Graduate Programs
Degree Programs
M.F.A. in Visual Communication
Admission
Admission into the Visual Communication graduate program is competitive. The Department of Visual Communication seeks graduate candidates who have strong skills for thinking critically about complex issues and working collaboratively in teams that represent a diversity of perspectives.
Applicants ordinarily will be expected to hold baccalaureate degrees from colleges or universities of recognized standing prior to registration as graduate students. Applicants for a master's degree program should have achieved a 3.0 (out of 4.0) grade point average or higher for the baccalaureate degree, or have other indicators of outstanding academic performance.
Students entering the M.F.A. degree program in Visual Communication Design are not required to have an established background in design or art. The Visual Communication Program at Herron encourages cross-disciplinary research approaches and experiences. However, applicants who do not have a prior educational background in design or professional design experience may be required to successfully complete foundational pre-graduate studies in design before being accepted to initiate the M.F.A curriculum.
One or two semesters of foundational pre-graduate pre-graduate studies may be required before full admission into the M.F.A. program in Visual Communication Design. Foundational pre-graduate courses in design may be offered for graduate credit but the credit hours do not apply to completing the 60-credit hour requirements in the M.F.A. degree. Decisions regarding admission into the Foundational Pre-Graduate program are made on an individual basis.