Visual Communication Design Master of Fine Arts Degree
Visual Communication Design
Master of Fine Arts Degree
In our visual communication design degree, you'll shape interactive experiences by integrating graphic design, user experience design, design studies, motion graphics, and 3D digital design into your work.
Overview
This visual communication degree offers a comprehensive opportunity to investigate the intersection of graphic, interaction, and motion design. You will focus on conceptualizing and creating user-centered design wherever there is a screen or digital experience. This can include mobile phones, automotive instrument panels, medical devices, wearables, and more. This major reinforces the importance of user experience design by combining insight from all areas of design. Choose to focus your studies or combine course sequences from communication design, interaction design, motion design, and design studies. By combining historical, communication and aesthetic theory, principles, and creativity, your work will anticipate design evolution and lead innovation.
The MFA in visual communication design focuses on all areas of design, including graphic design, user experience/interaction design, design studies, motion graphics, and 3D digital design. The changing landscape of people’s everyday interactions has blurred the lines between respected design fields, giving designers new responsibilities to shape experiences. The MFA program embraces this new technology through its curriculum, which addresses these merging skill sets.
An Integrated Visual Communication Design Degree
The MFA in visual communication design provides a learning environment for the advancement in innovative research, user-centered design, and professional practice by focusing on the creative potentials of visual communication through a full spectrum of media. You will advance your design knowledge and technical skills by choosing an option in communication design, interaction design, or motion and 3D digital design.
The cross-disciplinary nature of the program offers a greater potential to foster innovation and creativity in visual communication design. The program reflects the current views and changes occurring in the professional design field. The skill sets required of graphic, interactive, and digital design have now crossed over and are interrelated.
Students are also interested in: Film and Animation MFA
RIT undergraduates qualify for a tuition scholarship when they choose an RIT Master’s program.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Cinematographer and Editor | Game Producer |
| Graphic and UX/UI Designer | Motion Graphic Designer |
| Product Designer | Senior Visual Designer |
| UI/UX Designer | User Experience Researcher |
| User Interface Designer | UX Designer |
Salary and Career Information for Visual Communication Design MFA
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Co-op in the College of Art and Design provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in visual communication design.
Creative Industry Day
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.
Featured Work
Portfolio Showcase
Visual Communication Design MFA students to dive deep into emerging and future design, technology, interaction and motion trends.
Photo Editing Tool Design
Olivia Zhu
"Smart Editing is a photo editing tool made for Instagram users to help improve their photo editing experience. The goal is to build up on what Instagram has, and to take its user experience to the...
Title Sequence: 'The Forest King'
Xiangyu Han
"A title sequence project for a children's story written by Selma Peña Arenzana. I wanted to create a scene of a fairy tale. The moral of this story is to alert children about harm from adults. The...
Featured Profiles
Design Research
Adam Smith, Alex Lobos
Research in design is unique at RIT’s College of Art and Design. We discover new ways of solving problems in an environment brimming with endless possibility. Not only do students have...
Alumni Profile: Jake Mathew
Jake Mathew '04, '06 MFA has completed high-profile motion design projects throughout his career — including animating the main on end titles for the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel.
Creative Superhero
Since starting her own creative studio in 2009, Erin Sarofsky ’98, ’00 MFA has made prolific title sequences for Marvel films and shows, and directed short films and commercials for the biggest...
