Since the early 1990's the graphic design area has offered a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, the terminal degree in the field. The graduate degree program is intended to foster a level of superior research to advance the profession and positively contribute to society. This is a 60 credit-hour program of study (usually 3 years) for persons interested in advanced, academic exploration of design.

Graduate study in graphic design is not for everyone. Our UF program is primarily focused on the academic study, not professional practice, of graphic design. This includes areas of design such as history, theory, criticism, and pedagogy, which are difficult to explore from within the profession. These topics are approached through creative studio projects sharpened with generous amounts of scholarly research and discussion.

MFA applicants are expected to have substantial professional or academic design experience. However, our faculty also values students from other disciplines such as architecture, communications, cultural studies, and so on, who can provide a diverse vision and viewpoint. The graduate program currently consists of seven students from a variety of backgrounds including art history, painting, product design, advertising and architecture from cultures such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colombia, Turkey and the United States.

The backbone of the program is a lively and intensive Graphic Design Graduate Seminar offered each semester in which all graphic design majors participate along with students from other areas.

Admission to the program is selective and based on a portfolio of previous work, statement of intent, and UF academic requirements. A visit to the program to talk with faculty and students is encouraged. We generally admit 3-4 students per year out of 10-12 whom apply.

The University of Florida, as a research institution, is one of the ten largest universities in the United States, offering over 400 major programs. The graphic design program is involved in a number of collaborative projects with the local and university community. Students enrolled in the graduate program are encouraged to take advantage of this rich research environment through interdisciplinary study.

Facilities

Graduate Studio: Each graduate student is assigned a personal workspace with high-speed Internet access.

Letterpress and Metal Typography Workshop: This room houses the equipment, tools, and presses necessary to hand-set and print a selection of metal-letter alphabets.

UF Art and Architecture Library: With over 102,000 volumes and an array of other formats, AFA ranks, after the libraries of the University of Virginia and Duke University, as having the largest visual arts library collection in the Southeast.

UF Rare Book Library: Includes collections of rare books and book arts, including the archives and publications of Joseph Ishill (Oriole Press), proofs and engraved wood blocks by Eric Gill and John Buckland Wright, proofs of engravings by Sir Edward Burne-Jones for William Morris's unpublished Earthly Paradise.

Computing

Although many public computer labs are available, the Graphic Design Program recommends the purchase of an Apple Macintosh computer to allow extensive, personal access to technology. Please consult the general information about the UF computer requirement on the web.

Fall Application Deadline: February 1

Prospective students are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible. The Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship application deadline is also February 1. Assistantships are generally offered only at the beginning of the fall term and students applying for spring are not eligible for fellowships.

Late Applications

Late applications are accepted; however, students will be considered for admission and assistantships according to available space in the program.

Faculty

Brian Slawson

Maria Rogal

Connie Hwang

Contact

Students interested in contacting a Graphic Design faculty member and/or scheduling a visit to the Graphic Design area should contact: Connie Hwang.

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