What will I learn?

In the graphic design concentration, students focus on advancing their skills, knowledge, and critical thinking in the field of graphic design. Building upon their undergraduate foundation, students delve deeper into design theory, research, and practical application. The program encourages students to explore innovative approaches, push the boundaries of design, and develop a unique design voice.Students engage in advanced coursework that emphasizes conceptual thinking, design strategy, and design research methodologies. They delve into complex design problems, exploring how design can address social, cultural, and environmental issues. Through rigorous analysis and critical evaluation, students learn to develop design solutions that are not only visually appealing but also conceptually strong and effective in communication.Advanced design software and digital tools are integral to the program, enabling students to refine their technical skills and explore the latest trends and technologies in graphic design. They learn advanced techniques in areas such as typography, branding, information design, interactive design, motion graphics, and user experience design. They also study design systems and methodologies to develop coherent and consistent visual identities across various platforms and media.Collaborative projects and interdisciplinary approaches are incorporated into the program, allowing students to work with peers from different disciplines and engage in real-world design challenges. These experiences foster teamwork, communication, and adaptability, preparing students for collaborative design environments and interdisciplinary design practices.In addition to studio work, the graphic design program includes research components. Students engage in design research, exploring theoretical frameworks, design history, and critical analysis. They develop skills in conducting research, gathering data, and applying research findings to inform their design practice.The program also emphasizes the development of a comprehensive design portfolio that showcases the students' best work and demonstrates their design process, problem-solving abilities, and creative vision. Faculty mentorship and critiques provide guidance and feedback to refine and elevate their design work.

Which department am I in?

College of Communication and Fine Arts

Study options

Full Time (30 Hours)

Tuition fees

$18,514.00 (15,62,099) per year

USD $18,514 for 18 credit hours. This fee is for 2023/2024 and may subject to change.

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please

Start date

September 2025

Venue

College of Communication and Fine Arts

MEMPHIS,

Tennessee,

38152, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

Baccalaureate Degree: The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a bachelors degree was awarded by an accredited college or university. If you are a UofM undergraduate student applying to Graduate School at UofM, you do not need to request that an official transcript be sent to Graduate Admissions. This office has access to your transcript. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.

GPA: The applicant must have earned an acceptable grade point average, typically a minimum of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field.

English proficiency test scores accepted by the University:

Duolingo English Test-110 or higher on the overall score.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 550 or higher on the paper version, 80 or higher on the internet-based test
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- 6.5 or higher
PTE (Pearson Test of English) - 59 or higher