Graphic Design can be described as the process of visually communicating ideas and information through the use of signs, symbols, and images. The graphic design curriculum prepares students for professional careers in a variety of disciplines that constitute contemporary practice. Through structured practical and theoretical exercises, the program seeks to develop in its students a broad visual vocabulary and wide range of analytical, organizational, and technical skills that encompass the entire scope of visual communications. The program utilizes contemporary technology in print and digital media to expose students to a wide range of design possibilities.
The UIC MFA in Graphic Design is a globally-oriented graduate professional degree addressing the evolving applications of graphic design and visual communication and their relationship to international practice and academic research. The MFA program in Graphic Design is offered in two locations: Chicago and Basel, Switzerland.
Learn more about the International Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design UIC / HGK Basel
| Graphic Design: 4-Year Plan |
| (Burton, Becker, Bracamontes-Roeger, Gaynor, Lausen, Oiga) |
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Year 1 |
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Fall |
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Spring |
| 4 |
AD 102 Drawing I (F/S) |
4 |
AD 110 Graphic Design I (F/S) |
| 4 |
AD 120 Industrial design I (F/S) |
4 |
AD 140 Sculpture I (F/S) |
| 4 |
AD 160 Photo I (F/S) |
4 |
AD 170 Time-based (F/S) |
| 3 |
ENG 160 |
3 |
ENG 161 |
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3 |
General Elective |
| 15 |
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18 |
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All majors to pass April portfolio review |
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Year 2 |
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Fall |
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Spring |
| 4 |
AH 110 Art History I (F/Sum) |
4 |
AH 111 Art History II (S/Sum) |
| 4 |
AD 210 Grpahic Design II (F) |
4 |
AD 211 Graphic Design III (S) |
| 4-5 |
AD 219 Type I (F/S) or Analyzing the Natural World |
4-5 |
AD 219 Type I (F/S) or Analyzing the Natural World |
| 3 |
General Elective |
3 |
General Elective |
| 4 |
AD 205 Intro. to Computer Graphics (F/S) or AD 209 Color Theory |
4 |
AD2 05 Intro. to Computer Graphics (F/S) or AD 209 Color Theory |
| 16 |
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16-17 |
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Year 3 |
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Fall |
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Spring |
| 3 |
AH 235 History of Design I (F) |
3 |
AH 236 History of Design II (S) |
| 4 |
AD314 Graphic Design IV (F) |
4 |
AD315 Graphic Design V (S) |
| 4 |
Directed Elective* (F/S) or AD 317 Digital Media (F/S) |
4 |
AD 317 Digital Media (F/S) or Directed Elective* (F/S) |
| 3 |
Understanding the Past |
3 |
Understanding the Individual in Society |
| 3 |
General Elective |
3 |
General Elective |
| 17 |
|
17 |
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Year 4 |
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Fall |
|
Spring |
| 4 |
AD 411 Graphic Design Prof. Practice (F/S) or AD 412 Graphic Design Thesis (F/S) |
4 |
AD 411 Graphic Design Prof. Practice (F/S) or AD 412 Graphic Design Thesis (F/S) |
| 4 |
AD elective |
4 |
AD 415 Design Colloquium (S) |
| 4 |
AD elective |
4 |
AD elective |
| 3 |
Exploring World Cultures |
3 |
Understanding US Society |
| 3 |
General Elective |
3 |
General Elective |
| 18 |
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18 |
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*Choose 1 of the following: |
24 |
first year hours |
|
AD 267, AD 268, or AD 274 |
44 |
general education hours |
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|
66 |
major concentration hours |
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|
134 |
Total Hours |
