Tailored for individuals who seek a cohort of dedicated peers in a challenging and supportive environment, the full-time program prepares students for advancing their careers and/or for applying to competitive M.F.A. programs at MICA and other colleges and universities.

The program provides an in-depth study of the language and practice of graphic design. Our students are professionals and graduates from complementary fields, including liberal arts, fine arts, architecture, media studies, and journalism as well as those who studied design as undergraduates yet desire a more comprehensive and rigorous education in the theory and concepts of graphic design.

The GDMA Studio provides an intensive introduction to design, taught with a strong emphasis on design fundamentals, process, visual research, and working across media. The Design Theory and Practice seminar builds students' knowledge of design history, discourse and professional methodologies. The GDMA Workshop focuses on creating complex, well-crafted design projects and curating a portfolio. In the spring, GDMA students create and exhibit a self-directed design project and a professional portfolio. Students meet weekly with faculty for individual and group instruction and critiques. Students are encouraged to participate in the larger graduate and undergraduate design culture at MICA through elective coursework and visiting artist and designer lectures.

Program Facilities

The GDMA program is housed on the fourth floor of MICA's Fox Building on Mt. Royal Avenue, in a renovated, fully equipped loft-style studio space. Students have dedicated workspace and computers as well as access to color printing and a production area. The program's studio is conveniently located close to graduate and undergraduate programs in graphic design and illustration.

Who Should Apply

The GDMA program is appropriate for professionals or recent graduates who seek an in-depth study of graphic design practice and theory, and who are prepared for an immersive, full-time experience. Applicants with experience or education in complementary fields who seek the tools, abilities, and context to pivot and launch into industry positions in a shorter amount of time than an M.F.A. program. Some applicants may seek to gain experience and appropriate preparation for an application to M.F.A programs at MICA or other institutions in the future.