SDSU School of Art, Design, and Art History

Graduate Graphic Design Studies

General Overview

Graphic design is the profession that plans and executes the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and in the context for which communication is intended.(AIGA(external link))

Graphic designers apply what they have learned about physical, cognitive, social, and cultural human factors to communication planning and the creation of appropriate form that interprets, informs, instructs, and persuades. Graphic designers use various technologies as means for creating visual form and as an environment through which communication takes place. Graphic designers plan, analyze, create, and evaluate visual solutions to communication problems. Their work ranges from the development of strategies to solve large-scale communications problems, to the design of effective communication products, such as publications, computer programs, packaging, exhibits, and signage.(National Association of Schools of Art and Design --NASAD)

The unique focus of the SDSU program is the preparation for professional practice in visual communication design within a global context with special emphasis on the visual language of typography. The program's focus is inspired by San Diego's location at the border of Mexico and the Pacific Rim and by the multinational/multicultural influences within the region.

Our program is connected to the region's businesses through the Graphic Design internship program; to the region's professional design community through a close association with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), a national professional organization (www.aiga.org); and to the international education and professional design communities through student and faculty exchange programs; as well as affiliation with the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA)(external link).

Coursework Overview

Currently, the School of Art, Design and Art History offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design. The program focuses on advanced studies in visual communication design, including theory, practice, and history of graphic design, typography, and image-making. Students develop an awareness of social and cultural context and are encouraged to approach their work from an international perspective and to cross boundaries between disciplines. The work builds on individual interests in a wide variety of subject matter and media.

Please visit our graduate admission page specific to the M.A. in Studio Arts degree or Master of Fine Arts degree for additional degree process information.

Admissions and Financial Assistance

You can learn more detailed information about the admissions process on the Graduate Admissions page. For more information on financial assistance, please visit our Financial Aid page or our student scholarships page to find scholarships available through the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

Professional Oragnizations for Students

We have a very active AIGA(external link) Student Group at SDSU, which schedules regular student events and activities with the professional community, such as studio tours, portfolio reviews, panel discussions, and workshops. AIGA student groups throughout the city meet to plan citywide events.

Facilities

Read detailed information on our facilities on the Graphic Design Facilities page, where you can also link to other interdisciplinary facilities within the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

You can also read more about local art material supplier resources on our Art Supplies page, as well as learn more about our library research facilities by visiting SDSU's Love Library website(external link).

The Faculty

To contact or learn more about individual faculty in this department, please refer to the Graphic Design department directory listing.

Distinguished Alumni

• Michelle Alsip, co-developer of Futurewave Splash bought out by Macromedia and renamed Flash
• Eric Freedman, Creative Director of the Austin office of Frog Design
• Cecile Michaelis, Production Coordinator, Hey! Arnold, Nickelodeon
• Scott Mires, owner Miresbrands, San Diego, California
• Bennett Peji, owner, Bennett Peji Design, San Diego, California
• Roy Quini, senior designer, EEI Communications
• Ann Scott, Principal, Visual Antics, San Diego, California

This page was last updated at 3:41PM on October 15, 2008