Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Graphic Design - MF5176

School of Art + Design
528 Seigfred Hall
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740.593.4288
ArtGrad@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Term of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

“Learning How to Learn” is the underlying methodology that gives Ohio University’s graduate study in graphic design its unique strength. We focus on design research within a multi-cultural world addressing social awareness and contextual messaging as content. We emphasize and assist our candidates’ research in professional forums through papers and lectures, and publishing in established professional journals.

Understanding the role of graphic design within a pluralistic society and a cross-cultural context are essential components of a graduate design education. The power of design thinking identifies challenges, frames opportunities, manages complex situations, generates approaches, creates deeper understanding, and shapes meaningful experiences. We rebuild fundamental skills of perception, interpretation, and invention as well as understanding the nature and meaning of visual form in context. Our graduating designers aim to secure positions within top design firms and educational institutions nationally and internationally. They design within a broad spectrum of applications from solving complex problems to planning and executing solutions. Our graduates’ ultimate strengths are visually translating ideas into form. Throughout the history of Ohio University’s graphic design program, we have been primarily identified as typographers using traditional and contemporary practices.

This program is an intensive three-year experience. The first and second years are primarily devoted to studio, seminar, art history, and elective coursework. During the third year, there is a pure dedication to studio time in preparation for the Thesis Exhibition. As part of this three-year studio experience, the student will have individual and group meetings with faculty, interaction with peers in and outside of the Graphic Design Area, and will participate in graduate critiques. A normal full-time academic load is 15 credit-hours per semester and progress toward the degree is guided by the student’s graduate review committee members to the successful completion of 90 credit hours over the course of six semesters (three years).

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate mastery in skills, techniques and material germane to the student’s research focus, evidenced through a mature body of creative work
• Students will be able to identify key figures, works and sources, both historical and contemporary, as evidence to support a clearly stated thesis contextualizing the student’s work.
• Students will be able to generate documents appropriate to professional practice in the student’s field of focus, and be prepared for participation in the professional world of Art.
• Students will be able to execute public exhibitions of their creative work.

Opportunities for Graduates

Graphic Design graduates find positions in many areas, including academic institutions, museums and galleries, and corporate and private business firms.

Further Information

Link to Program:  https://www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/art/graduate/graphic-design

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MFA program requires a Bachelor of Art (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or equivalent degree. Transfer credit is typically not accepted. In addition to completing the online application to Ohio University, applicants must submit a digital portfolio of 20 images representing their original artworks through ouschoolofart.slideroom.com. Within the online application to OU, applicants should upload their CV/resume, artist statement, professional goals statement, transcripts, and a list of three professional references with contact information. These references will automatically receive requests for letters of recommendation via the online system. Contact ArtGrad@ohio.edu for questions about the application process.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 90 credit hours is required to earn the MFA in Graphic Design.