Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Impact corporate initiatives, social movements, and political campaigns with the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design at ArtCenter. Extend the boundaries of communicating complex ideas and practice crafting print, digital, motion, interactive, and packaging design solutions. In our two-year or extended three-year graphic design master’s program, you’ll build a portfolio of practical and professional design solutions, cultivate entrepreneurial practices, and prepare to lead in dynamic design environments.

Program Overview

Building on the expertise of our internationally renowned undergraduate graphic design program, the Graphic Design MFA fosters technical skills, individual craft, transmedia fluency, next-generation leadership, strategic thought, and professional development. Through courses in critical writing, narrative, typography, 3D motion graphics, cross-media branding, web design, historical analysis, and more, you’ll cultivate dexterity with the growing demands of modern “mediatecture.”

The MFA in Graphic Design is available on two tracks: in the standard two-year program, you’ll complete four full terms and a summer internship or studio-based independent study. The three-year program equips you with bespoke additional graduate design skills.

See, Do, and Lead

ArtCenter’s industry-respected graphic design master’s program begins with witnessing experts at work: our core faculty are national and international leaders in branding, leadership, typography, interactive media, and environmental graphic design. You’ll learn from these specialists and other graphic design professionals through our robust network of alumni, partners, and industry consultants.

Establish your career with strong foundations in management, creative leadership, and high-level design strategies. As you progress through the Graphic Design MFA, you’ll apply your practical skills and unique voice with real-world clients and in entrepreneurial pursuits. This hands-on experience will contribute directly to your professional portfolio, setting you up for success after graduation.

Graphic Design Careers

Launch into the global creative profession with a master’s in graphic design. Become an industry-leading designer, artist, and problem-solver with a meaningful understanding of typography, form, intent, and craft. You’ll expand the influence of intelligent and innovative design in companies, communities, and society alongside fellow ArtCenter graduates in organizations like Apple, Meta, Riot Games, IBM, and Chronicle Books. Seize opportunities in:

  • Branding and Corporate Identity
  • Art Direction
  • Publication Design (Print and Electronic)
  • Book Design
  • Web/App Design and Development
  • Interface Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Motion Graphics
  • Film Title Design
  • Broadcast Graphics
  • Package Design
  • Environmental Graphics
  • Exhibition Design
  • Information Architecture
  • Production Management
  • Printing
  • Poster Design
  • Typeface Design

Earn your MFA in Graphic Design at ArtCenter

Our program educations graphic designers to lead the next global generation of our profession by influencing companies, communities and society at large and extending the boundaries of communication design.

Graduate Graphic Design alum Alex Seth’s work is a meditation on place and time

Sean Adams

Design is a process to create change. Our students manifest this with craft, strategy, unconventional thinking, and leadership.

Sean AdamsChair
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Grad Graphic Design Student Word

Earn Your MFA in Graphic Design at ArtCenter

Commit to long-term success with the exceptional design, narrative, and leadership skills you’ll cultivate in ArtCenter’s Master’s in Graphic Design program. Root yourself in diverse techniques for weaving and conveying stories, compelling audiences, and inspiring fellow creative minds to achieve beyond all expectations in the ever-changing transmedia landscape.

mock up of posters on a wall

Take the first step toward a career in graphic design.