About Master’s Program,
“Learning How to Learn” is the underlying methodology that gives Ohio University’s graduate study in graphic design its unique strength. We focus on design research within a multi-cultural world addressing social awareness and contextual messaging as content. We emphasize and assist our candidates’ research in professional forums through papers and lectures, and publishing in established professional journals.
We rebuild fundamental skills of perception, interpretation, and invention as well as understanding the nature and meaning of visual form in context. Our graduating designers aim to secure positions within top design firms and educational institutions nationally and internationally. They design within a broad spectrum of applications from solving complex problems to planning and executing solutions.
Understanding the role of graphic design within a pluralistic society and a cross-cultural context are essential components of a graduate design education. The power of design thinking identifies challeng- es, frames opportunities, manages complex situations, generates approaches, creates deeper under- standing, and shapes meaningful experiences.
Athens and Ohio University provide a peaceful and comfortable environment that serves as an incubator for thinking and making. The Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design at Ohio University is a three-year program that allows a balance of rigorous professional work as well as social experiences. For those seeking a place as a refuge for graduate research in design, it is optimal.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Admission to graduate study is highly competitive, and there are almost always more applicants than available spaces. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to a program.
On-Campus Programs: Persons interested in applying to Athens campus programs should reach out to the academic program(opens in a new window) directly before applying.
Online Programs: Generally, students that reside outside of the United States are not eligible to enroll in an online program. Ohio University also is unable to provide immigration support to international students in online programs. If you would like to discuss your specific situation in order to determine eligibility for admission to an online program, reach out to an OHIO Online enrollment advisor(opens in a new window) before applying.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
Graduate appointments are awarded by academic programs and departments. Appointments provide a stipend for service and generally include a tuition scholarship. Stipend and scholarship amounts vary by program. Appointment types include Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Graduate Assistantships.
To apply, indicate your interest in an appointment on the degree-seeking application in the space provided. Review the program’s website for details about appointments and any additional application requirements.
- Graduate Student Senate provides $49,000 a year to graduate students fortravel and original work grants. Travel Awards are $750 and Original Work Grants are $750.
- Student Enhancement Awards provide up to $6,000 support for research and travel for a student and mentor to attend a professional meeting to present results. See Student Enhancement Awardsfor more information.
- OHIO Emergency Micrograntsare available through the Dean of Students Office. These emergency micro-grants are designed to help OHIO students facing financial difficulty due to emergency situations or one-time hardships. The funds are awarded to help alleviate short-term financial need and are managed by the Dean of Students Office in collaboration with Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. This fund is sustained through generous gifts of donors, and grants awarded do not need to be repaid. See OHIO Emergency Microgrants for more information.
- TheGraduate College office can assist students with applying for external grants and fellowships. See Grant and Fellowship Development for details.\
Application Requirement,
- A copy of the official transcript from the institution where a bachelor’s degree has been or will be granted, and
- A copy of the official transcript from any institution attended after completing a bachelor’s degree, or from which any graduate coursework was attempted, regardless of whether or not a degree has been or is being completed.
- A copy of an official transcript from any college or university attended within the past four years from which credit was or is currently being completed.
NOTE: All transcripts must include the name of the institution, the dates attended, a complete listing of courses and transfer credits, and the signature of the university registrar or other designated official. Documents downloaded from a student portal or marked “display transcript”, “email transcript”,”for internal use”, or “this is not an official transcript” do not fulfill the transcript requirement for an application.
Transcripts for work completed through a study abroad program are not required.
Copies of transcripts uploaded to the application are unofficial. Academic programs have the option to require original, official transcripts as part of the application. In this event, the applicant should arrange to have transcripts sent directly to the Graduate College.
Academic programs may request submission of a transcript from any post-secondary institution attended beyond the requirements noted above.
International Transcripts/Academic Documents
If you have attended an institution outside of the U.S., please upload a scanned copy of all of your official documents to your online application. Once you have been admitted to a program, you will be required to bring your final official materials to the Graduate College, so that we can make a copy of your documents. Official documents that are sent to our office will not be returned.
For more information by country, please review the International Credential Requirements.
*NOTE: Only international students in our online programs will need to send official documents by mail.
Test Scores
Test requirements for the GRE or GMAT vary by program. Refer to the program’s website for details. Official scores must be sent by the testing agency to the Graduate College for any required test. OHIO’s code is 1593. Department codes are not required.
Resume/CV
Your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) describes your previous education, work, teaching, and research experience, professional affiliations, community and volunteer experience, honors and awards, and publications. Most programs prefer no more than four pages. Check the program’s application requirements for more details.
Recommendations
Letters of recommendation should be requested from people who are familiar with your academic abilities and potential. Because departments may have specific requirements regarding letters of recommendation, applicants are encouraged to review the program’s admissions information for any specific requirements.
The online application provides a place to list contact information for each recommender (name, organization, position/title, relationship to applicant, telephone, and email address).
Recommendations should come from the recommender’s professional or business email account rather than a personal email account (e.g., John.Doe@StateU.edu, not JNDoe9952@gmail.com). Please check with your intended recommenders before listing them on your application to confirm their willingness to provide a recommendation on your behalf.
Personal or Biographical Statements
Program requirements vary. Please review program admissions information for guidelines regarding format, content, and/or length of any personal, professional, or biographical statements. If the program information does not provide specific details, please limit personal, professional, or biographical statements to two pages.
Writing Sample
Review your academic program’s website to determine any requirements or guidelines for writing samples. Not all programs request a writing sample.
Program-Specific Requirements
Review your academic program’s website for any program-specific requirements (e.g., portfolio, interview, audition, documentation). The online application provides places to upload additional requested materials. Programs requiring portfolios may direct applicants to specific online portfolio sites.
Application Deadline,
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee,
US Citizen, Permanent Resident, $50 USD
International $55 USD
