Academy of Art University

Course Details

MFA in Graphic Design

Course Description

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.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
7semester

Career outcomes

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 skills relevant to their field. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology. 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.




MFA in Graphic Design Academy of Art University