MDes in Graphic Design

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements for the School of Design.

  • Baccalaureate Field No restrictions; however, individuals who apply must demonstrate an advanced level of competence in graphic design through their portfolio submission.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
  • Tests Required None.

English Proficiency Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:

  • Exam Score Reading Listening Speaking Writing
    TOEFL iBT (exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) 4.5 4 4 4.5 4.5
    TOEFL iBT (exams taken prior to January 21, 2026) 80 19 17 20 21
    IELTS Academic 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
    PTE Academic 54 51 47 53 56
  • The application process includes the submission of the following items through the Office of Graduate Admissions online application portal.
    • ​​Graduate ApplicationGraduate Application Fee $70
    • Unofficial Transcript
    • TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (for international students only)
    • Personal Statement Required. This statement of purpose should outline the applicant’s current or previous work as relevant to plans and objectives for advanced study; describe professional goals and how these goals were developed; and state why the applicant would like to study in a research-oriented design program.
    • Portfolio​​​​Applicants to the two-year program who have extensive prior design experience must submit a portfolio of no more than 20 examples of current work demonstrating proficiency in the area of graphic design. Competence and understanding of design-related computer technology, including proficiency in industry standard page layout, illustration, and photographic manipulation programs. Prerequisites and/or technical experience specific to this field of study may be required prior to entrance.Applicants without sufficient prior design experience may instead be considered for admission to the three-year program and opt to enroll in preliminary year coursework (including undergraduate and graduate courses) in order to meet the required level of proficiency. Applicants to the three-year program must submit a portfolio that demonstrates and articulates an emerging and serious interest in design.See the School of Design website for further information about portfolio expectations.
    • CV/Resume Required.
    • Letters of Recommendation Three required.
    • Deadline Application deadlines for this program are listed on the Graduate College website.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 64-82.
  • Coursework 
Required Courses
Preliminary Year Courses
DES 489
Introduction to Design Practice (4 hours) a
DES 490
Advanced Studio I: Advanced Topics in Design Fundamentals (3 hours)
DES 491
Advanced Studio II: Advanced Topics in Design Fundamentals (3 hours)
DES 450
Advanced Topics in Design (8 hours) b
or DES 520
 Design Seminar
200- or 300-level Design prerequisite coursework (up to 16 hours) c
First Year Courses
DES 500
Combined Studio (4 hours)
DES 501
Research Seminar I (4 hours)
DES 502
Research Seminar II (6 hours)
DES 510
Advanced Graphic Design I (4 hours)
DES 511
Advanced Graphic Design II (4 hours)
DES 512
Documentation Studio (4 hours)
Second Year Courses
DES 500
Combined Studio (4 hours)
DES 520
Design Seminar (8 hours)
DES 540
Research Studio (4 hours)
DES 541
Master's Research Project + Exhibition (4 hours)
DES 542
Master's Research Project Advising (2 hours)
DES 597
Master's Project (0 hours)
Post-Preliminary Year Electives
In First Year or Second Year courses, a minimum of 16 hours of graduate-level electives are required, at least 8 of which must be taken from within the college. Courses taken during the Preliminary Year will not count toward this requirement.
Program Standing
From the above curriculum, students with sufficient background to enter directly into the two-year program will be waived from Preliminary Year courses. Exact student standing will be determined by the school at the time of admission.
a

Students enroll in the 2-hour course in both the spring and fall semesters.

b

Students also may take an approved 400- or 500-level Design course.

c

Based on the approved of the director of graduate studies. Undergraduate design courses (up to 16 credits; will not count toward total credits earned for MDes.

  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options Master's Research Project required. No other options are available.
    • Project: All MDes candidates must present for review a public exhibition or showing of their project. The project must be supported by a major paper and digital documentation of the project, both of which must be presented to the school for archival purposes.
  • Other Requirements Prior to beginning the final year of the MDes program, all students must be evaluated and recommended for continuation by the Graduate Advisory Committee in the student's area.