The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a part of the State University of New York (SUNY), has announced the establishment of a Master of Fine Arts in Exhibition and Experience Design (EED) to commence in fall 2026. Applications for the inaugural MFA cohort are now being accepted. The new degree program reflects the strategic transition from the college’s current Master of Arts (MA) to the new Master of Fine Arts (MFA), a terminal degree. This progression affirms FIT’s commitment to rigorous creative practice, academic distinction, and the advancement of professional opportunities that align with the industry’s evolution. Students will emerge from the new MFA program as highly accomplished design practitioners and global citizens prepared for engagement with the opportunities across a diverse range of exciting and rapidly evolving sectors within the design industry.
The mission of the new Master of Fine Arts in Exhibition and Experience Design is to provide a laboratory for state-of-the-art cross disciplinary design experimentation—exploring theory, methods, techniques, and technologies needed to create experiences in any venue—from museums and branded environments to interactive digital and public spaces. Built on a foundation of field and studio work, critical research, and thesis construction, students’ educational experience will be immersive and comprehensive, incorporating applied design disciplines and the cultivation of conceptual thinking. Through critical research and theoretical exploration, combined with first-hand engagement with industry, students will develop a rigorous creative logic, graduating as leaders and stewards of our communities and defining the future of the profession.
“This transition to an MFA represents a bold step forward for our department and students,” said EED program chair Christina Lyons. “The enhanced curriculum and terminal degree status will provide graduates greater access to a variety of professional opportunities, and teaching positions. The MFA model allows for a deeper pedagogical approach that encourages experimentation and supports the creation of ambitious, original and meaningful work.”
Focusing on designing narrative environments rooted in human psychology, including the art of experiential storytelling and creating interpretive environments rooted in narrative and audience-driven experiences, students will collaborate throughout the MFA in a wide variety of interdisciplinary skills development, including: narrative creation; concept development; spatial design; experiential graphics; evaluation methods; lighting; model making; sustainability; social justice and inclusivity; accessibility and universal design practices; community engagement; emerging technologies and integration; prototyping methods; project management; entrepreneurship; international business development; and professional practices in the exhibition and experiential design industry. The MFA will also offer crucial studio coursework in sustainability; community engagement, social justice and inclusivity; universal design principles, project management and business development; and state of the art integrated design technologies.
In accordance with the college’s National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation and benchmarks, the MFA will provide enhanced studio experiences, internship opportunities, and deeper perspectives in design precedents gained through expanded scholarly research. These advanced areas of study and competencies will allow graduates to remain competitive in the industry and work across an expanse of design areas including branding, emerging technologies, graphic and lighting design, project management, programming, business development, and sustainable practices. Students will gain experience and be prepared for professional speaking engagements, publishing opportunities, grants acquisition for design projects and scholarly works, and qualifications for research and content strategy positions.
“By offering the new terminal MFA degree within a four-semester structure, the department and the School of Graduate Studies will strengthen leadership opportunities in many ways: through academic coursework, deep engagement with industry professionals through sponsored projects, internships and masterclass experiences, and a depth of scholarly research and applied thesis preparation for a high-level transition into industry,” said Dr. Brooke Carlson, interim dean, FIT School of Graduate Studies.
Working closely with faculty experts and industry partners, students will embark on real-world professional projects and studio-based competitions with local and international firms, museums, and public facilities. Partnerships have included the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and National Museum of American History, the New York Public Library, Pinnacle Experiential Marketing, Tapestry Inc., Gotham Park, Kingsman Exhibits, Singapore, the National Justice Museum, UK, and Wildlife Conservation Society. During their time in the program, students may elect to intern at exhibition venues, such as design firms, design and production facilities, retail sites, or museums. The program culminates with an individualized thesis project and academic paper for publication that draws on critical research in alignment with major industry innovations and current practices. These projects will be presented to industry with over 100 industry critics assessing the work during interactive presentations and networking.
“Having advocated for truly interdisciplinary design education throughout my career, I’m thrilled to endorse this forward-thinking program,” said Gretchen Coss, senior vice president, Strategic Partnerships G&A, Gallagher Design Associates. “Its fresh curriculum reflects the interconnected, collaborative nature of the experiential design field.” Gretchen Cross is one of seven Industry Advisory Board members who advocated for the transition to an MFA program and who has supported the Exhibition and Experience Design program, its students and faculty since its inception in 2005.
For more program information, visit the Exhibition and Experience Design website at fitnyc.edu/eed or contact [email protected].