COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Communication Design at RIT is a 60-credit graduate program that integrates design theory, visual communication, interaction design, and motion graphics to prepare students for advanced professional and research roles in the evolving field of design. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through a structured set of studio and theory courses, including Design History Seminar, which explores the historical and cultural evolution of design practices, 3D Modeling and Motion, which develops skills in digital form creation and animation, Web and UI Design, focused on user interface development and interactive digital experiences, Typography, which emphasizes the principles of type design and visual hierarchy, and Digital Design in Motion, which strengthens abilities in motion graphics and dynamic visual storytelling. In the spring semester, students take the Design Studies Seminar, which deepens critical thinking and research skills in design theory, along with a combination of professional electives and open electives that allow specialization in areas such as UX design, motion design, or communication design. Students also choose between Project Design and Implementation or Design Praxis I, depending on whether they follow a project-based or studio-practice track. In the second year, the program shifts toward advanced specialization and thesis development, beginning with Thesis: Research and Planning, where students define a focused research direction and conceptual framework for their final work, supported by additional professional and open electives that expand their expertise. The program culminates in Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation, a major capstone experience where students produce a fully developed body of design work that demonstrates conceptual depth, technical mastery, and professional readiness. Overall, the curriculum is designed to produce highly skilled visual communication designers capable of leading innovation in UX/UI design, motion graphics, digital media, branding, and design strategy across creative industries.