Honoring Veterans for Their Service

Members of Kent State's ROTC present the color guard at Veterans Day services.

Kent State University paid formal tribute to all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces at its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Thursday.  The event, titled “Honoring All Those Who Serve,” was held on the Student Green, in front of Risman Plaza on the Kent Campus, with a flag-raising ceremony conducted by a joint color guard with students from Kent State’s Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs. Tim Coyne, senior business manager for Kent State’s Division of Student Life, served as bugler.   President Todd Diacon, in his welcome remarks, noted how Kent State was ther...

Governor Appoints Larry Macon Jr. to Kent State Board of Trustees

The Rev. Larry L. Macon Jr., J.D., has been appointed to the Kent State University Board of Trustees by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed the Rev. Larry L. Macon Jr., J.D., to the Kent State University Board of Trustees. Macon will serve through May 16, 2027, fulfilling the unexpired term of Johnathan Holifield. Holifield resigned his position as a trustee in late 2022 due to an out-of-state relocation. Macon is a pastor, leader, author, business executive, motivational speaker and recording artist. He currently serves as senior pastor and bishop of Mt. Zion Church in Oakwood Village, Ohio, serving a congregation with more than 6,000 members. “I am proud to be of service to the state of ...

Virtual Event - November 9 - Revitalizing Local Ecological Knowledge for More-than-Human Peacebuilding

Virtual Event - November 9 “Revitalizing Local Ecological Knowledge for More-than-Human Peacebuilding."    Guest Speaker: Dr. Elaine (Lan Yin) Hsiao, Assistant Professor, School of Peace & Conflict Studies (Kent State University).    Date/Time: Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 6:00pm.      The talk is being organized by the Center for African Studies at Kent State University.    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82360147143?pwd=S1F1SThrcFI0UHhRZ2RrZE1valdyUT09 Meeting ID: 823 6014 7143 Passcode: 9...

Event: Mediative Practice Beyond Mediation: Peacebuilding though Synergistic Social Interactions - November 9, 2023

SPCS Fall 2023 Colloquium Series event - Nov. 9, 2023 Mediative Practice Beyond Mediation: Peacebuilding though Synergistic Social Interactions Dr. Tatsushi Arai, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies   Thursday, Nov 9, 2023, 2-4pm Kent State Student Center, Rm 303 (light refreshments provided)   Mediative practice refers to an organic process of group-based human interactions that orchestrates mediating social functions within conflict-affected relationships and societies. Unlike mediation, which involves negotiation facilitated by a neutral third...

EHHS Graduate College Award Winners

2023 Graduate College Award Winners

The Graduate College at Kent State University administers a number of fellowships and awards for new and continuing students each year. Lara Boman – Exercise Physiology - Graduate College Teaching Fellow - Lara is an Exercise Physiology PhD student studying the impact of exercise on aging and individuals with neurodegenerative disease. Emily Erb - Health Sciences, Exercise Physiology – Stephens/Graham Award and University Fellowship - Emily is in the Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology program. Her research investigates how high-intensity interval training impact...

Visual Communication Design - M.F.A.

Ready to take on leadership roles in the design industry? The M.F.A. degree in Visual Communication Design focuses on field research methods, design thinking and social innovation, augmented by a practical university teaching experience. As a graduate, you'll be able to pursue careers in design education, but you'll also stand out in the industry for your ability to solve problems from a research-based design perspective. Read more...

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Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication Design serves students with a strong undergraduate and/or professional experience in design who wish to advance into leadership roles. Classes have been developed to create an educational experience in design highlighted by field research methods, design thinking, and social innovation, augmented by practical university teaching experience. The M.F.A. allows graduates to pursue careers in design education, but they also stand out in the industry for their ability to solve problems from a research-based design perspective. The program offers individualized plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate degree in design or closely related program
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate major GPA on a 4.000 point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Autobiographical statement (250 words)
  • Portfolio1
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 82 MELAB score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

1

For applicants without a visual communication design undergraduate degree, a  portfolio may be defined as any creative, problem-solving endeavor. It may include drawing, painting, illustration, photography, web related solutions, interactions, writing or other types of solutions not listed here.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: March 1
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: October 1

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Develop leadership abilities necessary for success in the design industry or higher education
  2. Develop skills for collaborative engagement with strategic partners, team members and peers
  3. Develop deeper awareness of issues related to the cognitive, social, theoretical, cultural, technological, educational and economic contexts of design
  4. Develop understanding of design’s use as a strategic tool and medium for business and social applications, through the integration of practice and research.
  5. Develop enhanced comprehension of design thinking, design process and metacognition
  6. Develop capabilities in the planning, application, and synthesis of field research methods and their use in design process
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
VCD 60009CANDIDACY REVIEW/GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION 11
VCD 60020GRADUATE STUDIO IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN 3
VCD 60091GRADUATE SEMINAR IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN 3
VCD 60094COLLEGE TEACHING IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN 3
VCD 69199M.F.A. THESIS I 26
Personal Focus44
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
1

Successful completion of VCD 60009 is a requirement in every School of Visual Communication Design graduate program for both M.A. and M.F.A. students after the first semester or 12 credit hours of course completion. Successful completion of the examination designates the student as a candidate for the degree.

