Program Overview
| Program Coordinator | Aaron Nelson, (845) 257-7887, nelsona@newpaltz.edu |
| Program ID | BFA Graphic Design AP (279A), MA Digital Design & Fabrication (240) |
| Credits | BFA Graphic Design AP—81 credits inclusive of 9-12 GR credits, MA Digital Design & Fabrication—36 credits including coursework taken as an UG |
| Program Length | The MA can be completed in 2-3 semesters if enrolled full-time, but students must complete the degree within 7 years. |
| Modality | In-person |
| Full-time/Part-time | Full-time |
| Transfer Credits | 9-12 graduate credits taken as an undergraduate will automatically transfer into the MA in Digital Design & Fabrication program. |
| Captstone | Thesis or Fieldwork |
Program Description
This accelerated plan of study provides a pathway to earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and a Master of Arts degree in Digital Design & Fabrication. Students enrolled in the AP program complete 9-12 graduate credits during their senior year. These credits are offered at the reduced undergraduate tuition rate and fulfill both undergraduate and graduate program requirements.
The MA in Digital Design & Fabrication (DDF) will prepare students to utilize modern digital fabrication methods in the design and fabrication process. Modern methods of fabrication, such as 3D printing, have changed not only how objects are designed, but have also changed what can be designed and manufactured. As modern fabrication technologies continue to advance, the worlds of design and manufacturing will change and merge into something much more seamless. Through an approach that blurs traditional boundaries between art, engineering, design, fabrication and science, the DDF program will enable students to take full advantage of advanced manufacturing and fabrication techniques. Graduates will earn the Rhinoceros CAD certification (levels 1 & 2) and Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification.
How does it work?
Get started as an undergraduate by declaring the BFA Graphic Design AP concentration (279A):
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Meet with AP advisor, Aaron Nelson, to declare the BFA Graphic Design AP concentration.
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Work with your AP advisor to select four graduate courses to take during your senior year.
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Apply for the MA Digital Design & Fabrication program in your senior year.
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Transfer 12 credits of graduate courses taken as an undergraduate into your graduate program.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Graduate admission requires submission of:
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Graduate application - select major 240.
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One set of official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work.
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Grades of B or higher in graduate courses taken as a senior.
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Portfolio including samples of completed work. When uploading your portfolio, include a minimum of 15 images.
Please note that we require a minimum of 10 individual works or projects; additional detail photographs and installation documentation can be included. You may either upload videos or include external links to videos as part of your portfolio. Each work sample must be labeled with the title of work, medium, size, and date. Images can be labeled and ordered as they are uploaded. For good image quality and fast upload, we recommend jpeg images no larger than 1280 x 1280 pixels @ 72 ppi.
Admission Deadlines
| Fall Admission | July 31 |
| Spring Admission | January 1 |
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the program's cohort is filled or until the deadline stated above. Applications submitted after the posted deadline will not be considered. Applying early ensures an easier registration process. Applicants who are admitted later in the admission cycle may find that classes that they wish to enroll in are already full.
Curriculum Requirements
Graphic Design AP (279A)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Foundation Courses (12 Credits) | ||
| ARS100 | Drawing: Visual Thinking I | 3 |
| ARS101 | Drawing: Visual Thinking II | 3 |
| ARS103 | Design: Form | 3 |
| DES100 | Designed World | 3 |
| Art History Courses (12 Credits) | ||
| ARH201 | Art of the Western World I | 3 |
| ARH202 | Art of the Western World II | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Studies in the History of Design | ||
| Modern Art, 1900-1970 | ||
| Contemporary Art, 1970 to the Present | ||
ARH3xx/ARH4xx Art History Elective | ||
| Required Graphic Design Courses (45 Credits) | ||
| DES101 | Graphic Design | 3 |
| DES210 | Typography | 3 |
| DES220 | Information Design | 3 |
| DES310 | Type and Image | 3 |
| DES320 | Art Direction | 3 |
| DES330 | Design for the Web | 3 |
| DES340 | Design Research | 3 |
| DES410 | Advanced Typography | 3 |
| DES420 | Design Theory and Criticism | 3 |
| DES430 | Interaction Design | 3 |
| DES440 | Graphic Design Thesis 1 * | 3 |
| DES441 | Graphic Design Thesis 2 * | 3 |
| DES442 | Graphic Design Portfolio * | 3 |
| Select two of the following:* | 6 | |
| Data Visualization | ||
| Design for Web II | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Required Cognate Courses (12 Credits) | ||
| ARS230 | Basic Digital Photography | 3 |
| DDF502 | Introduction to Computation for Media | 3 |
| DDF510 | Computer Aided design 1 | 3 |
| DDF560 | Introduction to Designing with Microprocessors | 3 |
| Total Credits | 81 | |
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DES440, DES441, DES442 contribute to the Graphic Design major’s capstone experience. DES440 is writing intensive.
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Additional Design electives will be added over time.
MA Design and Fabrication
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Credits (12 Credits) | ||
| DDF502 | Introduction to Computation for Media | 3 |
| DDF510 | Computer Aided design 1 | 3 |
| ARH526 | Studies in the History of Design * | 3 |
| DDF560 | Introduction to Designing with Microprocessors | 3 |
| Design and Fabrication Coursework (12 Credits) | ||
| DDF512 | Computer Aided Design 2 | 3 |
| DDF555 | 3D Computational Design | 3 |
| DDF705 | Advanced 3D Printing | 3 |
| DDF701 | Advanced Computer Aided Design | 3 |
| Electives (6 Credits) | ||
| Working with your advisor, you will select 6 credits of graduate coursework in art, engineering and computer science. | 6 | |
| Capstone Experience (6 Credits) | ||
| Working with your advisor, you will enroll in 6 credits of thesis or fieldwork as their culminating experience. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
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If not taken as part of the BFA degree, then the student would complete it as a graduate student.
Academic Standing Requirements for Accelerated Pathway Students
A cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 in graduate-level courses taken in the undergraduate portion of an accelerated pathway program precludes the student’s good standing. Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.75 to 2.99 are strongly advised to reconsider continuing into the graduate program.
MA Program Requirements
Complete the prescribed course work and other requirements within seven years after matriculation. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, with no more than two grades below B-.
Graduation Checklist
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Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.
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Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable.
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Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.
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Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study
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Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit.
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Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher.
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Pass your capstone or culminating assessment.
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Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview.
BFA Graphic Design AP PLOs
Our learning outcomes enact educational and professional values endorsed by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), our national professional organization.
By the time they graduate, Graphic Design BFA majors will be able to:
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understand and describe, prototype, iterate, and evaluate communication problems
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apply their working knowledge of human factors to understand and describe users, audiences and design contexts
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create, develop, iterate, and refine well-crafted visual form
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understand and master tools and technologies, from creation to distribution
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apply a basic knowledge of graphic design, business practices, organization and teamwork.
MA Digital Design & Fabrication PLOs
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Expand knowledge of diverse histories and contemporary practices in studio art, design, and art education
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Demonstrate—in written, visual, and oral forms—an understanding of a work of art or design, in terms of its social, political, cultural, aesthetic and historical context
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Develop and articulate self-reflective practices as artists, designers, teachers, and citizens
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Create collaboration and engagement with local and global art, design, and learning communities
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Build professional networks to support lifelong learning and sustainable practices
