Design (Visual Communication Design), MSD
If you're a research-focused student who is excited about exploring design and discovering new perspectives on how to teach, deliver and communicate visually in a fast-paced world, this is the ideal program for you.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Degree description
The Master of Science in Design degree program with a concentration in visual communication design at The Design School offers you advanced studies in visual language, history, theory, criticism and methodology, design processes, and technology.
Through a specialized research and design skills curriculum, you develop an understanding of contemporary graphic design issues.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
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. A master's degree thesis is a scholarly endeavor that demonstrates the author's ability to do supervised research and intellectual writing. The applied project, different from a thesis, includes a project and a written document. Through this scholarly endeavor, the designer both demonstrates the ability to do supervised research and presents substantial evidence of their ability to apply research creatively to a design situation.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- 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.
Engage in scholarly field inquiry involving the language and research of visual communication design.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. 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: Additional Application Information International students are required to submit proof of English proficiency through either the TOEFL or the IELTS if their native language is not English. When applying for admission, applicants must declare an MSD concentration (such as this visual communication design concentration). Students should see the department website for an approved list of graduate programs. The portfolio, letter of intent, resume and contact information for two references must be submitted via SlideRoom (https://asudesign.slideroom.com). The Design School requires that these be submitted in addition to the graduate application requirements. Admission to the program is selective. Admission cannot be deferred; students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted, otherwise they must submit another application for the year in which they are applying. GRE scores are not required. A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting the department.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared for a career in graphic design education or for advanced design professions.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The Design School
|
CDN 162
designgrad@asu.edu
480-965-3536
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
