Transportation Design Curriculum

*Courses are subject to change. Part-time study is available with the guidance of the department chair. Part-time study typically lasts 3-4 years. For more information contact [email protected]

  • MA
  • MFA
  • Year 1

    Course #Course TitleCredits
    DGR 601*Graduate Communication1
    GRT 601Studio I: Exterior Messaging3
    GRT 605Digital Viscom I3
    GRT 607Analytical Drawing & Rendering I3
    DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
    DGR 775
    OR
    --- ---
    Graduate Studies Internship
    OR
    Studio Elective
    3
    Course #Course TitleCredits
    GRT 606Digital Viscom II3
    GRT 608Analytical Drawing & Rendering II3
    DGR 635
    OR
    DGR 620
    Design Thinking
    OR
    Graduate Research Methods
    3
    DGR 650Final Project 3
    DGR 721Professional Practice3

    First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

    *Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam
    Catalog Year 22/23 Total Credits: 30-31

    Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

  • Year 1

    Course #Course TitleCredits
    DGR 601*Graduate Communication1
    GRT 601Studio I: Exterior Messaging 3
    GRT 605Digital Viscom I3
    GRT 607Analytical Drawing & Rendering I3
    DGR 613Graduate Seminar3
    DGR 775
    OR
    --- ---
    Graduate Studies Internship
    OR
    Studio Elective
    3
    Course #Course TitleCredits
    GRT 602Studio II: Interior Experience 3
    GRT 606Digital Viscom II3
    GRT 608Analytical Drawing & Rendering II3
    DGR 620Graduate Research Methods3
    DGR 721Professional Practice 3

    First Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    First Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Year 2

    Course #Course TitleCredits
    DGR 711Graduate Thesis I6
    DGR 631Written Thesis3
    GRT 701Studio III: Strategic Branding 3
    DGR 775
    OR
    --- ---
    Graduate Studies Internship
    OR
    Studio Elective
    3
    Course #Course TitleCredits
    DGR 712Graduate Thesis II6
    GRT 702Studio IV: Professional Focus 3
    --- ---Studio Elective3
    --- ---Studio Elective3

    First Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    *Contingent upon the English Proficiency Exam
    Catalog Year 22/23 Total Credits: 60-61

    First Semester = 15 Credit Hours

MA Course Descriptions

*Subject to change

Strong English language skills are essential for success at CCS and in a future career as an international designer. In this course, students will develop and improve English communication skills. Using a wide range of tools and assignments, students will talk and write about design with focus on planning and organization, visual aids, audience, appropriate vocabulary, revising based on feedback, and presenting before a group. The skills acquired in this course will enable students to produce a presentation on design research conducted throughout the semester.

Credits: 1

This is the first in a two-course sequence that introduces advanced fundamentals of vehicle design through the analysis and development of both conventional and unconventional vehicle types. The special focus is on the research and conceptual/formal development of an ‘aesthetic message’ concept to be applied firstly in this course to vehicle exterior designs, and then further developed towards interior application in the following semester. Both courses are augmented by supporting studio courses teaching technical 2D and 3D skills. In both semesters, the main studio courses GRT 601 and602 provide the core project brief around which primary lessons are introduced, then reinforced either directly or indirectly with assignments from the supporting studios.

Credits: 3

This course introduces multiple 3D modeling and rendering tools, techniques, and processes required for both analyzing and realizing complex formal design expressions. Special attention is given to the raid exploration and development of 3D vehicle exterior form through extensive use of range of modeling & rendering software including Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot, Blender &/or Unreal Engine.

Credits: 3

This course reviews both fundamental and advanced tools and techniques for analytical drawing and rendering of a variety of form languages, surface, and material expressions across a range of vehicle proportions. At the end of this course, students will have developed the ability to deconstruct complex form compositions into primary structural elements, and thus be able to draw and render clear and communicative 2D depictions of observed and imagined formal expressions. Additionally, this course will introduce professional documentation and presentation of creative work during its development and for its final display.

Credits: 3

Graduate Seminar aims to enable students to undertake rich and robust creative exploration that is informed by contextual and critical inquiry. Graduate Seminar serves to advance both the critical inquiry and critical writing skills of students, and enable the cross-referencing of theory to practice. Social, political, economic and environmental themes will be used to inform weekly classes.

Credits: 3

Participation in an internship experience allows students to use classroom-learned skills in a related employment experience. Students must work a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the entire semester. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All internships must be approved by the graduate program department chairperson.

Credits: 3

Students will enroll in an elective course of their choosing.

Credits: 3

As a continuation of Digital Visual Communication I, this course focuses on advanced 3D modeling and rendering tools, techniques, and processes required for both analyzing and realizing complex formal design expressions. In addition to continuing to build competency in raid 3D form exploration and development, this course expands into final modeling and animation with a special focus on vehicle interiors. Software such as Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot, Blender &/or Unreal Engine are extensively used.

