vcd|ksu

Individual Challenges: The Graduate Program

Kent State University is one of only three programs in the state to offer the Master of Arts degree in visual communication design and was the first, and is still only one of two institutions in the State of Ohio, to offer the terminal degree in the field, the Master of Fine Arts. Students come to the Visual Communication Design graduate program from a variety of backgrounds: advertising, industrial and graphic design, design education, and undergraduate design programs around the world. This diversity of experience has created an ever-changing and enriching environment in which degree candidates strive to reach individual and group goals.

Customized Learning Experience

Graduate students in Visual Communication Design receive support in developing their individual abilities, interests, and personal aesthetic. Organized individually for each student, the curriculum includes required courses and assignments as well as opportunities for individual investigations-students are challenged to pursue their interests, identify strengths and improve weaknesses, and develop the motivation and discipline so critical to professional success. Students have the opportunity to interact with a variety of faculty members, including nine full-time Visual Communication Design professors and several adjunct instructors who hold graduate faculty status. This diverse experience provides a variety of opinions and criticisms and allows students to expand their vocabulary of ideas, problem-solving techniques, and aesthetic directions. Graduate students also broaden their professional exposures by serving in the Glyphix studio for course credit and by working with guest instructors from around the world in the KSUCDA summer workshops.

Collaboration and In-Depth Study

Many Visual Communication Design graduate students seek advanced degrees in order to teach at the university level. To provide teaching experience at this level, teaching assistantships are available to second-year graduate students after they observe and assist faculty in introductory undergraduate courses. This background aids both students preparing for academic careers and also those who will take on management, direction, and instructional roles in industry. Graduate students are each assigned personal space in the 2,800-square-foot graduate studio which houses twelve, 50-square-foot workstations accessible 24 hours a day.

Important links (downloadable pdfs):

Graduate Catalog (College of Communication and Iinformation)

Additional Requirements/Options

VCD 40025 Professional Portfolio Graphic Design/Illustration (1-2)

Development of a professional portfolio in graphic design and/or illustration through selection and refinement of previously completed classroom work, and/or development of projects in areas of deficiency, with emphasis on organization and presentation. May carry an IP grade when appropriate. Prerequisite: B.F.A. major and/or permission. Special fee: $9/cr. hr.-subject to change.

VCD 60009 Candidacy Review/GD & I (1)

A formal review of the work completed in the first 12 semester credit hours of graphic design and/or illustration courses for both M.F.A and M.A. IP permissible.

VCD 60099 M.A. Project GD & I (4)

A research project for nonthesis option M.A. students approved in consultation with the faculty adviser which culminates in a visual project, exhibition and formal presentations. IP permissible.

VCD 68199 M.A. Thesis I (2-6)

Thesis students must register for a minimum of 6 hours, 2-6 hours in a single semester or distributed over several semesters if desired. S/U grading; IP permissible.

VCD 68299 M.A. Thesis II (2)

Thesis students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: VCD 68199.