Overview

The Visual Communication Design M.A. at Kent State University focuses on developing advanced skills in design thinking, visual storytelling, and creative problem-solving. This programme blends theory and practice to prepare students for the evolving demands of the global design industry. Students engage in research-driven projects that hone their ability to create visually compelling communication across various digital and print platforms.

Why Visual Communication Design at Kent State University?

The programme is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, ensuring high educational standards. Students benefit from exceptional facilities, including the Taylor Hall Gallery, photography studios, and a dedicated Creative Lab. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary study and experiential learning, allowing students to work closely with expert faculty on professional-level visual projects and exhibitions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20332 per year
National fee: USD 20332 per year
Local fee: USD 10706 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

User Experience
Typographic Structures and Systems
Concept Development and Implementation
Graduate Seminar in Visual Communication Design
Graduate Portfolio
Editorial Illustration
Information Design
Interaction Design
Integrated Brand Design

Careers with Visual Communication Design

Graduates are prepared for influential roles in branding, social media, and digital media. The programme equips students with the aesthetic and technical skills required to succeed in diverse professional capacities. Common career paths for graduates include:

Graphic Designer
Digital Designer
Multimedia Designer
Product Designer
User Experience Designer
Visual Designer
Illustrator

The curriculum emphasises collaborative engagement and a deep awareness of the technological and economic contexts of modern design, ensuring graduates can act as both tactical and strategic assets for business and social applications.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

User Experience

Typographic Structures And Systems

Concept Development And Implementation

Graduate Seminar In Visual Communication Design

Graduate Portfolio/graphic Design And Illustration

Editorial Illustration

Advertising Illustration

Character Development And Design: The Human Figure

Character Development And Design: Animals And Environments

Graphic Narrative

Responsive Web Design

Information Design

Interaction Design

Motion Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Credits

31 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kent, United States

Disciplines

Design Visual Arts View 447 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Undergraduate degree in design or closely related program

Minimum 2.750 undergraduate major GPA on a 4.000-point scale

Official transcript(s)

Résumé

Goal statement

Autobiographical statement (250 words)

Two letters of recommendation

English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20332 USD / year

≈ 20332 USD / year
Out-of-State

20332 USD / year

≈ 20332 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10706 USD / year

≈ 10706 USD / year

Living costs

Kent

United States

1036 - 1710 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Visual Communication Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Kent

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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