MFA/CD Degree Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree with a major in Communication Design requires 60 semester credit hours. In addition to the following required credit hours, the degree requires a Mid-Program Portfolio Review, Written Thesis, and Comprehensive Exam.

  • 30 credit hours (10 courses) of communication design studio electives
  • 12 credit hours (4 courses) of communication design history
    • ARTC 5340, 5341, 5342, and 5343 
  • 6 credit hours (2 courses) of professional practice
    • ARTC 5370
  • 6 credit hours of graduate-level courses from any discipline
    • It is encouraged to explore courses outside of the Communication Design area that may enrich your thesis research.
  • 6 credit hours of thesis research
    • ARTC 5399A and 5399B
  • Mid-Program Review
  • Written Thesis
  • Comprehensive Exam (Thesis Defense)