Dr. Eric Benson

Associate Professor

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Biography

Eric Benson, born in Arizona and raised in Mid-Michigan, received his BFA in Graphic Industrial Design from the University of Michigan in 1998. He has worked professionally as a UI/UX designer for companies such as Razorfish and Texas Instruments. Later, he obtained his MFA in Design from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006. His MFA thesis became an internationally recognized, award-winning sustainable design website, focusing on the life-centered systems thinking that informs designers' approaches to critical issues and responsible solutions. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in Graphic Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he focuses on climate action and sustainable design. Benson's research and work are recognized globally, featured in notable venues including the Walker Art Center and the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. He also runs a climate action podcast, Climify, and is involved in various projects that highlight the importance of sustainability in design. Benson has published and lectured internationally on sustainable design, solidifying his position as a thought leader in the field.

Research Interests

Courses

FAA 110 Art, Creativity Diversity FAA 431 Sustainable Design Capstone ARTD 222 Type Practice ARTD 251 GD Toolbox ARTD 270 Design Methods ARTD 318 Interaction Design ARTD 326 Sustainability Manufacturing (Industrial Design) ARTD 333 Text & Image ARTD 351 Design Inquiry ARTD 371 Graphic Design Practicum ARTD 444 Typographic Systems ARTD 445 Industrial Design Professional Practice (Industrial Design) ARTD 451 Ethics Designer Global Economy (EDGE) ARTD 471 Graphic Design Capstone ARTD 551 Design Research Impact ARTD 595 Design Responsible Innovation Studio

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.