Credits: 3

This course applies fundamentals and advanced tools and techniques for analytical drawing and rendering of a variety of thematic expressions across a range of vehicle interior designs. At the end of this course, students will have developed the ability to both deconstruct and assemble complex formal compositions in consideration of their primary structural elements. And thus, be able to draw and render clear and communicative 2D depictions of observed and imagined vehicle interior designs at a professional level of craft and artistry. Additionally, this course will further practice professional documentation and presentation of creative work throughout the development process and for final display.

Credits: 3

Students learn to use Design Thinking as a cross-disciplinary method for problem solving. Design Thinking is characterized by a non-linear, creative, playful, and collaborative approach for generating and testing ideas through rapid ideation and prototyping. Students learn to challenge assumptions, take risks, and adopt unconventional perspectives in the process of problem solving. The class teaches students to take a human-centered approach, led by user empathy to (re)define problems, generate ideas, prototype, model, and test concepts and ideas for new products, services, processes, and strategies. Students do not need any formal design training to take this course, but will be required to visualize, map, enact, and document thinking and ideas in collaborative spaces.

Credits: 3

The Graduate Research Methods course equips students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake a range of advanced research methodologies appropriate to contemporary creative practice and critical inquiry in art and design, from ethnography and interviews to phenomenology and critical performance. Using a wide range of primary and secondary sources students will learn to critically explore and evaluate art and design research practices.

Credits: 3

This course is a self-directed project that forms the capstone of the MA degree. Students will critically situate the project in a specific context and it will be informed by robust contextualization. Students will develop a body of well-documented interactive Ideation, leading to thematically relevant creative outcomes evidencing practical impact and/or a critical provocation.

Credits: 3

Part A provides a cross-disciplinary overview of the arts and creative industries and their importance to GDP and the economy overall, i.e. the creative economy. Students will strengthen their understanding of the broader business of creativity and arena of culture in which they will operate professionally. Part B allows students to make a plan to address gaps in their resume, prepare their portfolios, and refine their oral presentation.

Credits: 3

MA Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students in the MA Transportation Design program will be able to:

Synthesize knowledge and skills toward the creation of visionary, attractive, and socially responsible Transportation solutions that meet professional expectations.

Articulate and argue concepts and proposals through writing and presentation in a professional and persuasive manner.

Design advanced vehicle and vehicle system concepts with significant technological and conceptual reach while pushing the aesthetic horizon of market desirability

Apply understanding of business, technology, culture, and social responsibility both individually and collaboratively to elevate the practice of transportation design.

MFA Course Descriptions

*Course Descriptions are subject to change.

Strong English language skills are essential for success at CCS and in a future career as an international designer. In this course, students will develop and improve English communication skills. Using a wide range of tools and assignments, students will talk and write about design with focus on planning and organization, visual aids, audience, appropriate vocabulary, revising based on feedback, and presenting before a group. The skills acquired in this course will enable students to produce a presentation on design research conducted throughout the semester.

Credits: 1

This is the first in a two-course sequence that introduces advanced fundamentals of vehicle design through the analysis and development of both conventional and unconventional vehicle types. The special focus is on the research and conceptual/formal development of an ‘aesthetic message’ concept to be applied firstly in this course to vehicle exterior designs, and then further developed towards interior application in the following semester. Both courses are augmented by supporting studio courses teaching technical 2D and 3D skills. In both semesters, the main studio courses GRT 601 and602 provide the core project brief around which primary lessons are introduced, then reinforced either directly or indirectly with assignments from the supporting studios.

Credits: 3

This course introduces multiple 3D modeling and rendering tools, techniques, and processes required for both analyzing and realizing complex formal design expressions. Special attention is given to the raid exploration and development of 3D vehicle exterior form through extensive use of range of modeling & rendering software including Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot, Blender &/or Unreal Engine.

Credits: 3

This course reviews both fundamental and advanced tools and techniques for analytical drawing and rendering of a variety of form languages, surface, and material expressions across a range of vehicle proportions. At the end of this course, students will have developed the ability to deconstruct complex form compositions into primary structural elements, and thus be able to draw and render clear and communicative 2D depictions of observed and imagined formal expressions. Additionally, this course will introduce professional documentation and presentation of creative work during its development and for its final display.

Credits: 3

Graduate Seminar aims to enable students to undertake rich and robust creative exploration that is informed by contextual and critical inquiry. Graduate Seminar serves to advance both the critical inquiry and critical writing skills of students, and enable the cross-referencing of theory to practice. Social, political, economic and environmental themes will be used to inform weekly classes.

Credits: 3

Participation in an internship experience allows students to use classroom-learned skills in a related employment experience. Students must work a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the entire semester. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All internships must be approved by the graduate program department chairperson.

Credits: 3

Students will enroll in an elective course of their choosing.

