MFA/CD Admissions
Why MFA/CD at Texas State?
Over 60 credits, students cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and making through a well-rounded, forward-looking curriculum. The MFA in Communication Design brings together interdisciplinary approaches to the discipline across national and global perspectives to form a graduate-level education befitting a terminal degree.
Dynamic programming with visiting designers
Affordability, including out-of-state tuition
Terminal Degree — Master of Fine Arts
Graduate Assistantships available
Diverse and active faculty
Low-residency
Application Materials Guidelines
Past Academic Achievement
An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (4.0) in the last 60 credit hours of coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Any graduate-level courses taken are included in GPA calculation. Please go to the Graduate College website for information regarding transcript requirements.
Written Communication
The written component is an academic and professional statement of purpose (500–800 words) addressing the following:
What are your current design goals and specific reasons for seeking an MFA in Communication Design at Texas State University?
What experiences led you to this point, and how might they have shaped your current visual work?
What do you hope to achieve during your MFA studies?
What topics in design are you most interested in studying?
In addition to building a strong MFA community of learners, independent study is an essential feature of the low-residency model. We must assess your ability and potential to manage and define your educational direction. What other independent educational experiences have you pursued in design and beyond ?
Digital Portfolio
Professional and/or Student showcasing 12–20 work samples in communication design. The portfolio may be uploaded as a PDF or shared as a web link. Read additional information about evaluation criteria.
3 Letters of Recommendation
Written by persons capable of evaluating your academic and professional ability.
Resume/CV
Highly recommend submitting your Resume/CV in PDF format.
Application Checklist
Graduate College application
Application fee
Transcript from each secondary institution
Resume/CV
Letters of recommendation
Written statement
Digital portfolio
Admission
Admission to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design is selective and designed to identify applicants with the ability and commitment to successfully complete the program. Applicants are chosen through close examination of each component of the application packet, with special emphasis placed on the portfolio of communication design work.
International Students
International applicants must visit the Graduate College website for additional required information.
Deadlines
| Fall Semester February 1 (Priority) July 31 | Spring Semester October 1 (International) October 31 (U.S. Citizens) |
Why MFA/CD at Texas State?
Over 60 credits, students cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and making through a well-rounded, forward-looking curriculum. The MFA in Communication Design brings together interdisciplinary approaches to the discipline across national and global perspectives to form a graduate-level education befitting a terminal degree.
MFA Office
Graduate College
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 (*Flexible) | February 1 (*Flexible through June 1) |
| Spring | October 31 (*Flexible) | October 1 |
*A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
Funding Information
The deadlines to apply for certain types of funding may be earlier than the deadline above.
Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications on a firm basis.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
-
Past Academic Achievement
An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (4.0) in the last 60 credit hours of coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Any graduate-level courses taken are included in GPA calculation. Please go to the Graduate College website for information regarding transcript requirements.
-
Written Communication
The written component is an academic and professional statement of purpose (500–800 words) addressing the following:
- What are your current design goals and specific reasons for seeking an MFA in Communication Design at Texas State University?
- What experiences led you to this point, and how might they have shaped your current visual work?
- What do you hope to achieve during your MFA studies?
- What topics in design are you most interested in studying?
- In addition to building a strong MFA community of learners, independent study is an essential feature of the low-residency model. We must assess your ability and potential to manage and define your educational direction. What other independent educational experiences have you pursued in design and beyond
Digital Portfolio (professional and/or student) showcasing 12–20 work samples in communication design.
- The portfolio may be uploaded as a PDF or shared as a web link. Read additional information about evaluation criteria.
Resume/CV
Three letters of recommendation from persons capable of evaluating your academic and professional ability.
-
Application Checklist
- Graduate College application
- Application fee
- Transcript from each secondary institution
- Resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Written statement
- Digital portfolio
-
International Students
International applicants must visit the Graduate College website for additional required information.
Why MFA/CD at Texas State?
Over 60 credits, students cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and making through a well-rounded, forward-looking curriculum. The MFA in Communication Design brings together interdisciplinary approaches to the discipline across national and global perspectives to form a graduate-level education befitting a terminal degree.
