Masters of Arts in Graphic Design
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Graphic Design program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete the application requirements outlined by the Office of Graduate Admissions. No standardized test is required for admission to the program. If you are an international student, you must take the TOEFL or IELTS and provide a statement of financial resources.
In addition, applicants must submit the following:
- A portfolio of work consisting of a minimum of twenty (20) high-resolution PDF files of recent, original artwork demonstrating both technical competency and creative ability must be submitted with the application. Applicants with prior studio backgrounds who are seeking exemption from Foundation or Foundational Graphic Design coursework should submit a significantly more extensive portfolio. Graduate faculty members review all portfolios to determine subject matter competency.
- Academically qualified prospective applicants without a substantial background in the visual arts may be required to complete foundational coursework as a Continuing Education student before applying to the Master of Arts in Graphic Design. A grade point average of 3.0 or better is required. If an applicant is subsequently accepted to the program, credits earned as a Continuing Education student may be used to waive degree requirements.
- Personal interviews with the Graphic Design Graduate Program faculty are required and are conducted by appointment only.
Please Note: Exceptionally well-qualified candidates for admission, who lack only a portfolio, may apply to the Pre-Graduate Summer Program (Pre-Grad), which is designed to provide the content of five Foundational courses in one 10-week summer session. Successful applicants will be conditionally admitted to the MA in Graphic Design program earning credit for Foundation Drawing I (ADF S101), Color (ADF S143), 2- and 3-Dimensional Design (ADF S153) and Imaging (ADF S156). Applications for Pre-Grad may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admission. The Pre-Grad application form must be submitted together with a completed Graduate Application for Admission and all supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation) no later than April 22nd* (*note the deadline has been extended to April 22nd).
Please note: An applicant who has an undergraduate baccalaureate degree in any field may apply only to the graduate program and is not eligible to apply to the BFA program in Graphic Design.
Admission Deadlines
Fall Admission: May 15
Spring Admission: November 1
After those dates, applications will be reviewed on a space available basis.