Curriculum for Visual Communication Design MFA
Visual Communication Design, MFA degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| VCDE-701 | Design History Seminar This seminar focuses on a basis in the history of design, which complements the overall graduate studies in the School of Design. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course is thematic and emphasizes performance on the part of the student in dynamic dialogue on course topics. The course content focuses on subjects relative to the history and theory of design (people, processes, products, environment, culture and places), critical thinking and contextual historical issues. Students are expected to read seminal design articles, write critical essays and questions and to participate in weekly discussion groups. On-line technology is utilized in addition to slide lectures. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA, CMGD-MFA and IDDE-MFA majors and other CIAS and RIT graduate students with permission of instructor.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| VCDE-706 | 3D Modeling and Motion This course is an introduction to digital three-dimensional visualization. Students learn all aspects of 3D design, from modeling all the way through rendering the final images to setting keyframes for animation. Once familiar with the basics of production, students are encouraged to focus on specific topics such as lighting and texturing and the creation of visual effects for gaming, broadcast, visualization and education. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| VCDE-707 | Web and UI Design This course provides an in-depth look at human-centered interface design. Students develop interactive web pages with functional design and usability for e-commerce, education, and the communication of visual communication. Emphasis is placed on the integration and application of design skills applied to information architecture, user navigation and orientation. Projects are focused on designing alternative navigational solutions for online Web applications and touch-screen devices such as mobile phones and touch-pads. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| VCDE-708 | Typography This course examines the historical, theoretical, and perceptual aspects of typography for print and screen use. Grid structure, composition, hierarchy, message conveyance, and formal aspects of typographic design are explored with an emphasis on developing harmonious type and image integration into cohesive, sequential design applications. How temporal structural elements such as rhythm and pacing affect visual communication in a dynamic medium is also investigated and applied. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| VCDE-709 | Digital Design in Motion This course focuses on motion design from story reels to the final project. Course content focuses on visual components, and assignments translate production techniques used in traditional filmmaking into the online environment. This includes the use of line, space (two and three-deminsional), composition and framing, simulated camera movements, color, and sound. Using a time-based application as the authoring tool and the techniques outlined in this course, a student will be able to produce interactive stories, such as online graphic novels and webisodes. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| VCDE-712 | Design Studies Seminar As an introduction to the field, this course will present the many complex roles of design–as process, product, function, symbol and use. This seminar will approach critical views of design studies from an interdisciplinary perspective. Faculty colleagues representing diverse campus expertise and beyond will contribute from their respective knowledge bases. The course will require readings, discussion, critical thinking, and writings as we examine the impact of history, theory and critical analysis as related to the interpretation and understanding of design. Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| VCDE-718 | Project Design and Implementation This course provides students with the necessary skills to further develop a research plan into a specific design inquiry with an application component. Emphasis is placed on identifying connections and integrating content between this course and the culminating first-year experience in the MFA Visual Communication Design program. Students will chose a topic, write a design proposal, and design and implement a project from inception to conclusion. This involves research, development, evaluation, refinement, completion of a finished creative project, and documentation of the process. The project can be produced independently or collaborative with advice from the instructor. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lab 3 (Spring). |
|
| VCEE-722 | Design Praxis I |
|
Professional Electives |
6 | |
Open Elective |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| VCDE-746 | Professional Practices This course will help students prepare for a professional career in design. Equally as important as design theory, the content focuses on the practical knowledge of production and design skills, and exposure to basic business practices. An overview of business and economics related to the design world, goal setting and productivity skills, professional ethics, marketing, the interviewing process, and strategic analysis is addressed. Projects provide an in-depth look at creating an effective digital portfolio and curriculum vitae based upon personal strengths and interests, with professional standards, and career expectations in mind. (Prerequisites: VCDE-701 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| VCDE-790 | Thesis Research and Planning Research is the backbone for any project. This course will focus on the design research and planning stages of a thesis project. Students will define a design problem that provides a significant addition to the design field while addressing needs in the local, regional and/or global community. Course content addresses establishing content, planning, scheduling, and research seeking innovative solutions through the process of concept development, ideation, and in-process evaluation. (Prerequisites: VCDE-718 or VCDE-722 or equivalent course.) Thesis 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| VCDE-890 | Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation This course will focus on the physical thesis project. Students will continue with concept development concluding with the implementation and retrospective evaluation of their chosen design problem. Solution is presented in a public exhibition, complemented by a written articulation of how the theories and methods employed in the project impact the current and future state of design in society. (Prerequisites: VCDE-790 or equivalent course.) Thesis 9 (Spring). |
6 |
Professional Electives |
9 | |
Open Electives |
9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 60 |
|
Professional Electives
| Course | |
|---|---|
| IGME-609 | Programming for Designer This course is an introduction to programming for students with a background in design. Students will write programs to construct and control interactive, media-rich experiences. Students will employ fundamental concepts of object-oriented computer programming such as classes, variables, control structures, functions, and parameters in their code. Students will develop their problem solving skills and begin building a logical toolkit of algorithms and program design strategies. Students will extend existing software objects provided by the instructor, as well as create new objects of their own design. Programming projects will be required. (Prerequisites: VCDE-709 or equivalent course and graduate standing in VISCOM-MFA.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
