Print Publication
Wheatpaste
Play Video
What does a designer do?
A mix of craft, science, design, storytelling, propaganda and philosophy.
Everything you touch, read or experience has been designed by someone. Branding, publications, packaging, products—restroom signs to the Declaration of Independence. Graphic designers are determined that all those things be well designed. Purpose, vision and strategy; form and function. Graphic Designers seek a more beautiful, more usable, more thoughtful world.
The design portfolio program at M.AD School has a strong emphasis on craft. There is a Maker’s Studio at the school for design students to build their models and prototypes. Students often have real projects from outside clients, ranging from retail product packaging to experiential space design.
The school is also a crucial part of the wider design community. MODA (Museum of Design} is partnered with our school. AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) is also closely involved and holds many exhibits at the school. GRAPHIS (The renowned international magazine of Graphic Design) recently held their 100 Top Graphis Posters Exhibit at the school in cooperation with MODA and AIGA
Carter TindallGraphic Design at Principle
“I had the opportunity, even as a junior designer, to do work for the biggest clients.”
The Design Curriculum at M.AD
What (and how) you’ll be learning.
Design is a highly skilled, highly demanding profession. That’s why our 2-year portfolio program is built specifically to help you develop the tools required to excel in that high-stakes world. It’s all about learning through experience. Our curriculum prepares you to work as a designer in agencies, publications, start-ups, and the creative departments of the world’s top brands —all through a carefully built program of mentorship and deliberate practice. You’ll build a personal network to rival the most connected professional, and at the end of it all, you’ll get the same job placement assistance we’ve offered to our graduates for the past 20 years. It’s no wonder our graduates find work at world-leading companies of all kinds.
Here are just a few of the courses you’ll take:
- Strategic Innovation and Product Design
- Design History, Modernism, Criticism & Theory
- Information Design & Data Visualization
- Symbol, Metaphors & Logos
- Experiential Design
- Network Marketing, Identity and Branding
- Mobile Design & Systems
- Message & Content
- Experiments in Digital Photography
- Introduction to Craft
- Semiotics
- Publication & Editorial Design
Want to know what else you’ll be learning? Learn more about the courses you’ll take in the course brochure.
Teachers Who Really Know What They’re Doing
Truly stand-out designers aren’t just masters of the technical…they understand the wider creative process. They know the context of their work, and excel at collaborating with other talented artisans and creatives.
So how do you learn those intangible traits that will put you over the top—in addition to the hard skills that will allow you to create digital gold? It helps to have a mentor who’s been there themselves.
-
Belen MarquezGlobal ACD/AD, FaceBook / WhatsApp -
Elizabeth KelleyDesign Director, Principle -
Katie WallCreative Agency Partner, Facebook -
David TannFounder and Creative Director, Tantrum Agency -
Justin Monroe Kwame AduGlobal Head of Social Media, Logitech -
Carter TindallDesigner, Compass
How To Apply
The application is as creative as the career.
Four Stages to Apply
Step 1
The application is as creative as the career.
Enter your information and register for your M.AD School of Ideas account.
Step 2
Choose a city, program, and start date
Select the school you are most interested in right now. Should you change your mind later on, you can easily change your application.
Step 3
Follow the process laid out in the application portal
Show us who you are as a creative thinker. Share examples of things you’ve
created.. Or do one of our fun creative exercises. Finally, schedule an introductory meeting with your Admissions Advisor.
Step 4
Review and Submit
Make sure all your information is correct, and that you’ve paid your application fee. We’ll get back to you soon!
Important Program Information
Tuition
Tuition of $4,850 is due quarterly. It takes eight quarters which is 2 years to complete the art direction program.Total tuition cost for the program is $38,800.
Financial Aid &
Scholarships
We work tirelessly to make M.AD affordable for students of all backgrounds. For our American students, federal loans can often cover some or all of tuition costs. We also offer a variety of scholarships.
International Students
In the past decades, students have come to us from every corner of the world. If you’re worried about getting here, never fear: you’ll likely be able to attend the campus of your choice. Click for more about the visa process.
Have A Question? Reach Out.
Career advice with no strings
attached.
Our admissions team love to chat with people like you—answering questions, proposing solutions, and making plans for a creative future. An advisor can help you figure out what’s next in your creative adventure. Maybe that means Art Direction at M.AD.
Ask For The Course Brochure
Crucial information about the design program.
- Exclusive video content
- Design Career Facts
- Average salaries
- Information on co-ops and internships
- Example projects for real brands
- Detailed application process
