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      Philosophy
      Since the early 1990’s the graphic design area has offered a
      Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, the terminal degree in
      the field. The graduate degree program is intended to foster
      a level of superior research to advance the profession and
      positively contribute to society. This is a 3-year program of
      study for persons interested in advanced, academic explora-
      tion of design rather than preparation for professional practice,
      which is the objective of our undergraduate program. The
      program places emphasis on theory as a basis for critical
      analysis and creation of visual communication; additional
      emphasis is focused on building an understanding of his-
      torical, social, cultural perspectives and implications relative
      to visual communication.

      Graduate study objectives
      • enable designers to respond creatively to a changing environment
        of graphic design and culture;

      • conduct research to advance the profession in areas such as
        pedagogy, philosophy, theory, interdisciplinary studies;

      • articulate research verbally, in writing and through design; develop
        an understanding of the field design as a creator of culture and its
        manifestations in western and non-western contexts as well as
        its historical, social, cultural, and political perspectives and
        implications; and

      • continue to develop excellence in the design process including
        complex problem seeking and solving.
       

      Financial Aid (Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships)
      Loans are handled through the Office of Financial Affairs. Other
      financial aid is available through competitive university fellowships.
      UF awards Grinter Fellowships for superior academic achievement
      to new incoming terminal degree students, and supports minority
      candidates through a Graduate Minority Fellowship program. Please
      see general Department of Art information for further fellowship details.
      Students interested in the Fellowship competitions should indicate
      their interest to the area contact person listed below. Areas may also
      award teaching assistantships, which carry a tuition waiver and stipend.
      Applications for assistantship are included with admission forms
       

      Application Deadline
      The University deadline for assistantships is January 15th
      of each year. Note that applications will be reviewed by the faculty during the
      Spring semester and students will be admitted for Fall semester only.

       

      Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships
      General inquiries about Graduate applications should be addressed
      to the School of Art and Art History Office at (352) 392-0211. Students
      interested in contacting a Graphic Design faculty member or scheduling
      a visit to the Graphic Design area should contact:
       

        Maria Rogal
        UF School of Art + Art History
        PO Box 115801
        Gainesville, FL 32611-5801

        office: (352) 392-0201 extension 211
        e-mail: mrogal@ufl.edu