Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Design degree program with a concentration in visual communication design at The Design School focuses on advanced studies in visual language, history, theory, criticism, and methodology, design processes, and technology.

Program Description

The program is designed for research-focused students who are excited about exploring design and discovering new perspectives on how to teach, deliver, and communicate visually in a fast-paced world. Through a specialized research and design skills curriculum, students develop an understanding of contemporary graphic design issues.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The program requires 36 credit hours and a thesis, or 36 credit hours including the required applied project course (DSC 593). Students may choose to complete their graduate work by way of a thesis or an applied project.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design, industrial design, interior design, or a related design discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Portfolio
  • Letter of intent
  • Resume
  • Contact information for two references
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 05/01, Type: Final
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 01/15, Type: Priority

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Engage in scholarly field inquiry involving the language and research of visual communication design.
• Disseminate the results of their thesis or applied project research in a public forum.
• Compose a research proposal that embodies methodologies suitable to the research questions identified.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a career in graphic design education or for advanced design professions.

Research Areas

The program focuses on advanced studies in visual language, history, theory, criticism, and methodology, design processes, and technology, with research areas including:

• Visual communication design
• Graphic design
• Information design
• Typography
• Visual branding
• Digital design
• Media design