FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Interaction Design program at SVA.

APPLYING

What should be included in my portfolio? The clarity of your portfolio is a critical part of presenting the quality of your work. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio of approximately 20 pieces that shows a broad range of design work. Pieces should demonstrate a fluency in interface design, information architecture, typography, design research and strategy, and application or web design when possible, and proficiency across a variety of tools.
Do all items in my portfolio have to be unique? No. Multiple items in your portfolio can represent different aspects of the same project.
Who is the ideal candidate for the Interaction Design program? Do you prefer people with working experience or people directly out of undergraduate programs? The ideal candidate for MFA in Interaction Design has a cross-disciplinary set of interests, comes from a design or design-minded field, and is a systems thinker. Most candidates will have between two and five years of professional experience, although some students may come directly from an undergraduate degree. Prospective students need not be advanced web, mobile, or interactive designers already, but should be curious and imaginative, experimenting with interactions on their own—particularly if coming from a traditional design field. Prospective students from fields such as research, writing, and engineering with a fluency in design may provide an interesting complement to the program as well.


FINANCES

What is the cost of tuition for the program? Tuition to the program is estimated at $16,025 per semester with a departmental fee of $400 per semester.
What are my options for financial aid? The SVA Office of Financial Aid coordinates the many sources of aid to meet as much of the students’ financial needs as funding permits. Prospective students interested in pursuing financial aid should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be filed as soon after January 1, 2009 as possible. Contact the office for more information at 212.592.2030.
Does SVA offer scholarships? The department distributes partial merit-based scholarships to students entering the fall semester. The receivers of the scholarships are chosen based on the submitted MFA in Interaction Design applications, and no additional forms are necessary. The program also has assistantships available for tuition reimbursement, and internships outside the school available with various companies and design firms.
Does SVA offer internships or assistantships? SVA does offer teaching assistantships for students who want to teach at the undergraduate level. Students will receive compensation that will be handled through a tuition reimbursement. Internships are available throughout the year both within the department and outside the department at local firms and companies. Summer internships are also available through departmental relationships, locally and nationally, for credit toward the thesis project. Faculty will also be happy to make introductions and recommendations to potential internship possibilities whenever possible.


PROGRAM STRUCTURE

What is the size of the program? Approximately 15 students per year.
Is it a full-time program, or can I take courses part-time? The program is only full-time. Because of the intensity of the program, a residency of two academic years is required.
Can I take courses remotely? While the way each course is taught is up to the individual faculty member, courses are not offered remotely. Studio courses and social aspect of the program are central to its culture and require students be present for its success.
Can I maintain a full-time or part-time job while pursuing the degree? To offer the most flexibility to working professionals, most courses take place in the evenings from 6PM-9PM. Some courses, including short-intensives and workshops that complement courses, will be taking place during the day. Therefore, the amount of work, particularly in the first semester, may be quite daunting for someone working full-time. While we understand that working full-time may be a requirement for some, we discourage full-time jobs whenever possible in the first year, and recommend opting for a more flexible working schedule if you can manage it.
How many hours will I spend in class per week? How many hours will I be expected to spend outside of class? 15 hours will be dedicated to class. 30-35 hours outside class.