Visual Design MFA allows students to explore visual communication in a broad sense. Areas of study include:

Under the guidance of a faculty committee, candidates develop a thesis project based on their own unique research. The thesis requires both visual and written components which are intellectually, formally, and technically rigorous. Students form a committee based on their thesis topic, choosing from faculty who provide a wide variety of viewpoints and expertise. The faculty advisors are highly proficient in traditional, time-based, and interactive media. Students are encouraged to explore various media, processes and methods while they develop their topic.

The Master of Fine Arts is generally recognized as the highest degree offered in the visual arts. It qualifies the recipient for professional work and positions in higher education within a variety of disciplines. There are also numerous allied career paths, such as curatorial work, arts administration, art direction, and publishing, which benefit from the level of accomplishment the Master of Fine Arts degree entails.