Graphic Design

Women working a laptop
Through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, students explore typography, branding, user experience (UX) design, motion graphics, and more. Hands-on projects and collaborative opportunities with industry professionals foster creative thinking and technical proficiency.
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The Iowa State University Graphic Design Department offers two graduate degrees: the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design and the Master of Arts in Experiential Graphic Design (MAxGD). The focus in each of these degree programs is on expanding your knowledge through new problem-finding/solving situations. Each course of study relies heavily on such areas as methodology, history, research and testing to arrive at fresh new communications.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) with creative component
  • Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) with thesis

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the MFA (60 credits): 2.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the MA (30 credits): 1 year

Melissa Stenstrom

msten@iastate.edu
515-294-3366
Iowa State University
College of Design
160 College of Design
Ames, IA 50011-3094

Learning Goals

  • Clearly and accurately communicate scholarship orally and in writing, integrating theory, creation, research, and design problem solving.
  • Through the develop of a broad body of work, demonstrate proficiency in the design of communications through the use of technologies that incorporate human interaction within environments, objects, and electronic and traditional publications.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in graphic design.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Digital portfolio (.pdf or website)
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026)
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Students are only accepted for admittance in the Fall semester of each academic year. There are two review periods for graduate admission. Please submit your application by February 1 to be considered for a graduate assistantship. All MFA applications completed by February 1 are considered for funding. There is no separate application for this. MAxGD students are not offered assistantships. Applications completed by April 1 will also be considered for Fall admission. All materials must be available on the deadline date, or you may not be considered for admission. Spring and summer entry are not available.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions