Art - Graphic Design, M.F.A.
Overview
In the graphic design concentration, students focus on advancing their skills, knowledge, and critical thinking in the field of graphic design. Building upon their undergraduate foundation, students delve deeper into design theory, research, and practical application. The program encourages students to explore innovative approaches, push the boundaries of design, and develop a unique design voice.
Students engage in advanced coursework that emphasizes conceptual thinking, design strategy, and design research methodologies. They delve into complex design problems, exploring how design can address social, cultural, and environmental issues. Through rigorous analysis and critical evaluation, students learn to develop design solutions that are not only visually appealing but also conceptually strong and effective in communication.
Advanced design software and digital tools are integral to the program, enabling students to refine their technical skills and explore the latest trends and technologies in graphic design. They learn advanced techniques in areas such as typography, branding, information design, interactive design, motion graphics, and user experience design. They also study design systems and methodologies to develop coherent and consistent visual identities across various platforms and media.
Collaborative projects and interdisciplinary approaches are incorporated into the program, allowing students to work with peers from different disciplines and engage in real-world design challenges. These experiences foster teamwork, communication, and adaptability, preparing students for collaborative design environments and interdisciplinary design practices.
In addition to studio work, the graphic design program includes research components. Students engage in design research, exploring theoretical frameworks, design history, and critical analysis. They develop skills in conducting research, gathering data, and applying research findings to inform their design practice.
The program also emphasizes the development of a comprehensive design portfolio that showcases the students' best work and demonstrates their design process, problem-solving abilities, and creative vision. Faculty mentorship and critiques provide guidance and feedback to refine and elevate their design work.
The program culminates in a thesis, successful oral defense and presentation.
Curriculum, Concentration and Application Requirements
Please review the official academic catalog for comprehensive information on requirements.
Graduate Assistantships
Competitive graduate assistantships offer a variety of opportunities to develop teaching and other professional experience through working with a member of the Department of Art and Design faculty or staff. Graduate assistantships provide valuable support for the department both inside and outside of the classroom.
Facilities
MN Room 313, 140 SQ FT
- 1 Ricoh Aficio MP 2550B
- 1 iDraw 2.0 H-Structure A0 pen plotter
MN Room 318, 1056 SQ FT
- 21 iMac computers
- 2 Nippon Electric Company 80-inch LCD screen
- 1 Epson Expression 10000 XL scanner
- 2 Art Alternatives cutting mats
MN Room 318A, 203 SQ FT
- 1 Xerox Phaser 7500 printer
- 1 Hewlett-Packard Laserjet 700 B/W printer
- 1 Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6400SE printer
- 1 Makerbot MethodX 3D printer
- 3 Makerbot Method 3D printers
- 6 Makerbot Replicator+ 3D printers
- 1 Formlabs 3+ 3D printer
- 2 Formlabs Wash
- 1 Formlabs Cure
MN Room 408A, 643 SQ FT
- 21 iMac computers
- 2 Nippon Electric Company 80-inch LCD screen
- 1 Epson Expression 1000 XL scanner
- 1 Xerox Phaser 7500 printer
- 1 Hewlett-Packard Laserjet 700 B/W printer