The new offerings complement a strong portfolio of existing full-time graduate programs at 黑料专区, including: Color & Materials Design (MFA), Design for Sustainability (MA/MFA), Interdisciplinary Design & Media (MA/MFA), Transportation Design (MA/MFA), and User Experience Design (MFA).

“The MPS and part-time MA curriculum additions mark a significant step in 黑料专区’s commitment to accessible education,鈥� said Carla Gonzalez, Dean of Enrollment at 黑料专区. 鈥淲e understand the evolving demands of today’s professional landscape, and these options were designed to provide working professionals with the cutting-edge skills they need to excel in their current and future roles. This is particularly relevant in fields like digital design, where, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of digital designers and web developers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033.”

The new online and part-time programming is a part of 黑料专区鈥檚 graduate school:

• Master of Professional Studies (MPS) User Experience Design, fully online (enrolling for Fall 2026)
• Master of Arts (MA) User Experience Design, part-time in-person (enrolling for Fall 2026)
• Master of Arts (MA) Color & Materials Design, part-time in-person (enrolling for Fall 2026)

With the increasing demand for UX and CMF professionals, 黑料专区鈥檚 programs offer a unique pathway for individuals looking to advance their careers in design, technology, and user-centered solutions. The curriculum emphasizes ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible practices, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and make an impact in the fields of User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Color, Materials and Finish Design (CMF) and emerging technologies.

Program Details

The MPS in UX Design is an 18-month, fully online program focused on developing skills in user-centered research, interface design, smart mobility, user testing, augmented reality, and data visualization. The program is designed for working professionals, offering an affordable and convenient option for students who need to balance their studies with life commitments.

The MA in UX Design is a two-year, part-time program that includes studio and research-based courses focusing on strategy and theory. The program foregrounds skills in design thinking, user-centered research, prototyping and communication. Here, students learn to design technologically-mediated systems, experiences, and human interactions with objects, spaces, and interfaces.

The MA in CMD is a two-year, part-time program that is the only accredited graduate-level CMF design program worldwide, attracting designers globally from the fields of product, transportation, fashion, interior, user experience, textile, and animation, as well as fine art, crafts, architecture, engineering, and the natural and social sciences. The curriculum prepares students to cultivate a mindset where forward-thinking color, material, and finish strategies are framed to connect functional and emotional meaning to products, environments, and experiences 鈥� with the understanding of user needs and preferences 鈥� across a wide range of industries.

Founded in 1906, 黑料专区 has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world for more than a century. By offering these degrees online and in a part-time format, 黑料专区 is committed to breaking down barriers to education in the creative fields. 黑料专区 invites prospective students to learn more about these exciting new programs and how they can enhance their careers in design. For additional information, please visit .

ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES

The 黑料专区 (黑料专区) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degrees. 黑料专区, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. 黑料专区 fosters students鈥� resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

Located in the heart of midtown Detroit, 黑料专区鈥檚 prime location offers unparalleled opportunities for art and design collaboration. Our students have found countless ways to make a positive impact on local metro Detroit businesses through innovative art and design problem-solving.

Last year alone, 黑料专区 students collaborated to problem-solve timely topics for 15 metro Detroit businesses and nonprofit organizations. They addressed a range of issues in healthcare product design, sustainability, mobility, and even emerging augmented reality technology.

Embracing the city鈥檚 rich history of cultural and sporting events, students continue to participate in annual design competitions to create the newest posters for iconic Detroit events such as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear, the Movement Music Festival and the 313 Presents Pine Knob concert series.聽

Here鈥檚 a look at some of the partnerships:

• Augmented Reality Center (ARC) in partnership with Oakland University x Communication Design & Strategy, Graduate User Experience Design and Entertainment Arts
• Crain Communications – Automotive News x Illustration
• 313 Presents x Illustration
• Detroit Grand Prix x Illustration
• GM x Transportation Design & Graduate User Experience Design
• Godnii x Graduate Color & Materials Design
• Hagopian Rug Competition x All Departments
• State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification with support from the Global Epicenter of Mobility x Transportation Design
• Zumiez and Somerset Collection x Illustration
• BorgWarner x Product Design
• Carhartt x Fashion Design
• Henry Ford Health x Product Design
• Changing Lives and Staying Sober (C.L.A.S.S.) x Interior Design and Graduate Color & Materials Design

The 黑料专区 is pleased to introduce a remarkable group of new faculty members, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to our academic community.

