Program Overview
Arizona State University's MS in Graphic Information Technology equips students with advanced skills in cross-media design, user experience, and business of design. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on industry relevance, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the evolving graphics industry. Students can choose from various electives and culminating experiences to tailor their studies to their career goals. The program is available both on-campus and online, providing flexibility for students.
Program Outline
The program aims to equip students with the necessary technological and managerial skills required for success in the diverse graphic industries.
Objectives:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of current trends and technologies in graphic design.
- Develop students' competence in diverse design areas like cross-media design, user experience/interface, web design, and business of design.
- Prepare graduates to become industry leaders capable of managing and developing content across various communication and distribution channels.
- Cultivate innovative problem-solvers and creative talents comfortable with complex digital technology for leading roles in the evolving graphics industry.
Outline:
The program comprises 30 credit hours with various options for the culminating experience. Students can choose between:
- Applied project: GIT 593 (3 credit hours)
- Thesis: GIT 599 (6 credit hours)
- Portfolio: (0 credit hours)
Required Core:
- GIT 537 Current Issues in Cross Media Production (3 credit hours)
Electives or Research:
Students can choose 18-24 credit hours of electives or research courses based on their interests and career goals.
Other Requirement:
- GIT 500 Research Methods (3 credit hours)
Assessment:
The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These may include:
- Coursework assignments and projects
- Examinations
- Oral presentations
- Portfolio development
- Thesis defense (if applicable)
Teaching:
The program features a combination of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Hands-on workshops
- Project-based learning
- Guest lectures by industry professionals
Careers:
The program prepares graduates for management positions in diverse graphic technology industries, such as:
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Cross-Media Designer
- Digital Asset Manager
- Digital Media Artist
- Front-End Designer or Developer
- Motion Graphics Artist
- Pre-Media, Digital Printing and Publishing Designer
- Social Media Content Creator
- User Experience Designer
- UX/UI Engineer
Other:
- The program is offered on-campus and online, providing flexibility for students.
- The online program has multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
- The program is approved for a 36-month STEM-OPT extension for international students on F-1 visas.
- The program emphasizes industry relevance and prepares students for real-world challenges in the graphics industry.
- The program fosters an environment of collaboration and creativity, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions and push the boundaries of design.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
Overall
- Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
- A bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field (e.g., graphic design, web design, photography, etc.) is required.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") is mandated, either in the first bachelor's degree program, last 60 hours of the first bachelor's, nine semester hours of graduate coursework from a U.S. institution, or a conferred master's degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
Additional Requirements
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application but official ones are required upon admission.
- Personal statement: Outlining goals, interests, and suitability for the program.
- Professional resume: Highlighting relevant experience and skills.
- Writing sample: Demonstrating communication abilities and writing proficiency.
- Proof of English proficiency: Required for non-native speakers, regardless of residency. This can be proven through standardized tests (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) This applies even if they are currently residing in an English-speaking country.
- Accepted methods of demonstrating proficiency include standardized tests such as TOEFL and IELTS, or alternative assessments provided by ASU Online.
