Master of Arts
Information Design
MA Degree Pathway
30 credits are required. Minimum of 30 credits taken in residence.
DES 499 | Computer Applications for Graphic/Information Design
Study of the relationship of computer application in contemporary graphic/information design practice. Laboratory exploration of relevant software and its application in the field.
DES 501 | Graphic/Information Design Theory I
Critical analysis of the purpose and evolution of graphic/information design theory, integrity, and computer application. Includes problem solving.
DES 502 | Graphic/Information Design Theory II
Additional theory and applications. Technology, economic, and ethical issues will be explored.
DES 503 | Graphic/Information Design Practice I
Emphasis on creativity, practical problem solving, technical proficiency, and presentation.
DES 504 | Graphic/Information Design Practice II
Additional research and practice, portfolio, and presentation development.
DES 520 | Advanced History of Design
Prereq. DES 419 or permission of instructor. Advanced study of the history and philosophy of design. Topics include in- depth study of symbolic meaning, visual awareness as it applies to design, and the creation of visual language in design.
DES 537 | Advanced Design Internship
Internship with professional graphic/information design organization.
DES 598 | Research Methods in Design
Study of research methods unique to the professional practice of design. Includes discussion of issues pertaining to conceptual, visual, and technological research specific to the design process.
Capstone*
The capstone requirement is a research project supervised and approved by the graduate advisor and Graduate Faculty Committee. The research project also requires final approval by the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.
DES 597 | Research Project
Preparation of the research project under the supervision of research project advisor. Acceptance of the research project by the Research Project Committee (selected by student with approval of research project advisor) is required.
Directed Elective (DES, BUS, MKT, MGT, MIS, CS, COMM or ART)
* The capstone requirement is a research project supervised and approved by the graduate advisor and Graduate Faculty Committee. The research project also requires final approval by the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.
NOTE: Students are limited to six credits of DES designated course work per semester without permission of advisor and department chair. No more than nine credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.
The Master of Arts Degree in Information Design provides professional instruction in the areas of Advanced Design Theory, Design Practice, Research for Graphic / Information Design, History of Design, Graphic Design, and Interactive Multimedia.
Applicants for the Master of Arts degree in information Design must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The undergraduate record must demonstrate clear evidence of ability to undertake and pursue successfully advanced study in the graduate field.
In addition to standard university graduate admission requirements, the Department of Design requires that successful applicants submit the following materials: items 1 and 2 to the CCSU Graduate Admissions Office and items 3 and 4 to the attention of the Department of Art & Design (Graphic/Information) Graduate Admissions Committee.
Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Transcripts that demonstrate 12 credits of undergraduate course work in graphic design with a grade of “B” or better, of which three credits must be at the 400 level. These courses will be reviewed by the department for discipline-specific content as it relates to the M.A. in Information Design.
Application Essay.
Online or CD-ROM portfolio (10 examples of applicant’s graphic design work). The portfolio must meet department admissions committee approval for design quality. Collaborative projects must be clearly identified as such and include a detailed description of each student’s contribution.
NOTE: Successful applicants will be expected to take a technical competency test prior to admission to designated courses requiring computer use.