Interdisciplinary Design and Media at the College for Creative Studies
The Interdisciplinary Design and Media course at the College for Creative Studies seeks to sharpen students’ perspectives on multidisciplinary projects.
Course details
School: College for Creative Studies
Course: Interdisciplinary Design and Media
Type: Undergraduate
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Course dates: September 2027 to May 2028
Application deadline: February 2027
Course overview
The College for Creative Studies (CCS)’s Graduate programme in Interdisciplinary Design and Media empowers students to build a versatile one-of-a-kind skill set. Working with faculty, students have the opportunity to customise their curriculum across other graduate programmes and upper-level undergraduate classes at CCS.
As students advance their creative practices through this interdisciplinary approach, they will develop a sharp multi-dimensional perspective and the leadership skills needed to guide multidisciplinary teams in today’s creative industries.
Students enrolled in Interdisciplinary Design and Media explore and engage with interdisciplinary research methods and analysis that strengthen their design and media arts practices in the programme and beyond.
In this programme, students will live, learn and work among a vibrant, international community studying in the only US city designated as a UNESCO City of Design.
Here, students’ design and visual arts practices are sharpened through interdisciplinary research methods and collaborative projects. Students will tackle complex briefs and test their strategic communication and leadership skills directly with real-world stakeholders.
What will I learn during this course?
Students will utilise advanced creative skills and knowledge that integrate inter- and multi-disciplinary practices to resolve complex challenges in, or at the intersection of, technology and the sciences.
Students will also initiate imaginative and innovative creative outcomes and hypotheses that critically challenge, transcend and redefine established boundaries of practice in the arts and sciences.
They will also exploit inter- and cross-disciplinary perspectives in the generation of ideas for coherent cross-disciplinary narratives and outcomes, and develop in-depth critical and contextual understanding of interrelated cross-disciplinary factors informing innovation and evidence original thought and creativity in the generation of ideas.
What are the requirements?
Entrants can apply directly through CCS’s free native application portal.
They should submit current transcripts. International applicants must submit a certified English translation. They also should submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing their educational, work, and community service or volunteer experience.
Students should also submit two recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style, and potential for graduate education.
At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisor. Applicants can submit up to three recommendation letters as part of their application.
All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test scores.
Applicants for the programme must submit a 1,000 to 2,000-word statement of purpose. Full admissions requirements can be found on the CCS website.
What facilities and resources are available?
CCS has some of the best facilities for all students to use, including:
- 24-hour studio spaces
- industry-level technology and equipment
- a state-of-the-art foundry
- shops and material libraries
What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?
Students can have possible careers in the following fields:
- creative design
- agencies and consultancies
- visual narrative and curation
- creative leadership and policymaking
- entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship
- academic research (phd) and higher education
Who teaches this course?
Ian Lambert, professor and dean of graduate studies and research.
