2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

While the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Graphic Design is the customary prerequisite for admission to the MA program, applicants with baccalaureate degrees in other areas are welcome to apply. Candidates who have not completed an undergraduate program substantially equivalent to the BFA in Graphic Design will be required to complete additional foundational coursework, as determined by the graduate faculty.

In addition to normal Suffolk University graduate admission requirements (see the current Suffolk University Academic Catalog), applicants to the MA program in Graphic Design must submit the following:

1. Proof of the completion of an undergraduate baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7. 
2. A portfolio of work consisting of a minimum of twenty (20) high-resolution PDF files of recent, original artwork demonstrating both technical competency and creative ability must be submitted with the application. Please make sure the CD is Macintosh-compatible. Applicants with prior studio backgrounds who are seeking exemption from Foundation or Foundational Graphic Design coursework should submit a significantly more extensive portfolio. Graduate faculty members review all portfolios to determine subject matter competency. 
3. Academically qualified applicants without a substantial background in the visual arts may be required to complete foundational coursework as a Continuing Education student before applying to the Master of Arts in Graphic Design. A grade point average of 3.0 or better is required. If an applicant is subsequently accepted to the program, credits earned as a Continuing Education student may be used to waive degree requirements. A maximum of 30 credits earned as a Continuing Education student will be considered applicable to the graduate program. 
4. Personal  interviews with the Graphic Design Graduate Program Coordinator are required and are conducted by appointment only.

Please note: An applicant who has an undergraduate baccalaureate degree in any field may apply only to the graduate program and is not eligible to apply to the BFA program in Graphic Design.

Due to the competitive nature of the program and the time involved in evaluating portfolios, applicants must have their completed applications in to the graduate admission office by May 15 (for fall semester admission) or November 1 (for spring admission). After those dates, applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.