Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design is a pioneering low-residency program that emphasizes conceptual thinking, experimentation, and investigation. Students engage in a broad spectrum of visual communication practices, including typography, digital experience, socially engaged design, and design pedagogy, and emerge ready to contribute to the field of communication design as professional practitioners and educators.
Positioned within the School of Art and Design, the MFA in Communication Design offers the advantages of a public research institution, including a diverse and active faculty, opportunities for interdisciplinary study, and affordability. A robust design lecture series promotes the exchange of ideas and perspectives across a wide range of specialties.
Our unique low-residency model arises from a longtime investment in remote learning. Courses are largely online and conducted by faculty experienced in building community and engagement from a distance. Each semester, students and instructors come together on campus for a conference-style residency with critiques, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions. This structure provides flexibility for working professionals and remote students as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Over 60 credits, students cultivate curiosity and critical thinking and making through a well-rounded, forward-looking curriculum. The MFA in Communication Design brings together interdisciplinary approaches to the discipline across national and global perspectives to form a graduate-level education befitting a terminal degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I have to move closer to campus in order to complete my course work?
No. All of our courses and events are currently delivered online with a multi-faceted on-campus residency each semester.
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Does the MFA Program offer scholarships?
Yes. There are several scholarships and awards provided by The Graduate College and by the College of Fine Arts, including a Merit Fellowship Award. The Graduate College also assists in obtaining external funding and the MFA program offers additional research funding and travel support. Learn more about scholarships here.
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Does the MFA Program offer assistantships?
Yes. We offer mentoring in pedagogy for our Graduate Instructional and Graduate Teaching Assistants. We may also offer Graduate Assistantships in other areas of service within the School of Art and Design. These positions provide students with first-hand experience of teaching in a university setting along with a stipend and office space. Contact the MFA Office for additional information.
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How long does the program typically take to complete?
Depending on how many courses are taken per semester, the average time it takes is about three years to six years.
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How many classes should I take each semester?
Three classes (=9 credit hours) each fall and spring semester is considered full time by the Graduate College. We do not recommend taking any more than two classes (=6 credit hours) if you work full time.
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What is a low residency program?
A low-residency program is made up primarily by online learning with short on-campus residencies. In the MFA/CD program, this takes the form of one multi-day on-campus residency each semester.
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Are classes offered in the summer semester?
Classes may or may not be offered in the summer, depending on faculty availability, University funding, and student participation.
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How long does the thesis take to complete?
On average, students will enroll in Thesis A for one semester and Thesis B for two semesters.
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Because the MFA is a low-residency program, do I qualify for in-state tuition if I live out of state?
No. If you are an out-of-state student, you must pay out-of-state tuition regardless of how the courses are delivered. Out-of-state tuition rates are less than other MFA programs. See tuition rates.
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Does the minimum of 12–15 portfolio pieces for the application mean 12–15 large scale projects, or does it mean 12–15 individual pieces?
We count all pieces within a larger campaign as individual pieces.
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What time of day are courses offered?
Our courses meet one day a week after 5:30 p.m. on Zoom, with a multi-day, on-campus residency event at the end of each semester.