Experience Design (MFA)
Master's
The Master of Fine Arts in Experience Design prepares students to be vital contributors and leaders of professional experience design teams where technological innovation intersects with design.
Program overview
Where tech innovation meets design
The Master of Fine Arts in Experience Design at Northeastern University embraces research-driven design thinking for entrepreneurship and innovation, focusing on important global challenges of today.
The two-year graduate experience combines theory and studio-based practice and results in a terminal degree. Students will complete this program with a studio-based experience design graduate thesis and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to continue onward to advanced academic or professional tracks as experience designers.
Applicants with past experience in the design domain and in related fields such as architecture, business, engineering, computer science, communications, and others are welcome.
The Master of Fine Arts in Experience Design at Northeastern University embraces research-driven design thinking for entrepreneurship and innovation, focusing on important global challenges of today.
The two-year graduate experience combines theory and studio-based practice and results in a terminal degree. Students will complete this program with a studio-based experience design graduate thesis and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to continue onward to advanced academic or professional tracks as experience designers.
Applicants with past experience in the design domain and in related fields such as architecture, business, engineering, computer science, communications, and others are welcome.
- Students will have their own studio space and are part of a lively cohort of graduate students in related fields who intersect around vibrant events, exhibitions, guest lectures, and workshops
- The MFA combines theory and studio-based practice and results in a terminal degree
- The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in this evolving field
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Application Deadlines
| Priority deadline for scholarship consideration: | February 1 |
| Final deadline for international applicants: | May 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants: | August 1 |
Application form
Application fee
Resumé
Personal statement
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the
by country.)
Three letters of recommendation
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants
Portfolio
Program objectives
Prepare for success
The program produces professionals skilled in design principles and practices needed to assume leadership roles in an evolving interdisciplinary field.
The program moves beyond design thinking to produce outcomes that demonstrate the value of human-centered research and design methods.
Prepare to succeed in design agencies, design-related and design-driven industries, research institutions, public institutions, PhD programs, and academic careers.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$123,540Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
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