Graphic Design, MFA
Master's in Graphic Design
Curriculum
- Thesis
- Teaching Practicum
- Off-campus internship
- Graduate seminar
- 27 to 30 credit hours of graduate level studio classes within program
- 9 to 12 credit hours of electives inside or outside department
- Courses include Graphic Design Graduate Studio, Motion Design Graduate Studio, Interaction Design Graduate Studio, History/Theory/Critical Analysis, Graphic Design History, History of Art, and Special Topics in Graphic Design
3FOCUS AREAS FOR AN MFA IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Choose from interaction design, motion design and visual communication.
The three primary focus areas for this degree are:
Interaction Design - Sometimes referred to IxD, User Experience Design or UX Design, the study of interaction
design considers the role of graphic design within human-computer interaction, the
ever-shifting role of the participant (user/consumer/participant) and design strategies
for interface design and development. Other research areas explore the nature of design,
communication and information in the context of crafting two-, three- and four-dimensional
experiences.
Motion Design - Also known as motion graphics, this focus area brings the function and principles
of graphic design and visual craft to sequential media and screen-based experiences.
A focus in motion design includes animated typography, graphic elements, video in
film and television, advertising, information graphics, music video and new media
where elements of graphic design are set into motion, synced with sound and in dialogue
with audiences.
Visual Communication - This focus invites interdisciplinary critical perspectives into visual media, considering
the broad range of traditional as well as dynamic media. Emphasis is placed on innovative
approaches to the communication of ideas and information within a spectrum of existing
and speculative environments, experiences and frameworks. The array of applications
of interdisciplinary visual communication include branding, information design, navigation
and environmental graphics systems and media design.
Research and Faculty
MFA graduates will be able to respond to both the creative demands of the graphic design profession and the research and teaching requirements of academia. Students have 24-hour access to two design studios and three computer lab spaces in the Bartlett Center. Each computer lab is equipped with Adobe Creative Suite, Audio Editing Software, Final Cut Pro, (20) 27” iMacs, Laser Color Printers, Scanners, & Wacam Tablets. In addition, students also have access to Large-Format Epson 9900 printer, Laser Cutter, (25) iPad Airs, (2) 3D Printers.
Admissions
- Undergraduate degree in graphic design, a minimum of five undergraduate courses in graphic design, or equivalent professional experience in graphic design required
- Portfolio with 15-20 examples of work
- Official Transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of purpose (1-2 pages)
- Three letters of recommendation
*Note that the MFA program welcomes applicants with bachelor’s degrees in other areas. Normally deficiencies in basic graphic design requirements must be made up, without graduate credit, before admission to full standing.
Test Scores:
- GRE not required
- TOEFL scores required for international applicants who aren't native English speakers
Application Deadline:
February 15
Cost & Assistance
The MFA program awards several assistantships on a competitive basis to support graduate
students, including Graduate Research Assistants (GRA), Graduate Teaching Assistants
(GTA) and Graduate Teaching Lab Assistant (GTLA). The major criteria for awarding
fellowships and other financial aid are academic excellence and scholarly promise.
Need is also taken into consideration. The Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art
History usually has 4-6 half-time (0.50 FTE) assistantships each year.
Half-time assistantship appointments include a monthly stipend, tuition waiver and
health insurance benefits. To be considered for the graduate assistantship, you must
indicate your interest during your graduate college application process and provide
any additional information if required. These assistantships are available on a competitive
basis and may be not awarded to all graduate students.