Design (Visual Communication Design), MSD
Communication, Communications, Digital Design, Graphic Communication, Information Design, Typography, Visual Branding, creative, digital, media
If you're a research-focused student who is excited about exploring design and discovering new perspectives on how to teach, deliver and communicate visually in a dynamic world, this is the ideal program for you.
The MSD degree program with a concentration in visual communication design at The Design School focuses on advanced studies in visual language, history, theory, criticism and methodology, design processes and technology.
Through a specialized research and design skills curriculum, students develop an understanding of contemporary graphic design issues.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
36 credit hours and a thesis, or
36 credit hours including the required applied project course (DSC 593)
Students may choose to complete their graduate work by way of a thesis or an applied project. A master's degree thesis is a scholarly endeavor that demonstrates the author's ability to do supervised research and intellectual writing. The applied project, which is somewhat different, includes a project and a written document. Through this scholarly endeavor, the designer both demonstrates the ability to do supervised research and presents substantial evidence of their ability to apply research creatively to a design situation.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design, industrial design, interior design or a related design discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- portfolio
- letter of intent
- resume
- contact information for two references
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
International students are required to submit proof of English proficiency through either the TOEFL or the IELTS if their native language is not English. The minimum score for admission to the program is 80 on the TOEFL iBT® taken in a testing center or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS.
When applying for admission, applicants must declare an MSD concentration (such as this visual communication design concentration). Students should see the department website for an approved list of graduate programs.
The portfolio, letter of intent, resume and contact information for two references must be submitted via SlideRoom (https://asudesign.slideroom.com). The Design School requires that these be submitted in addition to the graduate application requirements.
Admission to the program is selective. Admission cannot be deferred. Students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted; otherwise, they will need to go through the entire application process again for the year for which they are applying.
GRE scores are not required.
A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting the department.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Final |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Engage in scholarly field inquiry involving the language and research of visual communication design.
- Disseminate the results of their thesis or applied project research in a public forum.
- Compose a research proposal that embodies methodologies suitable to the research questions identified.
Graduates are prepared for a career in graphic design education or for advanced design professions.
The Design School
|
CDN 162
designgrad@asu.edu
480-965-3536
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
