Advertising (MFA)

Drawing on your life experiences, coupled with the artistic and technical skills you gain, you’ll be prepared for a career as an art director, copywriter, or creative strategist. A mastery of advanced advertising principles and concepts are brought to life by working independently and collaboratively on your unique portfolio.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

ADV 602

Art Direction Major/3

Take your visual concepts to another level. Learn layout and typographic techniques the pros use to communicate clearly, powerfully, and with real sophistication. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 302.)

ADV 604

Copywriting Major/3

Get the copywriting skills to craft well-written, creatively focused advertising. Assignments are based on creative strategies written by you. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 304.)

ADV 606

Campaign Major/3

Develop targeted campaigns that work. Collaborate with art directors, copywriters, and creative strategists to develop advertising campaigns that effectively target specific consumers. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 343.)

ADV 623

Humans, Not Consumers: How Human Insights Drive Brand Strategy Major/3

We're taught that we're thinking creatures that feel. The truth is we're feeling creatures that think. Emotions don't hinder decisions. They're the foundation on which they're made! You will learn how to demystify emotions and empower art and brands through the power of human insight.

ADV 634

AI for Advertising Major/3

AI is changing the advertising landscape! This exploration into the creative development process includes an overview of AI and how it can be used to develop and optimize your creative work. You will develop your creativity, learn how to collaborate effectively, and understand the importance of research in the advertising industry. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 434.)

GR 616

Design Thinking & Visual Communication Major/3

Explore the principles of design that define design as a discipline. By examining historical, social, and cultural influences, you'll develop essential skills in design thinking and visual creation. Refine your skills by creating thoughtful, purpose-driven design solutions that effectively meet project goals. Assignments will include traditional design methods and AI explorations, providing a comprehensive foundation for modern design challenges.

GR 617

Type Forms Major/3

Explore the art of typography. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of letterforms, proportion, hierarchy, legibility, structure, and aesthetics, enabling you to create impactful typographic solutions to various design challenges. Assignments will include traditional approaches alongside experimental projects using AI, helping you build strong foundational skills while exploring new, innovative possibilities in typography.

GR 750

Thesis Proposal Development Major/3

Declare a thesis topic for your graduate studies. To secure your place in the MFA program and the opportunity to further develop your ideas, you will identify, explore, and propose a suitable thesis topic as a midpoint proposal.

IXD 600

Digital Graphics Major/3

Develop proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign by engaging in comprehensive design projects. You will delve into Adobe's design suite and AI-enhanced design tools.

IXD 613

Motion Graphics and Video Major/3

Become a better storyteller using motion graphics and digital video. You'll learn how to sync music, sound, and video to develop compelling digital video. Learn contemporary trends and practices in motion graphics. You'll research, concept, storyboard, and design motion graphics using industry-standard tools.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Major Coursework33
Directed Study15
Electives6
Graduate Liberal Arts9
Total63

MFA ADVERTISING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Thesis Project
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
    1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
    1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
    1 Professional Practices & Communications course

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Strategic Communication

  • Develop strategic elements focused on the target customer, the product/service, and the market
  • Gather, assess, and apply relevant information, including historical research, to strategic work

Visual Communication

  • Use appropriate visual media, including freehand drawing, to convey essential elements
  • Apply appropriate design principles to strategic and creative work

Verbal Communication

  • Convey creative ideas, concepts, and brand tone through engaging and sophisticated language at each stage of the creative process
  • Communicate verbally and in writing with a unique and versatile voice

Conceptual Thinking

  • Communicate relevant objectives through the use of appealing aesthetic choices
  • Think conceptually and execute projects beyond traditional advertising media
  • Consider diverse points of view, and reach well-reasoned conclusions as part of the conceptual and design process

Professional Readiness

  • Present a sophisticated and original portfolio to acquire a job within the industry.
  • Articulate career goals and plan to achieve them
  • Communicate strategic conceptual and artistic goals at a professional level
  • Submit work according to professional presentation standards
  • Collaborate with other members of a creative team