Learn about the best graphic design graduate programs.
Many of the nation's top art and design schools offer graduate degree programs in graphic design. Students work toward the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, which takes two or three years to complete and typically requires extensive independent work. Applicants must submit a portfolio of recent work as part of their application.
Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design, commonly referred to as RISD, is a private art and design school founded in 1877. The school's graphic design department offers two Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree programs, including a two-year track for students with undergraduate degrees in graphic design and a three-year track for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields. All students must complete certain required courses and complete an independent thesis in the final year. In 2008, "U.S. News & World Report" magazine ranked RISD first among graduate graphic design programs and first overall among graduate fine arts schools.
Rhode Island School of Design Graphic Design Department
Design Center, 30 North Main St.
Providence, RI 02903
401-454-6171
gd.risd.edu/
Cranbrook Academy of Art
The Cranbrook Academy of Art graphic design program, also known as the department of two-dimensional design, offers a two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program. The program emphasizes self-directed education that revolves around independent studio work and critiques rather than formal classes. Studios remain open 24 hours a day to encourage students to develop disciplined studio habits. The Cranbrook Academy of Art tied for 2nd among graduate graphic design programs and tied for 4th overall among fine arts graduate schools in "U.S. News & World Report" magazine's 2008 rankings.
Cranbrook Academy of Art
39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
248-645-3300
cranbrookart.edu/
Yale University School of Art
Yale University's School of Art admits about 10 students per year to its two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program in graphic design. Students without an undergraduate background in graphic design can apply to enter a one-year preliminary program before continuing to the MFA program. The MFA program emphasizes independent thesis work throughout the two-year residence. Students work in their studios, in thesis groups and in workshops. Yale University tied for second in "U.S. News & World Report" magazine's 2008 ranking of graphic design graduate programs, and ranked second overall among fine arts graduate schools in the same magazine.
Yale University School of Art
1156 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06520
203-432-2600
art.yale.edu/
Tags: graphic design, Arts degree, Cranbrook Academy, Fine Arts degree, Master Fine, Master Fine Arts, Yale University