Graphic Design (MFA)
Graphic Design (MFA)
With its focused thesis development process, the School of Graphic Design’s MFA program emphasizes advanced study of the field and encourages students to extend their design skills into content creation, authorship, entrepreneurialism, and social innovation.
AA BFA MA CertMaster of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Available Online & On Campus
Major Classes
Unit Requirements
| Major Coursework | Units |
|---|---|
| Major Coursework | 30 |
| Directed Study | 18 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Graduate Liberal Arts | 9 |
| Total | 63 |
Degree Requirements
MFA GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
- Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
1 Professional Practices & Communications course
Additional Information
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Critical & Creative Thinking
- Conduct appropriate research to identify problems and potential solutions
- Initiate appropriate level of audience involvement and participation
- Demonstrate the resourcefulness and flexibility necessary to conceive and execute design solutions
Conceptual Skills
- Create compelling and engaging visual communications that convey appropriate messages and ideas
- Address problems through a design process
- Develop design solutions that function effectively within a defined context (social, cultural, technological, economic, etc.)
Formal Skills
- Create visual communications demonstrating competent formal design skills which include: hierarchy, typography, aesthetics, composition and construction of meaningful images
- Demonstrate competence in media, materials, tools, technology, and techniques
Professional Readiness
- Demonstrate sound organization and design project management skills
- Effectively present and communicate ideas
- Demonstrate the skills necessary for chosen career path through the presentation of a competent body of work
MFA Thesis Project
- Produce a comprehensive graduate thesis project that successfully utilizes design to solve for an identified problem
- Propose a graduate thesis project that identifies a problem, and has the potential for successful development using design
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skillsrelevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design
- Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.
*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu
