Imagine having the opportunity to pursue your passions with a fully funded scholarship—that's exactly what awaits aspiring students of the MA in Design Research, Writing, and Criticism (D-Crit) at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). But here’s where it gets intriguing: applications are now open for both full-time and part-time students, and there’s even a chance to attend an info session and receive an application fee waiver. Don’t miss out on this remarkable pathway to deepen your understanding of how design influences contemporary culture—and vice versa.
The D-Crit program, located at the vibrant SVA campus in New York City (136 W 21st Street, Second Floor), is specially designed to cultivate the next generation of thoughtful writers, editors, curators, and strategic thinkers. Its focus is on the dynamic relationship between research and publication, equipping students with the critical thinking and writing skills required to foster new, compelling conversations surrounding design and its role in society.
This year, a particularly exciting development is the awarding of a fully funded scholarship to one exceptional full-time incoming student starting in Fall 2026. All applicants are automatically considered for this prestigious award, and additional funding options are available for both full- and part-time candidates—opening doors to a transformative educational experience for a diverse range of aspiring professionals.
Students in the program benefit from mentorship by a distinguished faculty comprising industry leaders such as Karrie Jacobs, Jon Key, Alex de Looz, Steven Heller, Leital Molad, Jennifer Kabat, Jennifer Krasinski, Nicolas Kemper, Eric Schwartau, Adam Harrison Levy, and the program’s chair, Molly Heintz. Recently, the department received a grants from Google’s Artists + Machine Intelligence initiative to develop workshops with prominent critic Brian Droitcour on critical approaches to art, design, and artificial intelligence—highlighting its commitment to cutting-edge discourse.
In addition, this semester’s seminars are lively hubs of expert insights, featuring visits from renowned critics, editors, and writers like Pulitzer Prize winner Alexandra Lange, COMMON EDGE founder Martin Pedersen, Samuel Medina of the New York Review of Architecture, design journalist Diana Budds, Ellen McGirt of Design Observer, authors P.E. Moskowitz and Steven Phillips-Horst, designer Cliff Kuang, and poet and AI prompt engineer Maryam Monalisa Gharavi, among others. This vibrant lineup underscores the program’s dedication to fostering diverse voices and innovative perspectives.
Graduates from D-Crit have successfully ascended to influential roles at major institutions and companies worldwide, including The New York Times, Domus, Metropolis, Architectural Record, MoMA, Cooper Hewitt, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Vitra Design Museum, IDEO, SYPartners, Pentagram, Microsoft, and Google. Many have even launched their own consultancies, publications like CLOG, Original Copy, Superscript, Fazer, and Wrong House, demonstrating the program’s role in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit.
Interested in learning more? Join the virtual info session scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, from 12 to 1 p.m. Eastern Time (RSVP here: [Eventbrite link]). Attendees will receive an $80 application fee waiver, making it a perfect opportunity to take the first step toward your future. Remember, the application deadline is January 15, 2026.
Challenge your perspective and reshape your understanding of design—and how it influences the world around you. Are you ready to change the way you see and are seen? Share your thoughts—do you believe this scholarship could be the catalyst for your creative ambitions or do you see barriers that need to be addressed?
