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.
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.
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.
All students applying to the VCD Graduate Program must go through the on-line admissions located at http://www.kent.edu/admissions/apply/.
All US applicants must apply throughResearch and Graduate Studies (RAGS) Graduate Admissions. All questions regarding the on-line application process may be directed to RAGS. Specific questions regarding the VCD Graduate Program may be directed to the Graduate Coordinator, Professor Sanda S. Katila at skatila@kent.edu or 330.672.9729.
International students, please go to Kent State University Office of International Affairs. All questions regarding the international student application must be directed to the Kent State University Office of International Affairs.
With your online application, you must include the following: (see RAGS for more information):
You must also submit a portfolio DIRECTLY to the School of Visual Communication Design. Your submission must meet the following expectations:
Send portfolio to:
Graduate Catalog (College of Communication and Information) as a downloadable pdf.
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.
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.
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.
Thesis students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: VCD 68199.