Concurrent Degree Options / Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Students in their first year of the two-year program or second year of the 3+ program may apply to study two graduate programs concurrently.  The curricula has been designed to allow for most of our programs to be taken simultaneously.  Please note that MArch students have the opportunity to apply to the W.P. Carey School of Business to study for a Master of Business Administration concurrently with their MArch degree.  We work to try to reduce the length of time for both degrees to save students a year of time and tuition fees. Students with two Master degrees have increased professional opportunities and great marketability.  If the concurrent option is taken, this will extend the graduate program by a minimum of one year.  

Global Engagement Studios

The graduate program curriculum encompasses a travel studio which is completed in the fall semester of the final year. Students travel all over the world to locations such as Australia, South America, Europe, and Asia among others. This offers students the opportunity to experience a foreign country for one week at the beginning of the fall semester. This trip is faculty led and the cost is inclusive within tuition fees. The Global Engagement Studios are not discipline specific, which grants students the opportunity to collaborate with, and learn from fellow Design School students who are from a different design discipline. The benefit of this experience to our graduate students is invaluable. To hear what our students are saying about the Global Engagement Studios and their experience view this video.

Admission Requirements

 Master of Visual Communication Design Two-year Program (MVCD)

• Applicants must have completed a four–year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Visual Communication Design or Graphic Design. The undergraduate degree must be granted by an institution that is recognized by ASU.
• Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by Graduate College. The last two years of applicant’s undergraduate GPA records will be reviewed.
• Admission to the Master of Visual Communication Design program is selective and cannot be deferred. In most cases, students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted. The MVCD program commences in the fall semester of each year.
• There is no GRE requirement for the MVCD program.
• A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting designgrad@asu.edu or 480-965-3536.
• Applicants to The Design School graduate programs are required to complete a two-step application process. Applicants must submit the Graduate College application as well as The Design School SlideRoom application.  For complete information on how to apply, please view the steps to apply on the admissions page

Master of Visual Communication Design Three-plus Program (MVCD3+)

• Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a field other than visual communication design or graphic design from a college or university recognized by ASU.
• Admission to the Master of Visual Communication Design 3+ program is selective and cannot be deferred. In most cases students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted. The MVCD3+ program commences in the summer session of each year.
• There is no GRE requirement for the MVCD3+ program.
• A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting designgrad@asu.edu.
• Applicants to The Design School graduate programs are required to complete a two-step application process. Applicants must submit the Graduate College application as well as The Design School SlideRoom application.  For complete information on how to apply, please view the steps to apply on the admissions page

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Internships

Students completing a 2–year or 3+ graduate degree program in the following studio based disciplines are required to complete a summer internship: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, and Visual Communication Design. The internship takes place during the last summer that precedes the final year of the graduate program.

Learn more about about internships.

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations serve as the public face for their respective professions, providing information to the general public about disciplinary practice and its role in improving the well-being of communities, promoting design excellence through the recognition of notable professional achievements, supporting the exchange of ideas and information about best practices between professional members through the development of conferences and through the support of opportunities for continuing education.

Learn more about professional organizations.

Student Organizations

Joining a discipline-specific student organization is a great way to help your long-term career plans and goals. Membership can add to your academic experience by building a portfolio, making important connections, networking and engaging with local and national professional communities.

Learn more about student organizations.