Master in Graphic Design - 2-Year Program (MFA)

At California Institute of the Arts, the tuition fee is 56,074 USD per year.

The Master in Graphic Design is a 2-year program at California Institute of the Arts, leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree. It's for students who want to explore form, methodology, and practice in graphic design. The program helps students develop a personal direction and agenda in their work.

The curriculum includes weekly seminars, research projects, and studio work. Students take required and elective courses in subjects like type design, web design, and design theory. They also work on a major thesis project that contributes to the graphic design community. Visiting designers lead short-term projects to broaden students' experiences.

Graduates can pursue careers as Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Creative Directors, Design Managers, or Visual Designers. They can work in industries like advertising, publishing, or entertainment, and for employers like design firms, magazines, or film studios.

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.