The M.S. Human Ecology program in the Design Studies Department is geared towards generating new knowledge and/or insights into design, broadly conceived as both a process and product. The program is geared for students wanting to conduct limited scholarly research in an area of interest. The MS culminates in the production of a MS thesis that contributes to the knowledge base in the discipline of design (For non-thesis option in textile science click here). Some graduates of the program may continue their journey into PhD programs while others may find themselves well positioned for jobs in industry. Students who aim to become or continue their design practice may be better suited in the MFA program.<br><br>The Design Studies graduate program provides opportunities for students to pursue topics in depth in design and design's relationship with human, their environments, textiles and other material objects. The program is highly flexible, as each student works closely with his/her advisor and graduate committee to design a custom-fit curriculum that strives to support each student's goals after graduation. Due to the centrality of the student/advisor relationship, students will only be accepted if there is a close fit between the student's area of interest and a graduate faculty member who is willing to commit to serve in this mentorship relationship. In this regard, it is important for each applicant to identify a potential faculty member whom they would intend to work with at the time of the applicant's submission. At the same time, students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty from a broad range of departments across the university, including, but not limited to, Art, Art History, Civil Society and Community Studies, Computer Science, Consumer Science, Engineering, Folklore, Human Development and Family Studies, Geography, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning.