Overview

The Visual Communication Design programme at Kent State University is a terminal Master of Fine Arts degree designed for professionals and students with a strong background in design. This advanced curriculum integrates field research methods with creative practice to address complex social and industrial challenges. Students refine their personal design philosophy while gaining practical experience in university-level teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Why Visual Communication Design at Kent State University?

This programme is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, ensuring high standards of excellence in creative education. Students benefit from specialised facilities including photography studios, the Taylor Hall Gallery, and a dedicated Creative Lab. The curriculum is uniquely structured to combine design theory with social innovation, allowing graduates to stand out through a research-based approach to problem-solving. The School of Visual Communication Design also provides opportunities for experiential learning and individualised plans of study that encourage exploration across various media and technologies.

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

The curriculum requires 60 credit hours, including a significant thesis project and a graduate portfolio review. Modules may include:

User Experience
Graduate Studio in Visual Communication Design
Graduate Seminar in Visual Communication Design
Professional and Teaching Development
Critical Practices in Design Research
Advanced Research
Design Theory
Editorial Illustration
Information Design

Careers with Visual Communication Design

Graduates are prepared for high-level leadership roles across the global design landscape. Many alumni pursue academic careers as professors or researchers in design programmes due to the terminal nature of the M.F.A. degree. In the private sector, graduates often secure positions as creative directors, design consultants, and senior graphic designers. The programme's focus on user-centered design and research also opens pathways into specialised roles such as UX/UI specialists within industries like digital media, advertising, corporate branding, and multimedia production. Some graduates leverage their advanced expertise to establish independent design studios or lead innovation within social enterprise sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

User Experience

Graduate Studio In Visual Communication Design

Graduate Seminar In Visual Communication Design

Professional And Teaching Development

Critical Practices In Design Research

Advanced Research

Design Theory: Culture, Communities And Context

Graduate Portfolio/graphic Design And Illustration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

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Credits

60 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

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IELTS

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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 (starting with spring 2026 admission term, statement is no longer required)

Autobiographical statement (250 words) (starting with spring 2026 admission term, statement is no longer required)

Statement of intent is required starting with spring 2026 admission term addressing the following items:

Prior educational and work experiences

Future career objectives

Reasons for pursuing graduate study

Relevance of the above three items to this M.F.A. degree

Portfolio

Three 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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