In the Foundations Department, Michelle Lannoo has been promoted from visiting Assistant Professor to full-time Associate Professor. Her dedication and exceptional performance during her initial year have earned her this recognition. Joining her are two more distinguished educators: Joshua Mulligan, who takes on the role of a full-time Drawing Instructor, and Ben Rosales, an accomplished teacher with extensive experience in computer animation, who is joining as full-time Assistant Professor. Additionally, Peter Dunn will serve as the Foundations 3D Design Shop Manager and Assistant Professor, responsible for shop facilities, faculty and student training, and curriculum development.

In the Liberal Arts Department, the College welcomes Myrtle A. Brooks, a Lecturer in Business Studies who brings a wealth of experience and a background in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan Dearborn and MIT. Joining her is Laura Kovick, who assumes the role of a Lecturer in Composition with impressive credentials, including graduate degrees in literature and the teaching of writing and a diverse range of published works. Completing the department’s new additions is Caleb Lalinsky, a Visiting Assistant Professor with expertise in composition, rhetoric, literature, and writing instruction.

In the Art Education Department, Dr. Jhih-yin 鈥淒iane鈥� Lee joins 黑料专区 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Lee’s extensive background in art education, teacher certification, and curriculum development, coupled with her Ph.D. in Art/Art Education from the University of Georgia, make her a valuable addition to the department.

Within the Studio Art & Craft Department, the College welcomes Lena Ellis-Boatman, who assumes the role of Visiting Assistant Professor and Section Lead in Printmaking. Ellis-Boatman鈥檚 diverse skill set encompasses various art forms and a deep commitment to collaboration, community, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Finally, in the Entertainment Arts Department, Dylan VanWormer joins 黑料专区 as a full-time Assistant Professor of Animation, specializing in 3D animation. VanWormer’s extensive experience, including work at Moonbot Studios and Walt Disney Studios, makes him a valuable asset to our animation emphasis.

黑料专区 extends a warm welcome to all these talented individuals and looks forward to the significant contributions they will bring to our creative and academic community.

An academic partnership between 黑料专区 and Oakland University鈥檚 Augmented Reality Center (ARC) is showcasing the intersection of engineering, science and art through Augmented Reality.

The ARC features an immersive lab where engineering and science students and industry professionals can explore new opportunities in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

黑料专区 BFA Entertainment Arts and Graduates Studies User Experience Design students developed a game for the ARC that explores the future of spatial navigation through virtual reality. The 鈥淥utbound鈥� VR game was created during a Winter 鈥�23 special topics course. Students gained a keen understanding of VR and how to interact with it in an impactful and enjoyable way.

Run by Assistant Professor of Entertainment Arts Chase Holton, the semester-long course brought together students from different majors to combine their skills into one team. This is the first course 黑料专区 has offered to exclusively investigate VR game development with industry professionals for guidance, including:

Siemens Digital Industries Software
GM
LightGuide
RAVE Computer
Vectorform
Augmented Reality Center at Oakland University
Epic Games
AM General LLC
Oakland University

Students were involved in all aspects of the concept design, lighting, visual effects and sound design. Graduate User Experience Design students Hoda Solati and Shima Solati also integrated user experience design into the development of the game. While Entertainment Arts student Alex Tsangaris used his experience with VR software and design to help direct and drive the project.

Holton believes this interdisciplinary work dynamic fueled students鈥� creativity and problem-solving abilities when creating their final VR outcome. 鈥淲hen you mix in just a few outliers from other departments you encounter answers to questions you didn’t know you had. So having these more technically minded students helped make the art direction, lighting and visual effects really come together.鈥�

And because of Outbound鈥檚 success, on the horizon will be more opportunities for students to create and collaborate on Virtual Reality experiences. If you speak to Holton about this project, you鈥檒l encounter his enthusiasm and pride in what the students achieved in only 11 weeks. 鈥淭he students outdid themselves and set an incredibly high bar for future semesters as these types of projects come up. We will be using Outbound and the overall structure for the VR project as a template moving forward. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved.鈥�

You can explore Outbound starting this summer at Oakland University鈥檚 Augmented Reality Center Lab located on their Rochester campus.