The MFA is Graphic Design consist of 60 semester credit
hours, with a requirement of at least three semesters
in the program with one academic
year in residency as a full time student. The course
work includes:
Graphic
Design course sequence 35-40 credits
Support studio courses (can be GD) 3-10 credits
Art History 9 credits
Electives (can be GD) 11 credits
The
MFA IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION/DESIGN AND DIGITAL
MEDIA AT KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY is a two or
three-year program that is a multidisciplinary experience
for advanced students to develop their personal vocabulary
in communication, design, and art.
The degree area includes the disciplines of visual communication
design and digital media (Use of digital technology
for creative expression and research in design, illustration,
printmaking, photography, interactive and new media).
This program is a professional course of study that
builds on existing design skills and knowledge. All
applicants should possess a four-year design degree
(or a degree in art and extensive professional experience
in visual communication).
The development of new approaches and exploring new
ideas in design and digital media is critical. The goal
is to have the student bring their unique experiences
and viewpoint and create a synthesis with the KSU department
and their new creative environment. Each student will
develop their personal vocabulary. This program is geared
to the “individual” with the main objective
of preparing a professional designer for contributions
to industry or an educational environment and for visual
artists who contribute to the development of art forms
with digital tools.
The MFA student will research numerous ideas related
to their area of design/visualization and develop thorough
systems (or non-systems) of visual articulation. Second
year design students work on self-initiated and assigned
research which could include team projects, and commissions
from business, educational, cultural or not for profit
groups.
The graphic design program emphasizes design and production
of visible language systems where technology, human
factors, contemporary culture and aesthetics are merged.
This will provide opportunities for research and will
stimulate a reevaluation of contemporary graphic design
and the education of designers.
An
individualized curriculum for graphic design or digital
media is developed for each student, which will include
certain graduate course requirements. The thesis project
is initiated the second year with increased focus on
the final body of work developed throughout the program
of study.
At the end of the program, the student independent initiated
work (your thesis project) and assigned departments
projects are combined to form a major body of work.
This work will serve as creative evidence for faculty
review, final examination, and thesis presentation.
The presentation of the comprehensive thesis project
with a written and illustrated research document completes
the degree program.
Students may select a written thesis component that
is conceptually separate from the analysis of their
visual creative MFA work.
This written thesis topic will be finalized during the
2nd semester of the MFA student degree program.
The
MFA track in Graphic Design/Visual Communications or
Digital Arts
places emphasis on:
•
the history of art and design
• design theory including visual semiotics and
other system approaches (graphic design/visual communications)
• a problem solving approach
• developing skills of verbal articulation
• a formalist point-of-view toward aesthetics
and its application to form-building in design (graphic
design/visual communications)
• a balanced process of selecting and using appropriate
visual media and tools
• professionalism and commitment in attitude
and performance
• experimentation in the areas of technology,
concepts and creative expression
THE CURRICULM:
The MFA in Visual Communication/Graphic Design consists
of 60 semester credit hours, with a requirement of at
least three semesters in the program with one academic
year in residency as a full time student. The course
work include:
Visual Communication course sequence 35-40 credits
Support studio courses (can be GD) 3-10 credits
Art History 9 credits
Electives (can be GD) 11 credits
The Digital Media option is organized in the same manner.
Digital Media will also have a 35-40 credit course sequence
with supporting, Art History, and elective courses to
be completed.
Semester
1 (suggested)
820
MFA Research
Curriculum assessment, an analysis of trends in graphic
design or digital arts education. This will include
a review of current undergraduate and graduate experiences.
As part of the research a model will be developed for
each level of study. (1-5 CREDITS)
820
Concentration Design or Digital Arts Project
In conjunction will your major instructors a project
will be outlined for execution. This could include DESIGN
KANSAS or Interactive Design Studio activities. This
activity will also investigate visible language theory
(including semiotics, the theory of representation and
interpretation). (1-5 CREDITS)
A
course from degree sequence or supportive course (see
list)
Semester 2
820
MFA Research
Historical review and research of graphic design or
digital media. This will include initial activities
to develop an exhibition of a selected designers/artists
printed works. This will included contacting a designer
to request use of materials. Exhibit to take place during
the third semester of program. (1-5 CREDITS)
820 Concentration Design or Digital Media Project
In conjunction with your major instructors a design
or digital media project will be outlined for execution.
This could include DESIGN KANSAS or Interactive Design
Studio activities. Experimental activities with visual
communication systems beyond traditional or conventional
limits of graphic design is stressed. (1-5 CREDICTS)
A course from degree sequence or supportive course (see
list)
Semester
3
802
MFA Research
Exhibition/presentation of selected designer or artist.
(1 CREDIT)
820
Concentration Design or Digital Media Project
In conjunction with your major instructors a project
will be outlined for execution. This could include DESIGN
KANSAS or Interactive Design Studio activities. This
activity will also investigate visible language theory
(including semiotics, the theory of representation and
interpretation). (1-5 CREDITS)
A course from degree sequence or supportive course (see
list)
Semester
4
820
MFA Research: Graduate Thesis I
A body of work developed in prototype form, which represents
a significant extension of design thinking. (1-5 CREDITS)
820
Concentration Design or Digital Media Project
In conjunction with your major instructors a project
will be outlined for execution. This could include DESIGN
KANSAS or Interactive Design Studio activities. (1-5
CREDITS)
A course from degree sequence or supportive course (see
list)
Semester
5
820
MFA Research: Graduate Thesis II
Continuation of Thesis I (1-5 CREDITS)
820
Concentration Design or Digital Media Project
In conjunction with your major instructors a project
will be outlined for execution. This could include DESIGN
KANSAS or Interactive Design Studio activities. (1-5
CREDITS)
A course from degree sequence or supportive course (see
list)
Semester
6
820
MFA Research: Graduate Thesis III
Continuation of Thesis II and with a final presentation/exhibition
with the MFA candidate research. This semester will
also include a major review/evaluation of the student’s
thesis project with committee members or oral examination.
(1-9 CREDITS)
All supporting art courses and free electives will be
selected in conjunction with your major professor. Be
prepared to discuss a possible list of course options
during the first semester of study. All non-art courses
must be at the 500 level or above.
There is a graduate seminar to assist in the success
of the graduate experience as well as prepare the student
for careers in the field.
*
Supportive Courses
1. 601-Design/History/Theory/Criticism
2. 608-Computer Animation
3. 623-Advanced Computer Art and Design
4. 626-IS/Photography
5. 631-Contemporary Media Seminar
6. 695-Topics/ All of Photography
7. 820-Graphic Design-Digital Environment
8. 820-Advance Typography
9. 820- Portfolio: Studio
VISITING ARTISTS:
Visiting artists are a vital part of the program and
there are many lectures and workshops each year. Recently
the following visiting designer/illustrators have come
to campus: Eric Dinyer, Anita Kunz, Mark English, Don
Weller, Gary Kelly, Fred Otnes, Chris Hopkins, Ann Willoughby,
Andy Rice, Sonia Greteman, Chaz Laughlin, Bill Gardner,
John Sayles, Andreas Hogan and Christopher Burnett.
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