Overview

The Design and Technology programme at San Diego State University is a comprehensive three-year Master of Fine Arts degree designed for individuals pursuing professional careers in the entertainment industry. This advanced course of study provides a rigorous environment where students master the artistry and technical skills required for theatre, opera, television, and film production.

Why Design and Technology at San Diego State University?

The university offers a unique advantage through its strategic location in Southern California, providing direct exposure to a richly active entertainment hub. Students benefit from close consultation with faculty who are active designers at national and international levels. The programme maintains strong community partnerships with prestigious organisations such as The Old Globe and Cygnet Theatre, offering exclusive fellowship opportunities.

Facilities at the School of Theatre, Television, and Film support a diverse range of specialisations, including scenic, costume, and lighting design. The learning environment is dedicated to advancing social justice and cultural diversity, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for creative growth. Students are encouraged to design for major productions, gaining practical experience that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 60 to 63 units, focusing on high-level seminar work and practical application. Modules may include:

Period Dress and Décor
Research and Bibliography
Design Aesthetics for Theatre, Television, and Film
Theories of the Theatre
Collaborative Studies In Design
Contemporary Designers
Production for Television and Film
Business Of Design For Theatre, TV, & Film
Theatre Internship

Careers with Design and Technology

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for high-level roles in freelance design, corporate entertainment, and academia. Alumni have secured positions with world-renowned organisations such as Walt Disney Imagineering, La Jolla Playhouse, and San Diego Opera. The skills acquired allow for diverse career paths in both live performance and digital media industries.

In the television and film sectors, former students have contributed to major productions including The Mandalorian, Mad Men, and various Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Many graduates also find success in theme park design with companies like SeaWorld and Knott’s Berry Farm. The programme's emphasis on professional networking ensures that students are ready to enter the competitive global entertainment market upon completion.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Period Dress and Décor
Research and Bibliography
Seminar in Design Aesthetics for Theatre, Television, and Film
Seminar in Theories of the Theatre
Collaborative Studies In Design
Contemporary Designers

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Design Engineering Management Liberal Arts View 447 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Create an SDSU WebPortal Account

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate

Submit Official Test Scores

Submit Program Specific Documents

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution, may be considered for admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design and Technology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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