in Exhibition and Experience Design
FIT School of Graduate Studies Announces New Master of Fine Arts in Exhibition and Experience Design
New degree program provides a laboratory for state-of-the-art cross disciplinary design experimentation
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a part of the State University of New York (SUNY), is excited to announce the establishment of a Master of Fine Arts in Exhibition and Experience Design to commence in fall 2026. 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), affirming 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.
With the support of SEGD leadership back in 2005, the program initiated with the mission 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 branded environments to museums, interactive digital and public spaces. This mission continues today, 20 years later and in a new phase of its evolution.
“This transition to an MFA represents a bold step forward for our department and students,” said 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.”
What does the new MFA concentrate on? 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.
According to Professor Brenda Cowan, “It’s important that the MFA provide enhanced studio experiences, internship opportunities, and deeper perspectives in design precedents gained through project work and 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. Students will gain experience and be prepared for professional speaking engagements, publishing opportunities, grants acquisition for design projects and scholarly works, and qualifications for leadership and content strategy positions.”
Working closely with faculty experts and industry such as our SEGD partners, students will embark on real-world professional projects and studio-based competitions with local and international agencies , museums, and public facilities. 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.