Visual Communication Design - M.A. and M.F.A. Download to print

The Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design is recommended for students with undergraduate degrees in design or related fields wishing to advance their studio skills in print design, illustration, web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design or information graphics. The program offers individualized plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

A terminal degree, the Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design is recommended for students with undergraduate degrees in design or related fields wishing to enter a career in higher education instruction as well as advance their studio skills in one or more of the following: print design, illustration, web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design or information graphics. The program offers graduate teaching and research assistantships, individual plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

Official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation, TOEFL for international students, goal statement, resume, autobiographical statement and portfolio. Applications must meet the following expectations:
 

• An undergraduate degree in design or closely related program (3.0 major GPA on a 4.0 scale)
• A portfolio must be presented online and should consist of 15-20 samples of personal or professional work.
• For non-VCD majors wishing to enter the program, an M.A. or M.F.A. portfolio may be defined as any creative, problem-solving endeavor. It may include drawing, painting, illustration, photography, web related solutions, interactions, writing or other types of solutions not listed here.
• Each sample must be clearly identified with appropriate background information.
• Portfolio URL must be included in a 250-word autobiographical statement.
• VCD reviews applicants twice a year. Applications must be received by March 1 for fall admission or by October 1 for spring admission.

Students with an interest in a program for which they are not qualified are admitted into the communication and information general category until requirements are met.

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website.

The Master of Arts degree program requires the successful completion of 32 semester hours of graduate credit including a thesis. Students may choose the option of 25 studio hours and an M.A. project instead of the thesis.

The Master of Fine Arts program requires the successful completion of 60 semester hours of graduate credit and requires a thesis.

The final examination is at the completion of the studio or research thesis. The final examination is the presentation and defense of the thesis and is also an examination of the graduate student’s general comprehension of visual communication design. Graduate students are expected to follow the university schedule of deadlines for taking the final examination and presenting thesis materials.

M.A. Visual Communication Design

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic skills and knowledge of design processes, principles, vocabulary, and history. 
2. Develop a body of creative work at a level appropriate for a graduate designer/illustrator/photographer.

M.F.A. Visual Communication Design

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop a body of creative work at a level appropriate for a graduate designer/illustrator/photographer.

The thesis is mandatory for M.F.A. candidates. M.A. candidates may choose to complete either a 6-credit-hour M.A. thesis or a 4-credit-hour M.A. project with an additional 2 credit hours of coursework in the major.

The thesis is a significant project or body of work done independently of other coursework. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct research or produce an original project in a discriminating and disciplined manner. The thesis topic should be one that will further the student’s knowledge and ability in the specialty by demonstrating skill as a researcher or professional designer/illustrator. The outcome should be an effort that serves as a foundation for the pursuit of independent work when the graduate program is completed. At this stage, students are expected to work in close consultation with their thesis advisor.

Successful completion of the Candidacy Review Examination VCD 60009 is a requirement in every School of Visual Communication Design graduate program for both M.A. and M.F.A. students after the first semester or 12 hours of course completion.

Successful completion of the examination designates the student as a candidate for the degree.

National Association of Schools of Art and Design
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
703-437-0700
www.nasad.arts-accredit.org