B.F.A. in Graphic Design

Entry requirements for undergraduate programs

Application Fees : US$ 60

1. Academic Requirements: To be eligible for undergraduate programs at UMass Dartmouth, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The university typically requires a minimum GPA equivalent to 75% or above for admission. 

2. English Language Proficiency:                                                                                                  

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
  • Overall Score: 6.5 or higher
  • No individual band score should be less than 6.0.
     
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test):
  • Overall Score: 79 or higher
     
• DET (Duolingo English Test):
  • Score: 105 or higher
     
• PTE (Pearson Test of English):
  • Score: 53 or higher

SAT is not mandatory but recommended.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: UMass Dartmouth offers various merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement and qualifications. These scholarships may cover a portion of tuition costs and are awarded to students with exceptional academic records.

2. International Student Scholarships: The university provides specific scholarships exclusively for international students. These scholarships are designed to attract and support outstanding international talent. The eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary, and students should check with the admissions office for details.

3. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees may have opportunities to work as graduate teaching or research assistants. These assistantships often include a stipend and a tuition waiver, which significantly reduce the cost of education.

4. Global UGRAD Program: UMass Dartmouth participates in exchange programs such as the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD). This program provides scholarships to international undergraduate students, allowing them to study in the United States for a semester or academic year.

5. External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities provided by governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. Some countries offer scholarships to support their citizens studying abroad.

6. Fulbright Program: UMass Dartmouth is a participant in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students to pursue graduate studies, conduct research, or teach in the United States. Eligible students can apply for Fulbright scholarships through the U.S. Department of State.

7. Financial Aid Guidance: The university's financial aid office assists international students in navigating the scholarship and financial aid application process. They provide guidance on finding scholarships, completing applications, and meeting deadlines.

8. Need-Based Aid: While need-based financial aid options may be limited for international students, UMass Dartmouth encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if eligible. FAFSA results may be considered for certain financial aid opportunities.

9. Assistantships and Research Grants: Graduate students in science, engineering, and technology fields may have access to research assistantships and grants funded by faculty research projects.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design program at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for a variety of rewarding career paths in the dynamic field of graphic design. Graduates of the B.F.A. in Graphic Design program at UMass Dartmouth are well-prepared to pursue diverse and fulfilling careers in the creative industry, leveraging their artistic talents, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities to make meaningful contributions to the field of graphic design.

1. Graphic Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, creating visual concepts and designs for a wide range of applications, including advertisements, websites, marketing materials, product packaging, and corporate branding. They may work for design firms, advertising agencies, in-house design departments, or as freelance designers.

2. Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual style and artistic elements of various projects, including advertising campaigns, magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and film and television productions. They collaborate with clients, designers, and creative teams to ensure that visual concepts align with project goals and brand identity.

3. UX/UI Designer: With the increasing importance of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design in digital products and services, graduates may pursue careers as UX/UI designers. They design intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for websites, mobile apps, software applications, and other digital platforms, focusing on enhancing usability and enhancing the overall user experience.

4. Web Designer/Developer: Web designers and developers create visually appealing and functional websites using a combination of graphic design skills and technical expertise. They design website layouts, create graphics and multimedia content, and may also be involved in coding, programming, and implementing interactive features and functionality.

5. Brand Identity Specialist: Brand identity specialists develop and maintain the visual identity and branding strategies for businesses, organizations, and products. They design logos, brand guidelines, marketing materials, and promotional collateral, ensuring consistency and coherence across all brand touchpoints to effectively communicate the brand's values and message.

6. Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated visual content for various media platforms, including film, television, advertising, and digital media. They use animation, visual effects, and multimedia techniques to bring static designs to life, conveying information, storytelling, and enhancing audience engagement.

7. Packaging Designer: Packaging designers specialize in creating attractive and functional packaging solutions for consumer products, ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics and electronics. They combine graphic design principles with an understanding of materials, production processes, and branding requirements to design packaging that stands out on the shelf and effectively communicates product features and benefits.

8. Advertising Creative: Advertising creatives develop compelling and innovative advertising campaigns that resonate with target audiences and drive brand awareness, engagement, and sales. They conceptualize and execute creative ideas across various media channels, including print, digital, social media, television, and outdoor advertising.