The MFA Graphic Design Program is a year-long, LA-based student, faculty and research collective of designers investigating the issues of our day. We blend design exploration, critical inquiry, and applied projects to interrogate and better our world. We partner with organizations to foster deep impact beyond the classroom.
Usually, students convene for four consecutive semesters completing all required credits in fourteen months; this accelerated program serves the needs of working professionals and traditional students, alike.
During the course of studies, students learn to work across media and platforms through a series of studio projects, visiting workshops, courses in design theory and history and round table discussions.
The coursework engages research, discourse, critical thinking, and iterative process with the goal of discovering many possible design outcomes. In so doing, the program supports students in taking on the challenges and opportunities in contemporary graphic design practice.
For a closer look at what we do, please see the MFA Graphic Design Lookbook
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 designer 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.
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.
Design Week and Symposia
Each summer, sessions begin with "Design Week:" multiple workshops running simultaneously and hosted by internationally recognized visiting artists whose practice exemplifies alternative practices. The week ends with a public event. In 2014, participants included Cox & Grusenmeyer, Type Radio, Feixen, Niessen de Vries, Adam Michaels of Project Projects, and LAVA Design. Live stream of public lecture (turn up the volume, and apologies for the shadows of passing heads!)
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. MFAs spend the day in conversation with each visiting artist in a group setting or in one-on-one studio visits.
Curriculum
An overview of the MFA in Graphic Design program's 14-month curriculum with course descriptions.
Student Work
Gallery of student projects and work.
Visiting Artists and Designers
A core component of the program, Design Week introduces students to the international design community.
Careers
Find out more about the professional opportunities available to MFA Graphic Design graduates.
Faculty
Meet the faculty members of the MFA Graphic Design program at Otis College.
Contact
Contact us for program-specific questions and Design Week information.
