About the MFA Program

"Get Your Masters with the Masters"

Low Residency MFA Program for Designers, Illustrators, New Media Artists, Art Educators and Working Professionals.

Earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design or Illustration

Marywood's “Get Your Masters with the Masters” MFA Program is a low-residency program for a 60-credit Master of Fine Arts degree in graphic design or illustration. It's specifically designed for working art directors, designers, illustrators, new media artists and art educators who have to budget their time and resources carefully, while continuing with their full-time occupations. 

While production and technical skills are stressed, the thrust of our program is on creativity and concept.

Low-Residency, Independent Study

One-third of the course work (20 credits) is delivered through independent creative problem-solving experiences. The other two-thirds (40 credits) consist of lectures, summer classes, and study tours in New York City and other major cities.

You can complete all program requirements in just three years through 4 two-week residential summer sessions at Marywood, 6 study tours, and independent work.

Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are available to those who qualify.

Our Program Works!

As the oldest low residency program in the country, Marywood's “Get Your Master with the Masters” MFA Program is intense. Our instructors are demanding. But the rewards are profoundly enriching.

The challenging and inspiring creative atmosphere is fueled by constant interaction between you, your peers, and faculty.

MFA Graduates

Our MFA graduates have accelerated their careers, won myriad industry awards, published children's books, and founded their own graphic design firms and advertising agencies. Many of them also teach at universities and colleges throughout the USA.