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Digital Art & Design, M.F.A. – Graphic Design Concentration

Program Snapshot

60 Credits

NOTE: The School of Architecture and Design is no longer accepting applications for this program. We have revised the curriculum and are offering a new Graphic Design and Media Innovation, M.F.A. in its place. We encourage you to explore this new exciting program.

Why Earn an M.F.A. in Digital Art and Design — Graphic Design Concentration at New York Tech?   

The Digital Art and Design, M.F.A. – Graphic Design Concentration is one of the most competitive and highly-regarded programs in the field, offering you the opportunity to develop strong conceptual, aesthetic, and innovative visual projects. 

You’ll work in our advanced visualization facility using the latest industry-standard software and hardware, including 3-D printing/rapid prototyping, laser cutters, and immersive environments such as Oculus Rift. Learn from accomplished, full-time faculty who are successful visual artists and creative multimedia designers with experience ranging from fine and digital arts to emerging technology such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. 

Integrate historical perspectives with emerging technologies and a critical relationship to art through theory, technology, and practice. Balance technical proficiency with theoretical engagement in studio practice. 

Our concentration in graphic design will prepare you to tackle complex problems and conduct research in design content, print design, web design, interactive design, exhibition design, and interface design. This research culminates in innovative design solutions to real-world situations, including extensive preparation from concept development, logistical planning, technical development, and final production of the design thesis project. 

Thesis design projects are presented in a final exhibition, including a visual presentation of an ambitious design solution, a written critical evaluation, and a comprehensive book documenting the process and realization of the thesis project. Graduates must also successfully present their final thesis to their thesis advisor. 

Customize Your Studies

A student working in a motion capture lab illuminated in red light.

Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities include 3-D motion capture studios, Macintosh workstations, Dell Precision 3-D graphics animation workstations, and labs equipped with the latest industry-standard software and hardware to augment your conceptual and aesthetic endeavors. 

Two students and a faculty member working a lab in front of a large screen with many VR headsets on the wall in the background.

The HIVE (Home for Innovation, Visualization & Exploration)

The HIVE allows students, faculty, and partnering institutions to use advanced technologies to pursue creative research and expand their academic and professional development. Collaborative teams utilize motion capture, 3-D printing and scanning, immersive environments, and other emerging technologies. 

Students working a separate tables in a design workshop on their projects.

Design Workshops

Through workshops and collaborative experiences, School of Architecture and Design students use their knowledge to actively assist communities in need due to ecological, social, or economic factors.  
 

Stats & Rankings

Top 15%

Best value colleges for art.

Payscale.com

Top 10%

Return on Investment over 20, 30, and 40 years

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce)

$106,500

Median annual salary for art directors in May 2023

BLS

Career & Salary Outlook

Job Growth

Employment of art directors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 13,800 openings projected each year, on average (BLS). 

Employers & Internships

  • Beatworks 
  • Design Language 
  • Mission Graphics 
  • TAG Creative 
  • Topix Media Lab 

Career Options

  • Art Director 
  • Graphic Designer 
  • Illustrator 
  • Motion Graphics Designer 
  • UI/UX Designer  

Salary Projections

The median annual salary for art directors was $106,500 in May 2023 with the highest 10 percent earning more than $209,800 (BLS). 

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