Graphic Design Program Requirements

Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals for theGraphic Design MFA Program

• During their time in the program students should have:

• Realized conceptually and formally imaginative work.

• Contextualized a project within design history and theory.

• Articulated the intentions and context for a project, and critically evaluate its outcome.

• Conducted independent research and developed of a methodology for exploration, elaboration, and refinement of ideas.

At the start of the MFA2 year, MFA and Advanced Certificate candidates will begin working on a Graduate Practice Project (formerly referred to as thesis project). The major portion of graduate students' time and energy during the Fall Semester of their final year of residence will be spent working on the Graduate Practice project, which should be directed toward both practical investigation and theory.

The Spring Semester of the final year is spent applying/exploring what has been learnt from the thesis in a body of work, or completing/developing the Graduate Practice project.

Mentoring:

Mentoring is a crucial element for students and faculty to develop knowledge and understanding of the experience in the program and school. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule.

PMFA Year Required Courses:

AGRA551 and AGRA553 Visual Literacy (Lecture)

AGRA552 and AGRA554 Visual Literacy (Studio)

AAIC575 and AAIC576 Historical Survey of Graphic Design

AGRA700 MFA Graphic Design Practicum Workshop

First Year Required Courses:

AGRA501 and AGR503 Graduate Seminar I (Lecture)

AGRA502 and AGRA504 Graduate Seminar I (Studio)

AAIC575 and AAIC576 Historical Survey of Graphic Design

AAIC662 Graphic Design Theory I

AGRA674 Typographics IA

AGRA677 Typographics IB

AGRA700 MFA Graphic Design Practicum Workshop

Second Year Required Courses:

AGRA601 and AGRA603 Graduate Seminar II (Lecture)

AGRA602 and AGRA604 Graduate Seminar II (Studio)

AGRA700 MFA Graphic Design Practicum Workshop At least one program elective each semester