Credits: 3

As a continuation of Digital Visual Communication I, this course focuses on advanced 3D modeling and rendering tools, techniques, and processes required for both analyzing and realizing complex formal design expressions. In addition to continuing to build competency in raid 3D form exploration and development, this course expands into final modeling and animation with a special focus on vehicle interiors. Software such as Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot, Blender &/or Unreal Engine are extensively used.

Credits: 3

This course applies fundamentals and advanced tools and techniques for analytical drawing and rendering of a variety of thematic expressions across a range of vehicle interior designs. At the end of this course, students will have developed the ability to both deconstruct and assemble complex formal compositions in consideration of their primary structural elements. And thus, be able to draw and render clear and communicative 2D depictions of observed and imagined vehicle interior designs at a professional level of craft and artistry. Additionally, this course will further practice professional documentation and presentation of creative work throughout the development process and for final display.

Credits: 3

The Graduate Research Methods course equips students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake a range of advanced research methodologies appropriate to contemporary creative practice and critical inquiry in art and design, from ethnography and interviews to phenomenology and critical performance. Using a wide range of primary and secondary sources students will learn to critically explore and evaluate art and design research practices.

Credits: 3

Part A provides a cross-disciplinary overview of the arts and creative industries and their importance to GDP and the economy overall, i.e. the creative economy. Students will strengthen their understanding of the broader business of creativity and arena of culture in which they will operate professionally. Part B allows students to make a plan to address gaps in their resume, prepare their portfolios, and refine their oral presentation.

This course will focus on the examination of brand identity and competitive market analysis to further the development of an original vehicle concept. Target user research will be conducted to assess specific needs and wants as well as to establish contextual scenarios that will help inform design criteria. This studio’s project brief can be either interior or exterior focused and students are encouraged to tailor this choice towards the specialty they hope to pursue professionally. This course will result in a final exterior or interior design executed as a technical digital 3D model data set capable of further engineering assessment fabrication and/or animation.

Credits: 3

Thesis I is part one of a self-directed major project that will be the culmination of the graduate study experience. Students will critically situate the project in a specific context and it will be informed by robust research methodologies. Students will develop a body of well-documented research and development work, that will underpin thematically relevant creative outcomes in part two, evidencing practical impact and/or a critical provocation.

Credits: 6

The Written Thesis is a self-directed, academically rigorous and fully referenced 8000-10,000 words document providing a critical appraisal of primary and secondary research sources, and theoretical discussion and debate on the over-arching context of the Graduate Thesis.

Credits: 3

This course will focus on the examination of brand identity and competitive market analysis to further the development of an original vehicle concept. Target user research will be conducted to assess specific needs and wants as well as to establish contextual scenarios that will help inform design criteria. This studio’s project brief can be either interior or exterior focused and students are encouraged to tailor this choice towards the specialty they hope to pursue professionally. This course will result in a final exterior or interior design executed as a technical digital 3D model data set capable of further engineering assessment fabrication and/or animation.

Credits: 3

Participation in an internship experience allows students to use classroom-learned skills in a related employment experience. Students must work a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the entire INTERIOR DESIGN 30 semester. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All internships must be approved by the graduate program department chairperson.

Credits: 3

Thesis II is the second pat of the two-semester major project wherein students synthesize insights generated from a rigorous research phase including topics such as technology, global and environmental issues, mega trends, and social change. These insights are then translated into meaningful and relevant design solutions that both advance the field of transportation design and demonstrate conceptual and technical mastery of the design development process. Final designs are realized formally as high-quality creative deliverable(s) that are exhibited publicly.

Credits: 6

This course has two main components. The first half of the semester will concentrate on the completion of a compressed project. This can be a stand-alone mini-project that provides yet another opportunity in the area of desired professional specialization, or the project can be an extension and completion of the one conducted in the previous semesters’ GRT 701. For example, if a vehicle exterior was focus of GRT 701, the min project in GRT 702 could be the interior for that exterior, or vice versa. The second half of the semester will then focus on the finalization and refinement of the students’ portfolios and online promotional presence in preparation for the end of year exhibit and industry interviews.

Credits: 3

Students will enroll in an elective course of their choosing.

Credits: 3

Students will enroll in an elective course of their choosing.

Credits: 3

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students in the MFA Transportation Design program will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to frame their work through research, analysis, and concept generation within the history of Design, and the broader social, political, economic and cultural contexts.

Synthesize knowledge and skills toward the creation of visionary, attractive, and socially responsible Transportation for the future.

Articulate and argue concepts and proposals through writing and presentation in a professional and persuasive manor.

Design advanced vehicle and systems concepts with significant technological and conceptual reach while pushing the aesthetic horizon of market desirability

Collaborate knowledgeably and ethically with leaders across disciplines in the creation of industry leading innovation.

Apply understanding of business, technology, culture, and social responsibility to elevate and lead the practice of transportation design.