Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we receive most often about the Exhibition and Experience Design MA program. If you don't see your question answered, let us know.

You should submit one PDF document (20 pages max) of design work to include:

  • samples of drafting in AutoCad or Vectorworks
  • examples of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
  • examples of 3D digital rendering in 3D Studio Max, Sketchup, or other programs

If you do not have any experience in a required technical area, your portfolio will be considered incomplete.

Additional work in sketching, hand rendering, model making, diagramming, or other illustration of conceptual development work and other software applications is a plus. If you have examples of other forms of artistic pursuits such as photography, painting, sculpture or digital media, please include these with your portfolio.

We appreciate creative expression, looseness, and playfulness!

Competitive candidates have a BFA in an arts or design-related area—or an area that pertains to some form of media communications. The most important thing is to have a complete portfolio.

If you have studied an area such as art history, journalism, etc., you might have skills and experience that lends itself nicely to exhibition design!

GRE scores are not required.

All candidates will be asked to complete a video interview as part of the application.

Students in our program come from all over the world; some have recently graduated from undergraduate programs, others have extensive professional experience. A students might come from an architecture background—or interior design, graphics, stage, or theater. We have had students from film and television, art history, prop making, curation, and even dance!

Work experience is not required to apply. Exhibition and experience designers typically have eclectic backgrounds and our students reflect that. It is a part of what makes the program unique and dynamic. All of our students are dedicated and have relevant technical craft in addition to creative thinking capabilities. Each year we will accept 12–15 students.

The program is designed for students who are focused on working in leadership capacities within the exhibition and experience design profession. Age, type of professional experience, or amount of time spent working within a design field are not necessarily indicative of whether a person will be successful within the program . Anyone meeting the admissions requirements is encouraged to apply.

We do not accept transfer credits. If you have experience gained from other coursework, feel free to include examples in your portfolio. 

GRE scores are not required.

Technical software programs are not included within the program's instruction. It will be your responsibility to complete course assignments in the programs listed on the website.

Yes. All students are required to bring their own laptop to every class.

You can find detailed information about courses and curriculum in our Degree Details section.

Each course is studio-based and includes regional site visits to a variety of exhibition venues. Working professionals are invited into the classroom for presentations, lectures, and studio participation. We ask our students to complete assignments outside of the classroom using the city as a resource for study. 

In addition to the intensive studio coursework, a focus on academics is also part of the student experience in the form of research, writing, critical thinking, and analytical thinking skill development. 

A professional internship is offered as an elective and students work within an appropriate exhibition venue. Internships have included design firms, museums, science centers, zoos, botanic gardens, tradeshows, exhibit marketing firms, historic sites, retail design, and production firms.

Internships best match the unique qualities of the student with an appropriate placement. Internships can often be outside of New York depending on what best serves a student's professional interests. We also have international internships.

The program's diverse faculty are all working professionals who bear expertise in their areas of craft and bring relevant and current experience to their instruction. Our faculty members will provide you with a great range of expertise, professional experience, and leadership.