds in Portland, Oregon – a leading edge of creativity - and access new technologies and partnerships with national and international knowledge networks. Upon completion of the 60-credit, two-year program, graduates leave with a project portfolio that demonstrates their ability to think critically and act entrepreneurially in rapidly changing environments.
They go on to launch successful programs, work for leading design initiatives and nonprofits, create thriving design consultancies, and work in higher education.
View Faculty & FacilitiesEvents
Get in touch
Get in touch with MK Guth: Director of Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies at mkguth@pnca.edu, to schedule a tour or to learn more.
EMAIL Request Info