Masters of Arts in Graphic Design
Course Descriptions
ADG 700 Graphic Design Graduate Internship
Masters candidates in Graphic Design are required to pursue an internship with a local graphic design firm or agency. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to explore areas within the graphic design field that they have not previously experienced. Interns will observe and participate in all office procedures permitted by their place of internship and will be required to maintain a journal of their observations. Students with prior extensive and documented work experience in the field may be exempted from the internship requirement, with the approval of the Graphic Design Program Director; however, such students will be required to substitute a 3-credit studio elective for the internship.
Offered each semester, 3 credits
ADG 800 Special Topics in Graphic Design
An in-depth analysis of timely special issues in the field of graphic design. Special topics are announced when the course is scheduled.
3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG 810 Graphic Design Graduate Seminar
The Graphic Design Graduate Seminar provides a forum for the discussion of contemporary issues of graphic design theory, application & practice. This course should be taken during the student’s first semester in the MAGD program in order to provide the conceptual and practical foundation necessary to enable the student to decide on a Thesis topic, as well as to provide an understanding of the interrelationship between research and design. Topics to be covered will include advanced professional practice, the role of the graphic designer in today’s society, the theory of communication, and business aspects of graphic design, including production, marketing, pricing, and contracts.
Normally offered fall semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG S820 Graphic Design Graduate Studio I
In this graduate studio, students will explore complex graphic design problems, particularly those that require a multi-disciplinary approach (print, web, signage, TV, etc.). The purpose of the course is to extend the student’s viewpoint beyond simple one-dimensional solutions and to encourage thoughtful and inventive programming as well as innovative problem-solving. The required semester-long project will involve an institution or cultural entity, preferably of non-profit status. An advisory board of two faculty members and one “client” member will guide the student through the design process.
Normally offered fall semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG S822 Graphic Design Graduate Studio II
In this advanced-level studio, students will continue their exploration of the more complex graphic design projects begun in Graphic Design Graduate Studio I (ADG S820), with the emphasis on design problems requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. Students will be exposed to clients whose needs encompass a broad variety of design circumstances and they will be encouraged to guide the client to more inventive and unique solutions. Considerable research will be involved and students will learn to recognize unique opportunities in the field. An advisory board of two faculty members and one “client” member will guide the student through the design process.
Normally offered spring semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG 840 Graphic Design Thesis Research
The Masters program in Graphic Design culminates in a thesis, an independent project based on an original idea designed and developed by the student in concert with a team of advisors. Thesis Research requires the definition of a graphic design problem, research of case studies relevant to the thesis topic, and the creation of an outline for the thesis project. The class will culminate in the preparation of printed documentation, as well as an oral slide or multimedia presentation of the results of the research to date.
Offered each semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG S842 Graphic Design Thesis Studio
The Graphic Design Thesis is a focused independent project on a single original topic, developed by the student working in conjunction with a team of advisors. During this studio course students will test various formats for visualizing their thesis and will execute the design work necessary to realize their project. Emphasis will be placed on creative inquiry and the development of unique solutions that are conceptually strong and content rich. The final thesis will be comprised of the design project along with extensive written documentation. Students must demonstrate independence in relation to their own design process and the ability to realize a complex graphic design solution.
Offered each semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG 844 Graphic Design Thesis Documentation
This course represents the final phase of the thesis process. Having defined the design problem, completed the necessary research, and finalized the design solution, the student will then document the project in written and visual form. Thesis documentation will consist of the visual manifestation of the design solution as well as a printed, bound volume in which the thesis problem, research, and solution are presented in both text and images.
Offered each semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG S900/900 Graphic Design Graduate Directed Studio/Study
The student completes a directed study project, either studio (ADG S900) or non-studio (ADG 900) under the supervision of a graphic design faculty member. Please see Directed Study in the Suffolk University Academic Catalog for details. Independent study forms are available from the Office of the Academic Dean and Registrar. All independent study request forms must be accompanied by a written proposal and schedule, and must be approved by the individual faculty member, the Graphic Design Program Director and the NESADSU Chairman.
Offered each semester, credits vary
Open to graduate students only
ADG S902 TC Italian Journal: Painting & Drawing on Paper
Florence, Italy and its environs will serve as the subject matter and catalyst in developing the ability to watercolor and draw objects (i.e. architecture, people and the landscape) while advancing a personal style. Study will begin with a pre-departure journal/bookbinding workshop at Suffolk University and then outdoors in and around Florence, Tuscan hill towns, Rome and the Veneto, exploring basic illustration styles, methods and techniques.
Offered summer semester, 3 credits
Open to graduate students only
ADG 904 TC Art of the Italian Renaissance
This course introduces the students to Italian Renaissance art, artists and culture from the first evidence in the Italian Gothic (around the 1260’s) to the Early and High Renaissance, predominantly in Florence and Venice, up to the 1600’s. The course will survey the history of painting, sculpture and architecture as we study the works individually, for their formal elements and visual importance, but also within their aesthetic, historic, poltical and cultural context. Class discussion and a visual analysis of works of art will encourage personal interpretation and critical thinking.
Offered summer semester, 3 credits
Open to graudate students only
Graduate (700-level) Studio Electives: 3 credits each
ADG S710 Design Imagestration
ADG S720 Drawing for Animation
ADG S734 Electronic Publication Design
ADG S740 Web Design II
ADG S741 Advanced Multimedia
ADG S748 Advanced Illustration
ADG S760 Corporate Design
ADG S765 Digital Photography
ADG S766 Environmental, Packaging & Signage Design
ADG S770 Artist’s Books
ADG S812 Advanced Topics in Interactive Design
ADG S900 Graphic Design Graduate Directed Studio
ADG S902 Italian Journal: Painting & Drawing on Paper
Graduate (700-level) Study Electives: 3 credits each
ADG 800 Special Topics in Graphic Design
ADG 900 Graduate Graphic Design Directed Study
ADG 904TC Art of the Italian Renaissance
Under unusual circumstances (e.g. in the case of a student with transfer or waived credit for a required course), the following may be considered for substitution:
Suggested Graduate (600- and 700-level) General Education Electives: 3 credits each
CJN 703 Presentation Skills
CJN 705 Communications Theory
CJN 711 Internet Research & Design
CJN 720 Information Architecture & Web Usability
CJN 770 Seminar in Advertising
CJN 771 New Media & New Markets
CJN 770 Integrated Marketing Communications
EHS 650 Instructional Design
EHS 653 Marketing Training & Education Programs
EHS 664 Communicating for Results
EHS 666 Instructional Technology