MFA programs are designed for students intending applied or performing careers.
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in graphic arts is generally offered as a two- or three-year program. Although a bachelor degree in graphic arts is not required, an additional year may be added to the program for students to gain a foundation in the discipline before completing graduate coursework. The MA (Master of Arts) degree is also offered in graphic arts and may be suitable for those intending careers in the research or academic fields. The MFA is for those intending performing or applied professions in the field.
Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design was ranked as the No. 1 graduate fine arts school with the best graphic arts program in the nation by U.S News and World Report in 2008. The MFA graphic arts program features a two-year track option for students with an undergraduate degree in graphic arts and a three-year track option for those with an undergraduate degree in liberal arts. Both options involve required coursework and elective coursework in which the student is encouraged to explore other disciplines. Students must complete a graduate seminar and individual thesis investigation. Faculty, national and international designers and professional critics work with students in these areas.
Rhode Island School of Design
30 N. Main St.
Providence, RI 02903
401-454-6171
risd.edu
University of Tennessee--Knoxville
The School of Art at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville is actively involved in art and architecture exhibitions and has the only student run non-profit exhibition space entitled "Gallery 1010." The school also maintains its own art gallery exhibiting the artwork of national and international artists in downtown Knoxville. The MFA graduate design program is structured in a three-year format for students who have an undergraduate degree in graphic design and a four-year program for those who do not. In the four-year format, students will complete undergraduate coursework in the discipline. All students maintain a curriculum with studio courses, art history non-studio courses, a first semester graduate seminar, 14 hours of electives, thesis project and a semi-independent study.
School of Art
1715 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-3407
utk.edu
California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was the first art institute in the country to offer MFAs and BFAs in both the performing and visual arts. It was ranked in the top 10 graduate schools for fine arts and graphic arts in the nation by U.S News and World Report in 2008. The CalArts MFA program in graphic design is offered in a two-year or three-year format. The two-year program is structured for students who have a bachelor's degree in graphic design. It consists of weekly seminars incorporating research and studio projects the first year and developing a master thesis project the second year. Students receive individual critique and experience working with visiting designers. The three-year program is designed for students who do not have a previous background in graphic design, so the first year of the program provides education and experience in the fundamentals such as conceptual skills and form-making.
California Institute of the Arts
24700 McBean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
661-255-1050
calarts.edu
Tags: graphic arts, degree graphic, graphic design, California Institute, California Institute Arts