School of Design
The School of Design offers three professional MFA degree programs: graphic design, industrial design, and computer graphics design. These unique programs allow for advanced study that integrates creativity, philosophy, history, theory, applied concepts, and technology. Students who seek to advance their skills or change careers find our programs to be challenging and professionally based. The school sponsors guest lecturers, interdisciplinary projects, and special events to encourage personal and professional growth.
The school also offers four cross-disciplinary courses. All graduate students in the School of Design’s MFA programs take the following courses: Design Theory and Methods Seminar (2010-711), Design History Seminar (2010-713), Design Issues Seminar (2010-726), and Design Research (2014-713). These cross-disciplinary courses help to foster a sense of community among students and faculty, and encourage dialogue and interaction related to philosophy, process, practice, history, goals, and responsibilities across the design disciplines.
The MFA programs in graphic design and industrial design require a fall entry. Computer graphics design prefers a fall entry but can be flexible, depending upon the student’s qualifications/experience. The application deadline is February 15. Applications reviewed and accepted after the deadlines are based upon available space. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Master of Fine Arts in Computer Graphics Design
Chris Jackson, Coordinator
(585) 475-5823, cbjpgd@rit.edu
This internationally recognized program offers concentrations in motion graphics, instructional multimedia, game art and design, Web design, and visualization. The curriculum combines knowledge of design theory, methodology, and aesthetics with skills in two- and three-dimensional computer graphics, interactive techniques, and interfaces. Students utilize cutting-edge technology to produce a vast array of dynamic work.
The program focuses on experimental and practical approaches to the expression of unique visions. Students create interactive installations, kiosks for museums, opening titles for movies, interactive animation, Web-based environments, virtual theater, and computer games realized from their imaginations. Resources in the Digital Studio are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include three-dimensional digitizers, physical computer interfaces, motion capture systems, three-dimensional printers, monitor tablets, and a wide variety of software applications.
As part of the entrance requirements, applicants must demonstrate an understanding of basic design principles and visual computer skills. Software skills must include: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Maya, Apple Shake, or Macromedia Flash.
| MFA in Computer Graphics Design | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| Major Studio Courses | 45 |
| Elective/Minor | 17 |
| Academic Courses | 14 |
| Thesis | 14 |
| Total | 90 |
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Deborah Beardslee, Coordinator
(585) 475-2664, dabfaa@rit.edu
Graphic design is a professional major that addresses advanced visual communication problems, with an emphasis on meaning, form, and function. In a professional studio setting, students work with faculty on the understanding and implementation of design process, design theory, history and criticism, research methods, visual aesthetics, systems design, information design, ethics and values, project development and evaluation, and cross-disciplinary problem-solving methods.
Course work and thesis projects incorporate both theory and application in the solution of hypothetical or actual design problems. Courses within this major evidence a balanced approach toward the application of electronic media and traditional processes. Final design outcomes may range from small- or large-scale, two-dimensional printed artifacts to electronic, time-based, and/or interactive applications. Special lectures, guest speakers, exhibitions, and workshops complement studio work. Student projects also utilize other RIT resources such as the Graphic Design Archive and the Cary Graphic Arts Collection.
| MFA in Graphic Design | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| Major | 28 |
| Design Core | 12 |
| Minor | 15 |
| Electives | 11 |
| Liberal Arts | 12 |
| Thesis | 12 |
| Total | 90 |
Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Design
David Morgan, Coordinator
(585) 475-4769, dcmfaa@rit.edu
The master of fine arts degree program is available for students pursuing specialized study in industrial design at the graduate level for the purpose of career enhancement or redirection. The educational experience is project-oriented, requiring research into design methods and technologies. Cross-disciplinary collaboratives provide an experiential dimension.
The first year of study includes seminar courses in design history, issues, research, theory, and methods, which are common to all graduate students in the School of Design. In addition, there are studio courses that involve extensive design work with respect to environmental issues, the meaning of artifacts, and critical analysis. Extensive course work using three-dimensional software for product modeling and animation fills out the program.
In the second year, students conduct research and develop a thesis project, which is presented in a graduate thesis exhibition or presentation and is documented in a written thesis report.
| MFA in Industrial Design | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| Major | 39 |
| Electives/Minor† | 21 |
| Design Core | 12 |
| Liberal Arts | 4 |
| Thesis | 14 |
| Total | 90 |
† Minors are declared within the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences and in other colleges at the university. This is done with approval from the individual program’s graduate adviser/coordinator. The minor should support the goal of the MFA degree.