Degree Requirements: 12-15 courses, 36-46 credits maximum
Candidates for the master’s degree must complete a course of study consisting of 36-46 credits. Applicants possessing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design can typically complete their master's degree with 36 credits of graduate study (700-level or higher).
Graphic Design Leveling Courses (3 courses, 10 credits)
Candidates who have not completed an undergraduate program of study substantially equivalent to the BFA in Graphic Design are required to complete leveling courses. The graduate program director evaluates the unique background of each student at the time of acceptance into the graduate program to determine the number and type of leveling courses that are required. Students may be required to complete up to 10 credits of leveling courses; most applicants will be able to waive some number of these based on professional background and prior academic experience. An additional 36 credits of graduate-level coursework is then required to earn the MAGD degree. Graduate students completing the leveling courses must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to remain in good standing in the program.
Students complete or waive the following courses:
Graphic Design Core Requirements (8 courses, 24 credits)
Choose one of the following:
Graphic Design Electives (4 courses, 12 credits)
Choose four courses from those listed below or, with approval from the MAGD Program Director, select graduate electives in other disciplines:
| ADG-700 | Graphic Design Graduate Internship | 3 |
| ADG-S705 | Conceptual Typography | 3 |
| ADG-S734 | Publication Design | 3 |
| ADG-S807 | Experimental Design Studio | 3 |
| ADG-810 | Graphic Design Graduate Seminar | 3 |
| ADG-850 | Visual Communication Design Seminar | 3 |
| ADG-910 | Graphic Design Independent Study | 3 |
Note: The letter "S" preceding a course number indicates a studio course, for which studio fee is assessed.
Thesis
The MAGD program culminates in a thesis, the development of a design solution(s) to an independent inquiry based on an original idea associated with a student’s chosen area of concentration. The thesis requires the successful completion of the following three-course sequence: Graphic Design Thesis Research (ADG-S840), Thesis Studio (ADG-S842), and Thesis Documentation (ADG-S844).
End-of-Semester Reviews and Thesis Exhibition
End-of-Semester Reviews are required for all master’s and pre-master’s students, as is participation in the Graduate Thesis Exhibition.
About the Degree
Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this master's program.
View the Program Page
MA in Graphic Design Learning Goals and Objectives
Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by students through the completion of this program.
| Learning Goals |
Learning Objectives |
| Students will... |
Students will be able to... |
| Learn to use a process that engages the thinking eye, the measuring mind, and the making hand |
- Display competencies in the most current technical skills, which will be needed as professional designers
- Use the Design Process, taught in every degree class, to govern their educated eye, fertile minds, and competent hands |
| Learn to develop the habit of curiosity, the process of collaboration, and learning to learn |
- Incorporate these skills to exercise fundamental design skills applied to a variety of projects in studios, agencies, for-profit and non-profit organizations, institutions, and in-house businesses
- Be proficient in knowing and be curious to know more about topics such as online and mobile design, environmental graphic design, video and animation, packaging and emerging media, and social media
- Thrive in a highly competitive workplace and proliferate in innovative thinking and world changing concepts |
| Develop an understanding of workplace decorum and communication skills |
- Demonstrate professional practices such as team collaboration, idea and concept iteration, research and presentation skills, and the discipline to bring ideas to life |
About the Degree
Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this master's program.
View the Program Page