2

The thesis is a significant project or body of work done independently of other coursework. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct research or produce an original project in a discriminating and disciplined manner. The thesis topic should be one that will further the student’s knowledge and ability in the specialty by demonstrating skill as a researcher or professional designer/illustrator. The outcome should be an effort that serves as a foundation for the pursuit of independent work when the graduate program is completed. At this stage, students are expected to work in close consultation with their thesis advisor.

Graduation Requirements

  • The Master of Fine Arts program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours of graduate credit and requires a thesis.
  • The final examination is at the completion of the studio or research thesis. The final examination is the presentation and defense of the thesis and is also an examination of the graduate student’s general comprehension of visual communication design. Graduate students are expected to follow the university schedule of deadlines for taking the final examination and presenting thesis materials.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

Art directors

-1.8%

decline

99,100

number of jobs

$97,270

potential earnings

Graphic designers

-3.8%

decline

281,500

number of jobs

$53,380

potential earnings

Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators

1.0%

slower than the average

28,300

number of jobs

$52,340

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Brand Manager
  • Creative Director
  • Design Director
  • Design Researcher
  • Design Strategist
  • Digital Designer
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Professor of Design
  • Product Designer
  • Senior Designer
  • User Experience Designer
  • Visual Designer
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Visual Communication Design - M.A.

From print design and illustration to web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design and information graphics, the M.A. in Visual Communication Design offers individualized plans of study to help you enter the evolving design industry and become influential in social media, branding, digital media and other professional capacities. Read more...

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a visit

Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Visual Communication Design is recommended for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and are looking to enter the design industry or related fields and wish to advance their studio skills in print design, illustration, web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design or information graphics. The program offers individualized plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate degree in design or closely related program
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate major GPA on a 4.000 point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Autobiographical statement (250 words)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 82 MELAB score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: March 1

Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Develop a body of creative work at a level appropriate for a graduate designer/illustrator/photographer.
  2. Develop aesthetic, technical, and professional skills necessary for success in design industry
  3. Develop skills for collaborative engagement with strategic partners, team members, and peers
  4. Develop deeper awareness of issues related to the cultural, technological, and economic contexts of design
  5. Develop enhanced comprehension of design thinking and design process
  6. Develop understanding of design’s use as both a tactical and strategic tool for business and social applications
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
VCD 55000GRAPHIC DESIGN PERSPECTIVES 3
VCD 60010DESIGN RESEARCH METHODS 3
VCD 60011TYPOGRAPHIC STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS 3
VCD 60012CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 3
VCD 60013GRAPHIC DESIGN ADVANCED 3
VCD 60099M.A. PROJECT GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION 4
UXD 60001USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS 3
Visual Communication Design (VCD) Studio Electives9
Minimum Total Credit Hours:31
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

Graphic designers

-3.8%

decline

281,500

number of jobs

$53,380

potential earnings

Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators

1.0%

slower than the average

28,300

number of jobs

$52,340

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Digital Designer
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Product Designer
  • User Experience Designer
  • Visual Designer
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Mind, Body and Multiple Sclerosis

Marwan Shalih Maraicar Three Minute Thesis People’s Choice Award winner

Marwan Shalih Maraicar challenged himself to explain cellular research on multiple sclerosis to a non-specialized public, and he walked away with the People’s Choice Award. Shalih Maraicar is a graduate researcher and Ph.D. student at Kent State University, studying cellular biology and molecular genetics in the Department of Biological Sciences. In September, Shalih Maraicar won People’s Choice at Kent State’s fall 2023 Three Minute Thesis competition with his presentation “Protective Role of Betaine Against Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis.”   “Molecular cellular biology is...

Celebrating B’nai Mitzvah

Students Celebrating B’nai Mitzva

On Monday, Nov. 6, Hebros hosted its first-ever Hebros B’nai Mitzvah Reception. Kent State University students were invited to visit the Hillel Center to take part in games, enjoy food and learn about Jewish practices. Hebros is a Jewish men’s student organization for Kent State students. The group partnered with Hillel to put on the B’nai Mitzvah Reception. The purpose of the event was to help Jewish students celebrate their culture and introduce Jewish culture to non-Jewish Kent State students. “Our hope is to educate students on Jewish traditions, one of those traditions being the...

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