Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
Ignite Innovation with Creative Freedom by Earning an MFA in Graphic Design with Liberty
There is nothing like creating art that vividly expresses your mind, soul, and heart. Let your talent and passion for art propel you into a career in digital design. Earning Liberty’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design can offer you invaluable resources and credentials to advance your career.
We have designed the program to allow more creative freedom so that you can take courses to help you prepare to pursue your career goals. You can customize your degree by selecting specific courses from a variety of subject areas. Specialize your degree with courses on topics like character design, typography, vector illustration, digital imaging and photography, and 3D graphics.
To be eligible for admission into the program, you will submit a professional portfolio that effectively highlights your skill and academic intent. We do this to ensure our graduate students are prepared for the rigor of the program and confident in their ability to be successful.
Let our trained faculty come alongside you, providing valuable input as you develop your unique art form. Explore how to use traditional and digital practices to create and display your work while developing the personal integrity you need throughout your career in the arts. It’s time to take your profession to the next level. Let us help.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our MFA in Graphic Design Degree
Cutting-Edge Design Tools
Our department seeks the newest equipment for our graphic design students. These new tools include innovative software in character creation, 3D modeling, and virtual reality.
Gain Real-World Experience
You will get to pursue an internship and practicum hours as a student, which will further develop your professional Portfolio.
Expert Mentorship
Study under experienced faculty with advanced degrees and years of experience in the art industry.
Setting the Standard in Design
Liberty’s studio arts students have earned more American Advertising Federation (AAF) awards than any other Virginia and North Carolina school!
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Graphic Design MFA?
Liberty University’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Illustrator
- Professor
- User Interface Designer
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Graphic Design MFA Degree Program?
Many of the courses in our MFA program encourage individual direction and creative freedom while still stressing advanced design artistry in all elements of piece completion. At this level of scholarship, we allow you much more flexibility in choosing courses and projects. Your courses can be as unique as you are! Choose courses from a broad list that are specific to your core in graphic design. You can also take particular art history classes that interest you, from medieval art studies to East Asian arts.
Choose which field experiences you want to pursue! From a teaching art course to practicum and internship classes, we want to give you more choices to help you create a specialized degree matching your skillset and career goals.
Featured Graduate Graphic Design Courses
ARTS 515 – Issues in Contemporary Art
ARTS 532 – Vector Illustration
ARTS 540 – Publication Design
ARTS 780 – Art and Design Research Methodologies
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Communication and the Arts
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design?
Earn the Highest Credential in Your Field
Pursuing an MFA in Graphic Design from Liberty means you’re reaching the pinnacle of academic achievement in the visual arts. As a terminal degree, the MFA is recognized as the highest credential for professionals in design, providing you with a competitive edge. Whether your goal is to refine your creative voice or stand out to potential employers, this program offers the space and rigor to do so. Earning your MFA here can also help you build a body of work that reflects both skill and personal vision.
Learn from Industry-Experienced Faculty Who Teach Firsthand
At Liberty, you’ll be mentored by professors who combine academic excellence with real-world design experience. Their personalized feedback and weekly interaction can be a vital part of your creative and professional growth. This hands-on mentorship can help you fine-tune your craft and prepare a portfolio that speaks to your strengths and vision.
Customize Your Path to Match Your Creative Goals
This program offers you the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to match your interests and career aspirations. If you’re passionate about digital photography or motion design, you can shape your coursework accordingly. The program encourages you to take creative ownership of your projects, allowing you to explore meaningful concepts and develop a distinct style. You’re not just completing assignments – you’re building a unique, expressive portfolio that reflects your artistic identity.
Thrive in a Values-Driven Creative Community
Liberty’s MFA program cultivates a studio environment where feedback, collaboration, and artistic innovation thrive. As you develop your work, you’ll be supported by a community that values both creative excellence and strong ethical standards. The university’s nonprofit, Christian foundation encourages you to pursue not only professional distinction but also personal integrity. Your time here can help you grow into a designer whose work is grounded in both talent and purpose.
Admissions
How Do You Become an MFA in Graphic Design Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA for admission in good standing. A GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 may grant admission on caution.
- Artist Statement (typed) – must include your artistic background, area(s) of specialty, and the intended direction of your work provides context for your art and design. Must be submitted through SlideRoom in conjunction with the Portfolio
- Personal Portfolio must include:
- No fewer than 20 images that best depict your abilities and interests in either Graphic Design or Studio Art
- Submitted images must be professionally photographed/composed and “client” ready
- Neat and professional presentation, layout, and image quality
- Submitted work samples must clearly demonstrate your strong technical skills, aesthetic style, fundamental knowledge, and potential for success in the program
- All submitted images must be original creative artifacts designed by you
- Credit must be given when collaborative works are included
- A portfolio must be submitted via SlideRoom, which has a $10 non-refundable fee
- Provide 20 items
- Images (up to 5MB each)
- Video (up to 250MB each)
- PDFs (up to 10MB each)
- Models (Sketchfab)
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.