DEGREE PROGRAMS

Master of Arts Program Outcomes

  • Analyze & Synthesize Business Principles

    Analyze design and business principles, techniques, and tools to effectively address complex challenges in design, art, and business.

  • Analyze Designs

    Analyze complex design requirements to create professional-quality work using design software and technologies.

  • Evaluate Effectiveness

    Evaluate the effectiveness of designs for business applications.

  • Innovate

    Create innovative design solutions that meet professional standards.

  • Develop Solutions

    Apply essential aspects of the business, art, and design environments, including project management, client relations, production techniques, and business operations, to develop innovative solutions and strategies that meet professional standards.

  • Comprehensive Working Portfolio

    Develop a comprehensive working portfolio that demonstrates advanced application of design and business skills, showcasing creativity and proficiency at a professional level.

Master of Arts in Design Business Emphasis in Digital Technology (36 Credit Hours)

Core Courses

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABILITY
DES 501 Business Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 502 Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Digital Technology 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 504 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
ACC 509 Accounting for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 505 Business Workflow, Production, and Project Management for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 510 Business Branding & Organic Marketing for Creatives 7 weeks 1.5 Fall
DES 511 Web Design 7 weeks 1.5 Fall
DES 602 Design Business Capstone 1 15 weeks 3 Fall & Spring
DES 604 Design Business Capstone 2 15 weeks 3 Fall & Spring
DES 601 Entrepreneurial Strategies for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Spring

Choose 3 from the following 6 courses:

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABILITY
DES 506 Surface Pattern Design with an Emphasis in Fabric, Paper, & Wallpaper 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 507 Die Cut and 3D Design Technology (Stickers + 3D) 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 508 Font Design and Innovative Typography 15 weeks 3 Spring & Summer
DES 607 Advanced Digital Illustration 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 612 Visual Storytelling through Art and Design 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 608 Design Leadership & Direction 15 weeks 3 Spring

Master of Arts in Design Business Emphasis in Visual Arts (36 Credit Hours) 

Core Courses

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABILITY
DES 501 Business Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 503 Methodology for Creative Innovations and Color Theory for the Visual Artist 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 504 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
ACC 509 Accounting for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 505 Business Workflow, Production, and Project Management for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 510 Business Branding & Organic Marketing for Creatives 7 weeks 1.5 Fall
DES 511 Web Design 7 weeks 1.5 Fall
ART 603 Art Business Capstone 1 15 weeks 3 Fall & Spring
ART 606 Exploration in Painting and Illustration 15 weeks 3 Spring
ART 605 Art Business Capstone 2 15 weeks 3 Fall & Spring
DES 601 Entrepreneurial Strategies for Creatives 15 weeks 3 Spring

Choose 2 from the following 5 courses:

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABILITY
DES 506 Surface Pattern Design with an Emphasis in Fabric, Paper, & Wallpaper 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 507 Die Cut and 3D Design Technology (Stickers + 3D) 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 508 Font Design and Innovative Typography 15 weeks 3 Spring & Summer
DES 607 Advanced Digital Illustration 15 weeks 3 Summer
ART 512 Art Theory and Criticism 15 weeks 3 Summer

Master of Fine Arts Program Outcomes

  • Apply Advanced Principles

    Apply advanced design principles and technology tools to create high-quality products across various media.

  • User-centered Design Solutions

    Develop for implementation innovative, design solutions by integrating color theory, creative direction, and digital strategies, ensuring designs meet audience needs.

  • Contemporary Design

    Analyze art and design theories within creative projects, enhancing work with insights into historical and cultural contexts that inform design.

  • Cohesive, Professional Portfolio

    Create a cohesive, professional portfolio showcasing a range of design skills, creative methodologies, and technical competencies suitable for specific industry applications.

  • Build Unique Visual Identities and Narratives

    Employ branding and storytelling techniques to build unique visual identities and narratives that communicate compelling messages across digital platforms and products.

  • Comprehensive Capstone Project

    Synthesize personal research and creative insights into a comprehensive cumulating studio capstone project, reflecting artistic growth, professional readiness, and the integration of skills acquired throughout the program.

Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design (60 Credit Hours) 

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER
DES 500 Digital Design Foundations for Designers and Artists 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 502 Methodology for Creative Innovations & Color Theory for Digital Technology 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 504 Illustrator Drawing Academy 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 506 Surface Pattern Design with an Emphasis in Fabric, Paper, & Wallpaper 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 507 Die Cut and 3D Design Technology (Stickers + 3D) 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 514 Design Workflow & Production 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 508 Font Design and Innovative Typography 15 weeks 3 Spring/Summer
DES 511 Web Design 7 weeks 1.5 Fall
DES 515 Digital Design Strategies 1 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 517 Media Branding and Identity Exploration 7 weeks 1.5 Fall
ART 606 Exploration in Painting and Illustration 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 516 Digital Design Strategies 2 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 611 Exploration of Emerging Design & Art Markets 15 weeks 3 Spring
ART 512 Art Theory and Criticism 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 607 Advanced Digital Illustration 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 608 Design Leadership & Direction 15 weeks 3 Spring
DES 613 Cumulating Studio Project Capstone 1 15 weeks 3 Fall/Spring
DES 609 Fine Art for the Digital Age 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 610 Creative Perspectives: Insights from Industry Professionals 15 weeks 3 Summer
DES 612 Visual Storytelling through Art and Design 15 weeks 3 Fall
DES 614 Cumulating Studio Project Capstone 2 15 weeks 3 Fall/Spring

Independent Study

Independent study may be substituted for any 1.5-credit course in this program. Students are limited to 1.5 credits of independent study toward degree requirements. Please contact your Academic Advisor to discuss eligibility and course requirements.

Independent study is self-directed work completed under the guidance of a UAD instructor. Projects are proposed by the student and approved by their Academic Advisor before enrollment. Examples of independent study projects include developing a business proposal for a design venture, traveling abroad with a UAD instructor to explore international design culture, pursuing an in-depth research project, or completing a significant creative or professional work tied to your degree goals. All independent study projects require a defined scope, clear deliverables, and regular check-ins with your supervising instructor.

COURSES COURSE NAME LENGTH CREDIT HOURS SEMESTER AVAILABLE
DES 555 Independent Study 15 weeks 1.5 Fall, Spring, Summer