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Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Visual Communication Design is recommended for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and are looking to enter the design industry or related fields and wish to advance their studio skills in print design, illustration, web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design or information graphics. The program offers individualized plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Undergraduate degree in design or closely related program
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate major GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Autobiographical statement (250 words)
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: March 1

Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop a body of creative work at a level appropriate for a graduate designer, illustrator and/or photographer.
2. Develop aesthetic, technical and professional skills necessary for success in design industry.
3. Develop skills for collaborative engagement with strategic partners, team members and peers.
4. Develop deeper awareness of issues related to the cultural, technological and economic contexts of design.
5. Develop enhanced comprehension of design thinking and design process
6. Develop understanding of design’s use as both a tactical and strategic tool for business and social applications.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Successful completion of VCD 61099 is a requirement in every School of Visual Communication Design graduate program for both M.A. and M.F.A. degrees after either the first semester or 12 credit hours of course completion.

²

Major electives are shown grouped according to general interest areas; however, students are not limited to one interest area. Students may take electives from other programs in consultation with their academic advisor. Students may also register for independent investigations with graduate faculty, as appropriate.

³

VCD 60099 is a visual project exhibition and formal presentation. The project topic should be one that will further the student’s knowledge and ability by demonstrating skill as a professional designer/illustrator. At this stage, students work in close consultation with their project advisor.

Graduation Requirements

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

National Association of Schools of Art and Design