| VCDE-617 | Experimental Workshop The course focuses on implementing advanced, newly developing ideas in visual communication design. The specific subtopic for this course varies each time it is taught. As a result it may be repeated with a different subtopic. The subtopic is determined by the instructor. Potential topics include the creation of interactive installations, adaptive/responsive interface design, tangible media design, digital performances, cyber fashion, network art, locative media, scientific visualization, information visualization, event design, projection design, or any new area in digital design. Students can take more than one Experimental Workshop in a term, as long as the subtopic is not repeated. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring). |
| VCDE-621 | Character Design and Rigging This course covers first the design of characters and then the creation of them using three-dimensional software, inverse kinematics, parent and rigid binding, bones, and deformers. Students design characters using techniques like interpretant matrices, model sheets, sketches, and maquettes followed by development of the actual character in software. Characters are designed for incorporation into motion graphics, games, real time applications, performance, or visualization. (Prerequisites: VCDE-706 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-622 | 3D Environment Design This course covers advanced modeling techniques useful in developing environments, both interior and exterior. The content of the course covers proportions appropriate to a variety of environments, lighting for spaces, surface design to replicate real world materials, and building to an appropriate level of detail for the circumstance. (Prerequisites: VCDE-706 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-626 | Physical Interface Design This course covers the use of basic electronics so that students can develop embedded systems or controllers for games, design environments with ambient intelligence, design interactive museum exhibits and point of purchase installations, or embed electronics in clothing. Students use micro controllers, sensors, switches, lights, and motors to implement their designs. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| VCDE-627 | Real Time Design In this course, students design levels for games or virtual worlds for a variety of applications. Once the design is complete, the design is implemented using high-end three-dimensional software. In many cases the projects will be large and will be executed by teams of students. Versioning systems will be used to keep track of the most recently developed assets. Models are imported into real time software engines for manipulation. (Prerequisites: VCDE-706 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring). |
| VCDE-628 | 3D Particles and Dynamics This course focuses on three-dimensional special effects using 3D software in combination with other techniques. Course content addresses particle systems and dynamic simulations in a 3D environment. Physical reality concepts such as water flow, air movement, smoke, clouds, fire, and gravitational effects are explored in relation to their effects on cloth, hair, and fluids. Students will incorporate these dynamic simulations in practical design contexts for film, broadcast, and online. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| VCDE-633 | Hard Surface Modeling The course focuses on designing and constructing hard surface models including machinery, furniture, vehicles, electronics, and robots. Students explore the use of different modeling techniques in the process and are particularly interested in the flow of the topology within the geometry. Some attention is given to creating controls for moving the hard surface models. (Prerequisites: VCDE-706 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-636 | 3D Motion Design Students will learn the general production workflow of creating and integrating three-dimensional rendered elements into a two-dimensional motion graphics setting. The production process will include an overview of modeling, lighting, shading and rendering techniques in a 3D application. Then the course will also explore how to integrate these assets into a 2D animation setting and techniques of creating a professional, polished result quickly and efficiently. (Prerequisites: VCDE-706 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-702 | Material and Methods for Advanced Graphics This course will examine methods of synthesizing analog and digital tools to create visual works that communicate complex information through compelling visual interactions. Projects will prompt students to remix materials, techniques, and design elements in unexpected ways to create new hybrid forms. Course content will cover analog and digital image-making techniques, 2D and 3D design, photography, coding, experimental visual manipulation, and unconventional design tools. Students will research, design, and implement their own unique processes that capitalize on a variety of form-making tools, and move fluidly in and out of the computer. At the completion of this course, students will have developed a vast library of interdisciplinary ideas and techniques for visualizing design that integrate a wide range of materials, forms, and methods. (Prerequisites: VCDE-708 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall or Spring). |
| VCDE-717 | Design Systems This course investigates a systems thinking approach for the purpose of clear, unified communication. The complexity of multiple components are integrated into a common framework to solve graphic design problems. Conceptual mapping, design process strategies, user-centric goals, visual symbolism, the balance of design with cultural, environmental and technological factors, design writing, and design evaluation are integrated into the course. Both theoretical and applied problems will be developed. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Studio 5 (Spring). |
| VCDE-723 | Interaction Design This course applies design methodologies to multimedia applications. Students communicate ideas and information to specific audiences through interactive, instructional applications. Course work will integrate content research, developing measurable objectives, and information architecture with interactivity. At the completion of this course students will be able to design site maps and flowcharts, implement an effective graphical user interface, communicate layered information through a hierarchical structure, control user navigation and feedback using interactivity, and design cross-platform projects for entertainment, games, information systems, and education. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| VCDE-726 | Design Praxis II The development of digital deliverables and experiences is the central focus of this course. Interpretive projects will be composed of a sequence of text and images applying formal visual principles. The course is intended to center on the interrelationship of themes such as design history, theory and criticism using RIT’s unique communications resources (Vignelli Center, Cary Graphic Design Archive, Cary Collection and Wallace Library) and others. (Prerequisites: VCDE-722 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-728 | Motion Graphics This course focuses on motion graphics as an extension of traditional design that incorporates a temporal or time-based element into the message. Students are exposed to video compositing software and learn the craft, practice, and theory of what it takes to make it in the fast-paced, competitive world of motion graphics design. Computer software is used to composite visual effects in both animation and live video. Sequencing, storyboarding, digital audio, titling, and animation are integrated to produce time-based projects for film, broadcast, and the web. