Contact UsPhone: 617-353-3371

Email: visuarts@bu.edu

BU School of Visual Arts855 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 552

Boston, MA 02215

bu.edu/cfaTwitter: @buvisualarts

Instagram: @bu_visualartsTumblr: buvisualarts.tumblr.com

The School of Visual Arts offers an intensive program in Graphic Design leading to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. This conceptually driven, two-year course of study consists of regular critiques by a faculty of practicing professionals as well as professional training in advanced design technology. Research and discussion involves both modernist and postmodernist design theories, and their application to contemporary graphic design. Students are encouraged to explore new ideas, maintain and promote the highest design standards, and be fully informed of contemporary developments in the graphic design field.

MFA Graphic Design

Graphic Design Facilities & FacultyCritiques, research, and discussion form the basis of

the graphic design curriculum. Lectures by nationally

and internationally distinguished designers and direct

contact with the industry further enhance the curriculum.

The final year of study is devoted primarily to the Master’s

Thesis—presented in an exhibition—for which a student

is expected to make an original contribution to the field

of graphic design.

Although graphic design students have access to the

computer lab in the College of Fine Arts, t hey are

required to own a laptop computer.

Graphic Design MFA candidates are provided 24-hour access

to a shared workspace equipped with flatfiles, paper trimmers,

a large-format vinyl cutter, and book binding equipment.

The adjacent digital media lab and print center is equipped

with a fleet of Apple desktop computers loaded with the Adobe

Creative Cloud and other design software, as well as scanners

and large format printers. The Visual Arts Resource Library is

well-stocked with publications and periodicals and provides

digital cameras, audio recording devices, digital projectors

and more, for student loan. Additional facilities are available

to graduate students with permission or through enrollment

in electives, including bookmaking studios, black-and-white

darkrooms, fully equipped printmaking studio, as well as

a woodshop, ceramics studio, and welding facilities.

Graphic Design students also have the opportunity

to work with EPIC, Boston University’s Engineered

Product Innovation Center, a fully-staffed makers’

lab for 3D prototyping, laser cutting, automated

robotic manufacturing, and more.

MFA Graphic Design CurriculumTwo-Year Outline of Study (60 credits)

Graduate Graphic Design 32 cr

Graduate Typography 4 cr

Thesis Preparation 4 cr

Thesis Development 4 cr

History of Graphic Design 4 cr

General or Graphic Design Electives 12 crGraphic Design FacultyAlston Purvis, Professor of Art • Kristen Coogan, Assistant Professor of Art • Nicholas Rock, Assistant Professor of Art • Laura Grey, Assistant Professor of Art • Bryce Ambo, Assistant Professor of ArtJon Craine, Lecturer in Art • Yael Ort-Dinoor, Lecturer in Art

DeadlineThe deadline to apply for all on-campus graduate Visual Arts programs is January 16, 2017. The application, supporting materials, and portfolio, are all required by this date. TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students must be received by this date.

Application Requirements• Completed online application for graduate admission

to the College of Fine Arts.

• Portfolio digitally submitted at bucfa.slideroom.com.

• Non-refundable application fee of $95 submittedusing online application.

• Two letters of recommendation from professionals/educators. These must be submitted online using supplied Letter ofRecommendation Form.

• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended,requested by applicant. Transcripts should be uploadedto application.

• Personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose inpursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particularinterest in BU.

• Artistic résumé.

Graphic Design Portfolio RequirementsPortfolios should include at least 15 examples of the student’s best graphic design work. Although some of the images can be taken from other disciplines such as architecture, the majority must be in computer-based graphic design. The Graphic Design faculty reserves the right to request that students complete

certain courses as prerequisites.

International StudentsAll international students must submit an application and required accompanying documents. In addition, students must complete the International Student Data Form. This form is included with the on-line application. Please note that the International Student Data Form does not take the place of the application for admission.

Tuition & Financial AidCurrent tuition information can be found on the College of Fine Arts website at bu.edu/cfa/admissions/graduate/tuitionandaid.

The College of Fine Arts Graduate Financial Aid Office is located at 855 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 230. This office is a resource for graduate students and prospective students in the College and can assist graduate student with scholarships, assistantships, workstudy, stipends and loan processing.

Students are welcome to drop by the office, call 617-353-3350 or send an email: artaid@bu.edu.

Master of Fine Arts Program Information

BU MFAGRAPHIC DESIGN

How to Apply