Graduate Programs
Art and Design—Graphic Design
UMD Graduate School
Program Overview
The graduate program in Art and Design has an emphasis in Graphic Design and confers an MFA degree. Within a liberal arts setting, our program is tailored to each individual's educational, artistic, and professional strengths.
Admission and Application Requirements
- A BA, BS, or BFA in graphic design or art is recommended for students applying to the program. Applicants with degrees in Studio Art are expected to have had undergraduate coursework in graphic design or professional work experience in graphic design. Individuals with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines who have completed a substantial number of design courses or who have extensive professional graphic design portfolios may be considered for admission.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- A portfolio consisting of 20 design pieces (Mac format CD or DVD).
- A sample of professional or academic writing.
- Three letters of recommendation that speak to your potential as a graduate student.
Degree Requirements
The MFA in Art with emphasis in graphic design is a 60 credit plan B terminal master's degree typically culminating in a gallery exhibition of project work produced in the program; however, the project may also take another form such as a book, video, website, or interactive project. A final examination, conducted orally by your thesis committee based on the project and the supporting paper, is required.
Deadlines and Dates
Students are admitted to the MFA program in Graphic Design each fall and spring semester. Application deadline for the fall semester is March 15. Application deadline for the spring semester is October 15.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available through the department in the form of teaching and graduate assistantships. The deadline for initial consideration for departmental financial aid is March 15. Late applications will be considered until all appointments are filled.
Areas of Specialization
Expanding the boundaries of conventional design education, our MFA program includes the following areas of study:
- New media
- Motion graphics
- Information design
- Design in the public realm
- Web and interactive design
- Graphic design history, theory, criticism, and preparation for college teaching
Contact Information
Director of Graduate Studies: Janice Kmetz, jkmetz@d.umn.edu, 218.726.8150
University of Minnesota Campuses