Illustration

MFA - 60 credit, two- to three-year program of study

The modern visual designer must be broadly educated, articulate, and literate to compete successfully in today's world.

MFA Visual Design Options:

Digital Media / Graphic Design / Illustration / Photography / Typography

The MFA in Visual Design emphasizes communications and problem-solving, and challenges students to an in-depth exploration of visual communications. CVPA faculty are well-versed in traditional and electronic design technology. Representing a wide variety of philosophies and viewpoints, they work together with students to provide a rich and thought-provoking graduate experience.

Teaching and Technical Assistantships

Teaching and technical assistantships are available on a competitive basis. For complete information on assistantships and financial aid, please refer to the Graduate Catalogue.

Facilities and Equipment

Most Visual Design studios are located in the CVPA building on the main campus. Individual work space is available to graduate students along with electronic support and priority access to the CVPA's extensive media studies.

The CVPA Media Lab--an educational facility designed for graphics, electronic imaging, and video interface solely for the use of approved students in CVPA--includes up-to-date Macintosh-based workstations and support equipment, including scanners, printers, and software for 3D modeling, animation, web design, image processing, and typography.

The program also houses analog photographic labs and a letterpress facility. Beyond that, the CVPA's many other discipline-specific studios and the resources of the University are also available.

Requirements for Admission

Standards for admission include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, a portfolio which demonstrates your capability for advanced work in your chosen discipline, and a personal statement outlining your future direction.

All applicants must submit the following to the Graduate Office: three letters of recommendation from people who can write authoritatively about your accomplishments and potential; a statement of purpose defining the field of study you wish to pursue and describing the ideas that will inform your work; and a portfolio of 20 slides or photographs providing a clear representation of your processes of thinking, implementation of concepts, and studio production. A personal interview is encouraged.