Design graduate program: graphic design track

Graphic Design Track

DESIGN GRADUATE PROGRAM: GRAPHIC DESIGN TRACK

Explore the relationships between humans and their designed environments with internationally recognized faculty and your graduate student peers! The opportunities and resources available at a major research university located in a vibrant urban setting are further enhanced by cultural amenities and economic opportunities. The Walker Art Center, the Goldstein Museum of Design, the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, the Textile Center and the AIGA–Minnesota offer design exhibits, lectures, workshops and other exciting programs.

The track in Graphic Design focuses on design theory, process, and methods related to design practice and research. Potential areas of study include multicultural communication, visual representation of information, human interaction with designed objects, social and cultural implications of design, color systems and perception, design history, and design education. Students and faculty collaboratively develop designed objects and information resources that will enhance people’s lives.

The College of Design, home of the Graphic Design Track in the Design Graduate Program, also has areas of study in architecture, apparel design, housing studies, interior design, landscape architecture, product design and retail merchandising. The College has impressive technology resources (traditional and digital fabrication), and letterpress, surface design and screen-printing facilities. All graphic design graduate students are provided with dedicated studio space.

Degree options include the Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Prospective Students

Minimum Admission Requirements: Students applying to the graphic design track must have either an undergraduate or graduate degree in design or a related area (art, architecture, technical communication) or significant professional experience (3-5 years) in design (graphic, exhibition, etc). In addition, each applicant should demonstrate the following:

coursework in design or art foundations (if not, take 1311, 1312)
computer literacy in industry standard programs (if not, take 2334, 4334)
either professional coursework in design (12 credits minimum) or several years of professional experience with evidence of effective design (if not, take 2345, 2351, 4354)

Academic and professional records of applicants will be evaluated on an individual case basis.

Information on Funding and Tuition: Financial support in the form of graduate assistantships is available on a limited basis and is based upon the expertise of the student and the needs of the department. Assistantship offers will not be made until after the student has been accepted into the program. Assistantship availability is not guaranteed. More information.

Courses

Graphic Design Faculty

Required Coursework (Degree Planning Sheets), Transfer Credits