Kent State University - Design Programs Profile

Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Graphic Design – 2D, Graphic Design – 3D, Photo-Illustration, B. S. Computer Design, Animation and Game Design; M. A., M. F. A. Visual Communication Design

Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $7,832, nonresidents $15,792; graduate residents $8,428, nonresidents $15,944 for the 2011 – 2012 school year.  Tuition does not include fees of $1,514 per year.

Contact Information:
Kent, OH 44242
330.672.3000
www.kent.edu/

Scope of Program:

Graphic Design students at Kent State University specialize in either 2D or 3D graphic design.  Students in both programs complete coursework in visual communication design, graphic design and illustration software, design research, kinetic and sequential graphic design, typography, art history, computer graphic design and illustration and corporate identity.  All students must pass a sophomore portfolio review and entrance exam and junior year portfolio review to continue in the major.  Students in both programs must complete an internship, create a portfolio and complete either a minor or senior research project.

Photo-Illustration students concentrate on visual communication design, photography, computer graphic design and illustration, editorial illustration, advertising illustration, computer illustration, studio production, design research, typography and advanced illustration.  All students must pass a sophomore portfolio review and entrance exam and junior year portfolio review to continue in the major.  Students in both programs must complete either a minor or senior research project.

Computer Design, Animation and Game Design students focus on drawing, computer animation, computer-assisted design, animation theory, graphic design technology, art history, multimedia and virtual reality, ethics, business principles, design and layout and advanced animation development.

Master's degree candidates in Visual Communication Design participate in graduate seminars and studio courses, independent research and studio work and thesis or project research.  M. A. candidates create either a thesis or a project, while M. F. A. candidates must create a thesis.  Students in both programs must pass a candidacy review examination after their first semester of coursework.

Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus.  B. F. A. and B. A. candidates in the Graphic Design program must purchase an Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer and digital camera.  B. F. A. and B. A. candidates in the Photo-Illustration program must purchase a digital single-lens reflex camera.  A portfolio is required with the application for admission to the M. A. and M. F. A. programs.  Merit and need-based scholarships are available, as are need-based grants.  Graduate assistantships are also available.  Ohio residents are encouraged to apply for state-sponsored scholarships and grants.  Residents of northwestern West Virginia and western Pennsylvania may be eligible for reduced tuition rates.