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. Graduates are expected to take leadership positions in the design industry, including Graphic Design, Publishing, Advertising, Multimedia Design, Web Design, Digital Imaging and Corporate Information Design. The program, similar to the professional practice of design, addresses not only the theoretical, creative and technical aspects of visual design, but business applications as well, this unique degree program delivers graduates who meet and exceed the challenges of the rapidly evolving field.
Graduate Advisory Board:
A Graduate Advisory Board provides a national perspective on the practice of informational design and provides the program with continuous interface with both the professional design and design education communities.
Graduate Admissions:
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 (see CCSU Graduate Catalog) the Department of Design requires the following of successful applicants:
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- 12 credits of undergraduate course work in Graphic Design with a grade of “B” or better (3 credits must be at the 4000 level). These courses will be reviewed by the department for discipline-specific content as it relates to the Master of Arts in Information Design.
- Application essay including applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate study in Information Design and future career goals.
- CD ROM Portfolio (Macintosh compatible) containing ten examples of applicant’s Graphic Design work (The portfolio must meet department admissions committee approval for design quality). Collaborative projects must be clearly indicated as such and include a detailed description of each student contribution.
Submit all application materials to the Graduate Admissions Office
NOTE: Successful applicants will be expected to take a technical competency test prior to admission to DES designated courses requiring computer use.
Contact CCSU admissions Office for Graduate Application (860) 832-2350.
Program questions may be directed to the Department of Design (860) 832-2557.
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Curriculum of Master of Arts Degree, Information Design, Fall 2006
Fundamental Core Courses: 6sh
DES 501 Graphic/Information Design Theory I (3sh) Prereq: Admission to graduate program in Information Design or permission of program coordinator. Critical analysis of the purpose and evolution of graphic/information design theory, integrity, and computer application. Includes problem solving. Fall. [c]
DES 502 Graphic/Information Design Theory II (3sh)
Prereq: DES 501 and admission to graduate program in Information Design. Continuation of DES 501. Additional theory and applications. Technology, economic, and ethical issues will be explored. Spring. [c]
Professional Sequence: 12sh
MKT 470 Marketing Communications Campaigns (3sh) Prereq: MKT 306 (C- or higher); or permission of graduate advisor.
Applications of marketing communication theory. Students learn how an organization integrates its promotion mix elements to present a unified message, and then create a strategic promotion plan for a real client. On demand.
DES 499 Computer Applications for Graphic/Information Design (3sh)
Prereq: DES 326 (with a grade of C- or higher) and DES 425 (with a grade of C- or higher) or permission of instructor. Study of the relationship of computer application in contemporary graphic/information design practice. Laboratory exploration of relevant software and its application in the field. Open to majors only. [c]
MGT 552 Management Theory and Practice (3sh)
Formerly BUS 552. Prereq: Admission to MBA program or permission of MBA director. Critical study of management theories and applications necessary to manage a modern organization. Special emphasis will be placed on the complexities involved in planning, coordinating, controlling, and directing functional areas within organizations. Irregular.
DES 520 Advanced History of Design (3sh)
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.
Seminar: 6sh
DES 537 Advanced Design Internship (3sh)
Prereq: DES 503, portfolio review, and permission of instructor. Internship with professional graphic/information design organization. On demand.
Directed Elective (DES, BUS, MKT, MGT, MIS, CS, COMM or ART) (3sh)
Research and Demonstration: 12sh
DES 503 Graphic/Information Design Practice I (3sh)
Prereq.: DES 502. Applied design research and practice in graphic/information design. Emphasis on creativity, practical problem solving, technical proficiency, and presentation. Fall. [c]
DES 504 Graphic/Information Design Practice II (3sh)
Prereq.: DES 503. Continuation of DES 503. Additional research and practice, portfolio, and presentation development. Spring. [c]
DES 598 Research Methods in Design (3sh)
Prereq.: DES 520 or permission of instructor. 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. Fall. [c]
DES 597 Research Project (Plan C) ( 3sh)
Prereq.: DES 503, 598. Completion of 21 s.h. of planned program required. 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.
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For more information, please contact:
James Bryant
Department Administrative Coordinator
R.C. Vance Acad Ctr 32400
Phone: 860-832-2564
Email: bryantj@ccsu.edu
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