Academics

Graduate Graphic Design


The MFA in Graphic Design provides a rigorous and challenging academic and studio environment for candidates interested in enhancing their current professional practice.


 


 
    

Program Description

The limited-residency MFA in Graphic Design provides a rigorous and challenging academic and studio environment for candidates interested in enhancing their current professional practice. Participants select from three individual themes or tracks: social responsibility of the artist in society, typography and type design, or advancing the discipline through theory and innovation. Each track speaks directly to educating conscientious individuals who recognize the value of design and its role in society. 

Coursework is comprised of research, readings, studio projects (assigned and self-directed), and a final project. The department provides students with instruction by core faculty, visiting lecturers, and visiting artists who are recognized nationally and internationally in their design and art practice.

 

Student Body

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds in various disciplines, (graphic design, engineering, fashion, product, and fine art) and pursue projects that confirm the value of merging personal histories, design philosophy, and social relevance.

 

Workshops

Each summer, visiting artists from within the Los Angeles area, across the country and abroad host workshops ranging from one to three days in length. Students may be handed instructions beforehand to research information or prepare specific materials before the workshops begin. Guests often take advantage of the city and its surrounding areas as a staging ground for individual and group projects.

 

Mentorships

During the two spring sessions, MFA candidates work with mentors in one of two ways: producing texts that are historical, critical, and/or theoretical; or designing an original typeface. In both scenarios, work researched and produced must be relevant to their goals as a future practitioner and intended for publication or production.

Communications via digital technologies, telephone, or face-to-face meetings all contribute to the mentorship process.

 

Lectures

The program hosts weekly lectures, open to the public, by artists and designers from Los Angeles and beyond.  All students are required to attend. MFA 2s spend the day in conversation with each visiting artist in a group setting or in one-on-one studio visits.

 

Symposia

MFA students assist in the promotion and organizing of two symposia. “Untitled” is a bi-annual event. “What Matters” is a tri-annual. Both host internationally recognized guests and attendees whose practice exemplifies alternative practice and unique collaboration.

 

Program Schedule

The program is two years and two months running for three consecutive summers with two part-time spring semesters that can be completed on or off-site.  Incoming students begin the program at the start of each summer session.

 

Studio Interaction

Studio spaces during intensive summer sessions promote strong relationships among our MFA candidates.  This environment promotes experimentation and cross-over between students who enter the program with expertise in various disciplines.