Executive Masters Of Business Administration
The Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) at RIT is desi...
M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design
Rochester
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a comprehensive graduate program aimed at developing creative professionals who can approach design challenges with innovative and strategic thinking. The program combines artistic and technical skills to prepare students for leadership roles in the design industry. Students engage in projects that explore diverse aspects of visual communication, including branding, digital media, user experience (UX) design, interactive design, and more. The program emphasizes conceptual thinking, design theory, and problem-solving skills to craft compelling visual narratives in various contexts, from corporate identities to digital platforms.
STEM-designated: The M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design is a STEM-designated program, reflecting RIT’s commitment to integrating technology with design. This designation highlights the program's focus on technical proficiency alongside creativity, preparing students to work at the intersection of design and emerging technologies. Students gain proficiency in using cutting-edge design tools and software while exploring the role of data, systems, and interactivity in modern visual communication. The STEM focus also opens up opportunities for students to engage in research-driven design and to pursue careers in tech-oriented design fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design at RIT is designed to foster both artistic development and professional practice. It includes courses in design theory, typography, branding, web and mobile design, and digital media. Students also take classes in research methodologies, human-computer interaction, and systems design, which help to integrate a strong technological component into their design practice. Throughout the program, students work on real-world design problems, collaborate with peers and faculty, and develop a portfolio of diverse projects. The curriculum is project-based, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning while developing expertise in areas like interactive design, design for social good, and visual storytelling.
Research Focus: The M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design at RIT encourages students to pursue design research in areas such as human-centered design, UX/UI design, interactive media, and digital storytelling. Research is embedded into the curriculum, with students encouraged to investigate the impact of design on society, technology, and business. This includes understanding how visual communication can influence human behavior, the role of data visualization, and how design can solve complex social, environmental, and economic problems. Students are supported in conducting research that pushes the boundaries of traditional design practices, experimenting with new technologies and design paradigms.
Industry Engagement: RIT has strong ties with the design industry, providing M.F.A. students with opportunities to collaborate with leading companies and professionals. Industry engagement is integral to the program, offering students chances to work on client-driven projects, internships, and design competitions. Through these partnerships, students gain real-world experience and build connections with professionals in the design and technology sectors. Additionally, the program hosts guest speakers, workshops, and critiques from industry leaders, helping students to stay abreast of current trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in visual communication design.
Global Perspective: The M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design at RIT has a global perspective, encouraging students to engage with international design practices, trends, and challenges. The program provides students with opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges, whether through study abroad programs or collaboration with global design professionals. Students learn how visual design functions within different cultural contexts, understanding the nuances of designing for diverse audiences. RIT’s international outlook ensures that graduates are prepared to tackle global design challenges and communicate effectively across cultural and geographical boundaries.
Location
Rochester
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 54176
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 88 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- GRE Graduate Record Examinations: Overall score of 280 or higher is required.
- GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test: Overall score of 400 or higher is required.
WES Evaluation is required
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students and can be awarded based on academic merit, need, and specific program requirements.
Merit-Based Scholarships: RIT offers several merit-based scholarships for international students that are awarded based on academic achievement. These scholarships are intended to recognize the hard work and dedication of students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees, making education at RIT more affordable for international students. Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process, and no additional application is required.
International Student Scholarships: In addition to merit-based scholarships, RIT offers specific scholarships tailored to international students. These scholarships are designed to make education accessible to students from around the world and help them pursue their studies at a world-class institution. The scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria, and they are awarded based on factors such as academic performance, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic programs at RIT offer program-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships are designed to support students in specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, computer science, and the arts. Each program may have its own criteria for eligibility, and students are encouraged to check with their respective departments for details about available scholarships. Program-specific scholarships often offer additional opportunities for networking, research, and professional development.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: RIT offers graduate scholarships and assistantships to international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and professional achievements. Graduate students may also be eligible for teaching or research assistantships, which provide a stipend and valuable academic experience. Assistantships allow students to work alongside faculty on research projects and gain teaching experience, which can enhance their academic and professional profiles.
Graduates of the M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design program at RIT are well-prepared to enter a wide variety of creative and strategic roles in the design and communication fields. The program equips students with advanced design skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities, preparing them for high-level positions in diverse industries.
Creative Director: EMBA graduates often take on creative leadership roles, overseeing design teams, conceptualizing campaigns, and ensuring that the visual identity of a brand or project aligns with its strategic goals.
Art Director: Graduates can pursue careers as art directors, where they are responsible for guiding the visual style and design elements of advertisements, publications, websites, and other media.
User Experience (UX) Designer: With a focus on designing effective and engaging experiences for users, RIT graduates are equipped to become UX designers, creating intuitive and aesthetically pleasing digital interfaces.
Brand Strategist/Designer: Many students move into roles that combine design and marketing strategy, helping organizations develop cohesive brand identities and strategies that resonate with target audiences.
Graphic Designer: Graduates can work as graphic designers, producing visual content for print and digital media, including brochures, websites, advertisements, and social media campaigns.
Web Designer: With skills in both design and digital technology, M.F.A. alumni can pursue careers as web designers, creating visually compelling and functional websites for businesses, institutions, and individuals.
Design Educator/Professor: Graduates may also choose to pursue a career in academia, teaching design principles and techniques at universities, art schools, and design institutes.
Freelance Designer/Consultant: Many M.F.A. graduates use their skills to become independent contractors, offering design services to clients in various industries, including entertainment, technology, healthcare, and more.
