ART GRADUATE PROGRAM - Visual Communication Emphasis (MA and MFA)
MFA Studio & Visual Communication General Student Learning Objectives (SLO):
- Students will be able to recognize art as a significant form of expression and communication that can be appreciated by studying the meaning of art and what it is to be an artist.
- Students will be able to experience and value visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as recognize the concurrent importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking.
- Students will be able to understand the history and traditions of art and their relevance to social and community concerns as well as the art of different cultures.
GRAPHIC DESIGN (MFA Only)
Graphic design is everywhere: from your cell phone’s packaging to the movie poster advertising the next blockbuster. Understanding that graphic design is a visual language that communicates ideas, students further explore historical and foundational characteristics of the subject’s essential ingredients, type and imagery, along with further personal development within the field. Classes are conducted in state-of-the-art computer labs using industry-standard software by professors with years of professional experience.
ILLUSTRATION
This form of commercial art can be seen everywhere: in books, magazines and films, on billboards, posters, house wares and packaging, on computers and televisions. At CSUN, you’ll study advanced illustration as both an art form and as a profession, learning about the history of illustration and its evolving styles and technologies. Emphasis is on problem solving and the development of personal expression and style.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Photography concentration falls under both the Visual Communication (VC) and Studio options in the graduate program. While both options in Photography explore conceptual, technical, and theoretical applications, in VC Photography may have a technology-based, client-driven, commercial focus. In the Studio option, students are encouraged to develop a consistent studio practice and work toward exhibition. However, both options emphasize effective communication and in-depth exploration, and a fluid dialogue between both fine art and commercial applications is emphasized throughout the program. Graduate students may choose coursework and projects toward earning the graduate degree to fit theiar conceptual and professional pursuits.
VIDEO/DIGITAL
In this area of concentration, you'll refine your artistic vision while being challenged by new ideas and perspectives. Students in the Digital/Video MFA program are highly self-directed and work on their own experimental interactive and digital video art projects. Students without a background in digital/art technology typically take several undergraduate courses at Northridge to develop their skills before beginning their graduate studies.
MFA IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Students accepted into the MFA Program are expected to take a minimum of six units each semester and to have completed all requirements for Classified Graduate Status.
The Sixty-Unit Program:
Areas of Concentration: 39 units (includes 3 units of Art 698)
A
1. All student programs must emphasize from one to three concentrations. A minimum of twelve units must be from a single specialization.
- Graphic Design
Art 544 Studio Problems: Graphic Design 3 units*
Art 644 Advanced Studio Problems: Graphic Design 3 units* - Illustration
Art 522 Studio Problems: Illustration 3 units*
Art 622 Advanced Studio Problems: Illustration 3 units* - Photography
Art 550 Studio Problems: Photography 3 units*
Art 650 Advanced Studio Problems: Photography 3 units*Video/Digital - Video/Digital
Art 520 Studio Problems: Video/Digital 3 units*
Art 620 Advanced Studio Problems: Video/Digital 3 units*
2. Additional MFA Studio Hours
- Art 690 A-Z MFA Studio 3 units*(Art 690 A-Z allows continuous coursework in the chosen area of concentration.)
3. MFA ThesisArt 698 MFA Thesis 3-6 units
B
Academic Studies in Art/Visual Communication: 9 units
- Art 611 History and Philosophy of Art 3 units
- Art 615 Art Analysis and Criticism 3 units
- Art 691 A-Z MFA Seminar 3 units**
C
Electives: 12 units
Electives are chosen from a related or outside field.
- Art 691 A-Z MFA Seminar 3 units**
- Art 696 A-C Graduate Directed Research 1 to 3 units
- Art 400-699C Elective courses in Art 3***
*These courses may be repeated an additional three times for credit towards degree.
**Only nine units of Art 691 A-Z may be taken for credit towards degree
***Only six units of 400-level classes and six units of 699C count toward the degree program.
MFA students in the Visual Communication option who wish to teach during the completion of their degree program at CSUN should consult steps one and two in Teaching Associate Roles and MA/MFA Eligibility for Teaching Associate Assignment. Please note: The number of undergraduate, lower division art courses graduate students may teach at CSUN shall not exceed four: one course per semester, beginning the student’s third semester.
A hypothetical, four-year program for the MFA student with a concentration in Graphic Design and Photography:
Year one: 18 units completed
- Fall semester
Art 544 3 units
Art 550 3 units
Art 611 3 units - Spring semester*
Art 544 3 units
Art 550 3 units
Art 615 3 units
*Select MFA Thesis Committee upon the completion of 18 units. Contact Art Department Graduate Coordinator, Jackie Stemm, 818.677.2348
Year two: 36 units completed
- Fall semester -- Work with committee to formulate thesis
Art 644 3 units
Art 690 A-Z 3
Art 400-699C 3 - Spring semester -- Thesis proposal due to committee by mid-semester
Art 644 3 units
Art 650 3 units
Art 691 A-Z 3 units
Year three: 54 units completed
- Fall semester -- Thesis progress report due to committee
Art 644 3 units
Art 650 3 units
Art 690 A-Z 3 units - Spring semester -- Thesis progress report due to committee. Advancement to Candidacy
Art 644 3 units
Art 691 A-Z 3 units
Art 400-699C 3 units committee.
Year four: 60 units completed
- Fall semester
Art 644 3 units
Art 698 (Thesis) 3 units