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| VCDE-731 | 3D Visual Design This course focuses on the visual look of a three-dimensional model. Students apply lighting methods to illuminate 3D models and spaces. The interaction of light and pigment, use of light in painting, photography, and film are used as examples. Techniques in using shading networks are incorporated into the projects. Displacement textures are used to create detail in models. This course also covers a contrast and comparison of various methods and resolutions of rendering and outputting information from 3D software. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-732 | Branding and Identity Design This course provides an examination of the role of design in brand strategy and cohesive identity systems. Historical and current systems will be researched and analyzed. Development of formal proposals, research, and design strategies for developing integrated solutions are explored. Projects will include client contact, writing of design briefs, collaborative projects, use of social networks for brand expansion, information structures, screen and print formats, and presentation methods. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-733 | Digital Media Integration This course uses digital video cameras for motion recording and microphones for digital audio recordings. Emphasis is placed on digital video and audio design, production, and integration in multimedia applications. Course projects focus on shooting, digitizing and editing video plus recording, editing and mixing of audio for digital movies. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-736 | Design Systems Intensive This intensive studio course investigates principles and theories related to systems thinking and application from diverse inter- and cross-disciplinary perspectives. Systems thinking is explored through many lenses that include concept, language, information, aesthetics, format, context, materiality and temporal considerations. Message-making, organization and implementation strategies are key components of this course. Students discover and practice design systems across a diverse range of studio, lecture and presentation experiences. The VCDE-717 Design Systems course is not a prerequisite for this course, but may be taken prior to this Design Systems Intensive course. Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-737 | UX Design Strategies This course explores design strategies related to researching, identifying and implementing a digital user experience for online web and app development. Students will apply design research methodologies to gather and evaluate source material to design and implement user interactive solutions. Projects will include defining client and user goals, user identification, user empathy, content organization, information architecture, wire-framing methods and validation through user testing across various platforms. At the conclusion of the course students will design and document several different interactive projects. (Prerequisites: VCDE-707 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-741 | Experiential Graphic Design This course focuses on the functions of environmental graphic design in a three-dimensional environment. Through studies of theory of environmental design, exploration and conceptual development, design solutions are directed to assist users in negotiating, or wayfinding, through a space or environment, to identify, direct and inform. Topics include learning methods, communication theory, ergonomics, visual hierarchy, design principles and process. Areas of application include architectural graphics, signage systems, dynamic environments, mapping, exhibit design, museum experiences, and themed environments. Students also explore how to integrate both two- and three-dimensional components to develop physical and digital-based environments. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| VCDE-742 | Information Design This course explores the importance of reader and user responses to written and visually presented information. Problem-solving, functional requirements, information transmission, accessibility and design structure are integrated while investigating a variety of formats (i.e. charts, diagrams, business forms, tables, maps, instructional materials, wayfinding systems, and technical data.) Applied problems are solved through principles of language, structure, diagrammatic interpretation and the visual display of information. Solutions will be developed for both print media and digital use (i.e. mobile devices, computer screens, kiosks, etc.). (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA and CMGD-MFA programs.) Studio 5 (Fall). |
| VCDE-799 | Visual Communication Design Independent Study Visual Communication Design Independent Study will allow students to obtain instruction in specialized areas of interest to enhance their individual course of study. Working with a faculty adviser, students will propose a focused curriculum related to their academic and/or future career interests. Visual Communication Design Independent Study students must obtain permission of an instructor to enroll.**NOTE: Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA ** (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to students in VISCOM-MFA, CMGD-MFA, GRDE-MFA or IDDE-MFA with instructor permission.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring). |
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MFA program in visual communication design, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
- Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
- Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
- Submit a portfolio. Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English language requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to the English Language Test Scores section within Graduate Application Materials to review waiver eligibility.
Portfolio
The portfolio, along with written records of achievements and recommendations, serves to inform the faculty of the applicant’s readiness for advanced graduate study. It provides understanding into the applicant’s performance to date, ability to create advanced, self-directed work and his/her aesthetic development and maturity. Please visit the Graduate Portfolio Requirements page to learn more about portfolio requirements and submission information.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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August 24, 2022
![An illustration of a woman with the words Brown is Beautiful.]()
Alumna champions human and women's rights through illustration
Shehzil Malik '14 MFA (visual communication design) is an award-winning illustrator and designer focused on themes related to human rights, feminism and her South Asian identity.
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July 13, 2022
![A graffiti-style graphic for Ms. Marvel.]()
Alumnus applies design superpowers to new 'Ms. Marvel' series
Jake Mathew '04, '06 MFA has completed high-profile motion design projects throughout his career — the latest was animating the main on end titles for Ms. Marvel.
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May 10, 2022
![A group of students pose in front of a mural.]()
Projects from EUREKA! design workshop see real-world application
Non-profit partners from RIT's annual interdisciplinary workshop have recently implemented ideas developed by teams of students working to use their skills for social good.
