Pacific Northwest College of Art, MFA in Collaborative Design, MA in Design Systems, MA in Critical Studies

The MA and MFA programs of the Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies at PNCA support the development of experimental, interdisciplinary, and collaborative creative practices through experiential learning, student-centered seminars, and one-on-one mentorship. Graduate study is individualized and self-directed, yet highly collaborative, and supported by a broad network of peers, faculty, visiting artists, writers, and scholars, as well as community partners.

The MFA in Collaborative Design and MA in Design Systems start with the end in mind: to produce creative ethical leaders who will apply a whole systems mindset 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, holistic approach.

What do Collaborative Designers Do?

Participatory Research

User Design Research

Information Design & Data Visualization

Community & Group Facilitation

Visual Facilitation

Product Design Iteration

Creative Direction & Narrative Building

Visual Communication

Critical Design & Systems Thinking Scholarship

Personal Creative Practice

Social Entrepreneurship

Design & Process Consultation

Who Are Collaborative Designers?

Design Innovators

Creative Researchers

Business Leaders

Critical Thinkers

Life-long Learners

Storytellers

Empathetic Listeners

Mold-Breakers

System Mappers

Bridge-Builders