Program Overview

Furman Design Student work spread out on table.

What is a Master of Arts in Strategic Design?

The Furman strategic design masters (MASD) blends design, marketing, branding, communication, business and storytelling. There are four major departments that contribute to the strategic design program including the Furman art, business, communications, and english departments. MASD combines the depth of an MBA with the creativity of an MFA, all within an MA program. 

All courses within MASD are a balance of theory and practical application. A heavy emphasis is placed on strategic marketing concepts like consumer behavior, segmentation, distribution and integrated communications as they relate to creative outcomes. This approach translates into a robust premier portfolio to position you for premier agencies/firms in the creative industry in the world.

The program can be taken at a pace that works for you. There are 42 credits within the program. Students can finish the program in as little as 14 months, while the standard time to finish the program is 21 months.

 

Please note: We are currently reenvisioning the M.A. in Strategic Design program and have paused admissions for the 2026–2027 academic year. If you’d like to stay informed about future updates or have questions about other Furman graduate programs, we encourage you to contact our graduate admissions team at [email protected].

MASD Coursework

Strategic Design Student Experiences

Our ability to bring unique and personally crafted experiences to our students is built into our DNA at Furman. Our boutique experiences, individualized mentorship, and portfolio building sets our program apart from others.

View Student Portfolios

Student Experiences

Our ability to bring unique and personally crafted experiences to our students is built into our DNA at Furman. Our boutique experiences, individualized mentorship, and portfolio building sets our program apart from others.

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Developing Creative Talent

The Furman strategic design program uses a portfolio model which allows students the opportunity to create pieces for their final portfolio in every class.  These portfolios will help land creative jobs in the design field.  Students present their coursework to industry professionals at the end of every semester which replicates a creative professional environment allowing graduates to hear feedback and grow their network of industry contacts.

Boutique Experiences

Students will have the opportunity to engage in a design internship during their summer term, but it is not guaranteed or needed for graduation. Our internships allow students hands-on learning with agencies in Greenville and around the country.  These internships allow students to gain real-world experience and boost their resume while maintaining their academic coursework

Some past internship experiences involved: Brighthouse, Paris Mountain Marketing, Swamp Rabbit Hockey Team, Greenville Braves, Table 301, and Tombras.

Mentoring & Advising

Students have multiple opportunities to engage with industry professionals in one-on-one mentor experiences.  In the student’s final year they will be paired with a mentor to provide guidance during the portfolio building process.  This allows every student individualized attention allowing students the best possible portfolio outcome.  

Throughout the program students are also introduced to professionals through more informal mentoring opportunities where students can connect and ask about career pathways, advice, and more. MASD prioritizes intentional and strong connections for students that can lead to a robust, purposeful network.

Career Opportunities

This is what it’s all about at the end of the day. Do you want an unfair advantage in a creative career? We do!

Not only do our classes prepare you for your career but your last semester is spent perfecting your portfolio, so that you can land your dream career.

This program is designed to prepare graduates to:

Understand the role of creative thinking through the lens of leadership and innovation in tracks of Art Direction, Copywriting and Design.

Effectively connect across the design field in order to show how a 50/50 mindset in design and strategy can illustrate why a logo is aesthetically pleasing but will also create a higher return on investment, ROI, for a company. Demonstrate competency and critical thinking in Art Direction, Copywriting and Design.

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