James Fathers, Director
The Warehouse, 315-443-2455, jwfather@syr.edu
vpa.syr.edu/academics/design/graduate/

The School of Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, has a long tradition of offering students the opportunity to develop their artistic talents and obtain a broad liberal arts education. Students learn from faculty members who are not only teachers, but also practicing artists and designers, with work in major museums, international exhibitions, and professional commercial venues. In addition, the school works in cooperation with the SU Art Galleries, Syracuse University Library’s Special Collections Resource Center; LightWork; and the Sue Ann Genet Costume Collection.

As a professional school within a major university, the School of Design offers a wealth of academic resources and endless opportunities and activities. Students are actively involved in mastering their chosen discipline and receive a liberal education that is integral to the development of artists and designers. They have one-on-one interaction with the school’s active, professional faculty and numerous visiting artists.

The School of Design has a tradition of excellence that goes back more than 130 years; in fact, Syracuse University was the first university in the country to grant a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree. 

The School of Design students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary study within the school and University as well as pursue opportunities for internships and study abroad experiences. Students may also take advantage of the courses, programs, and events offered through COLAB, an interdisciplinary initiative based in the College of Visual and Performing Arts that encourages students and faculty to use their diverse skills and perspectives to solve complex, real-world problems creatively and collaboratively. The School of Design is committed to ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education in art and design in all of their disciplinary forms. In studio courses where students are involved in representing their own issues and identities, diversity is by nature an integral component of each class. In lecture-based studies courses, the work of underrepresented groups and issues of gender and sexual orientation are incorporated into the curricula.