Graphic Design (MFA) Curriculum

Course of Study

ArtCenter’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design focuses on transmedia, craft, skill, leadership and strategic thought with a goal of practical professional improvement.

The typical length of study for the MFA in Graphic Design is two years: four full terms plus one summer term. Our two-year program consists of four full terms, a summer term reserved for studio-based independent study and an internship.

We offer a three-year program for incoming students who need additional design skills to complete the degree. This program features two additional terms of undergraduate courses tailored to meet the student’s individual needs. Once these two terms are completed, students enter the traditional MGx course track.

2-year (5 terms)

TERM 1 - FALL
Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 1.0 1
Graduate Studio 3 6
Graduate Typography 3 3
Graduate Project Writing 3
Graduate Seminar 3 3
Grad Studio Materials Lab OR Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 2.0 2
TERM 2 - SPRING
Design Research/Strategy 3
Mid-Level Thesis Review 0
Graduate Studio 4 6
Graduate Typography 4 3
Graduate Seminar 4 3
Graduate Visual Interaction Design 1: Intro to UI OR Graduate Motion Design 1 OR Graduate Packaging Design 1 3
TERM 3 - SUMMER (ACL)
Graphic Design Internship OR Studio Independent Study OR Testlab Berlin 6
Graduate Forum 1 3
TERM 4 - FALL
Professional Leadership 3
Graduate Forum 2 6
Advanced Graphic Studio Elective 3
Area-of-Emphasis Studio Elective 6
TERM 5 - SPRING
Final Thesis Review 0
Graduate Thesis 6
Graduate Portfolio 3
Area-of-Emphasis Studio Elective 6
Completed Thesis 0
TOTAL
Total Required Units 75

3-year (7 terms)

TERM 1 - FALL
Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 1.0 1
Graduate Studio 1 3
Graduate Typography 1 3
Graduate Motion Design 1 3
Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 2.0 2
Grad Studio Materials Lab 2
TERM 2 - SPRING
Graduate Studio 2 3
Graduate Typography 2 3
Graduate Visual Interaction Design 1: Intro to UI 3
Graduate Packaging Design 1 3
TERM 3 - FALL
Graduate Studio 3 6
Graduate Typography 3 3
Graduate Project Writing 3
Graduate Seminar 3 3
TERM 4 - SPRING
Design Research/Strategy 3
Mid-level Thesis Review 0
Graduate Studio 4 6
Graduate Typography 4 3
Graduate Seminar 4 3
TERM 5 - SUMMER (ACL)
Graphic Design Internship OR Studio Independent Study OR Testlab Berlin 6
Graduate Forum 1 3
TERM 6 - FALL
Professional Leadership 3
Graduate Forum 2 3
Advanced Graphic Studio Elective 6
TERM 7 - SPRING
Final Thesis Review 0
Graduate Thesis 6
Graduate Portfolio 3
Completed Thesis 0
TOTAL
Total Required Units 86