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Art and Design

310 Sharadin Art Studio
Kutztown, PA 19530

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Dual 4+1 B.F.A. and M.A. Degrees in Communication Design

Master of Arts: Communication Design

4+1, Just one year beyond your Bachelor's

Quick Look

OFFERED AS:

4+1 Accelerated Masters

CREDITS REQUIRED:

Major (120), Master (30)

FORMAT:

In-Person B.F.A., Online M.A.

TUITION COSTS

The accelerated dual degree, or 4+1, in Communication Design at Kutztown University allows students to earn both the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Master of Arts in Communication Design in just five years. This streamlined pathway is designed for motivated students who want to graduate with advanced credentials while maintaining academic and professional momentum.

Why Choose Kutztown's 4+1 B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design


The accelerated B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design at Kutztown University allows students to transition seamlessly from undergraduate to graduate study. After earning their B.F.A, students complete the M.A. fully online, allowing them to begin a full-time career while advancing their education. This flexible structure eliminates the need to pause professional growth and makes it possible to immediately apply graduate-level learning in real-world settings.

Students choose Kutztown University for their dual degrees in communication design:

  • Cost-effective two-degree pathway
  • Strong portfolio and career outcomes
  • 100% online master’s flexibility
  • Expert faculty and industry networking

4+1 B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design Highlights

Designed with professional advancement in mind, the accelerated B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design strengthens strategic thinking, creative leadership, and long-term career potential. Students move beyond producing visually appealing work and begin operating as strategic communication designers. Graduate coursework emphasizes research, audience analysis, and purposeful problem-solving, ensuring that every project is visually compelling and conceptually rigorous.

Program Highlights:

  • Build and refine a graduate-level professional portfolio
  • Develop research-driven solutions to real-world communication challenges
  • Create advanced branding, digital, and interactive design systems
  • Explore emerging media and contemporary design technologies
  • Present and defend creative decisions using research-based, persuasive rationale

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Communication Design (BFA)
    1. Solve communication problems through research and development.
    2. Describe and respond to the audiences and contexts that shape design decisions.
    3. Create and develop visual form in response to communication problems.
    4. Apply tools and technology through the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
    5. Employ professionalism and best business practices through presentation.
  • Communication Design (MA) (MFA)
    1. Solve communication challenges by identifying the issues, targeting audience, researching, and/or developing innovative solutions.
    2. Create and develop visual solutions in response to communication challenges.
    3. Determine audience objectives based on a spectrum of human factors; test audience response; and/or assess the outcomes.
    4. Apply the contexts of past, current, and future design.
    5. Communicate with other creative professionals through research-based, cohesive, and persuasive rhetoric.

4+1 B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the admission requirements for the accelerated B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design?

    First, interested students must complete the standard Kutztown University application and be admitted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design program. Students interested in the accelerated Master of Arts in Communication Design pathway must meet the following eligibility requirements for provisional acceptance:

    • Junior standing (60+ total credits completed)
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA overall
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate design coursework
    • Successful portfolio review
    • Approval for provisional acceptance by the graduate program

    Eligible students may take up to 12 graduate credits during their senior year that count toward both the B.F.A and M.A. degrees. Formal admission into the M.A. program occurs after successful completion of the B.F.A. and all graduate admission requirements.

  • Can I earn certificates while completing the MA in Communication Design?

    Yes. Students in the M.A. in Communication Design can pursue certificates while earning their master’s degree, depending on their chosen coursework and professional goals.

    We have graduate certificates in Creative Catalyst, Creative Futures, and Creative Refresh.

  • Is a dual degree in Communication Design worth it?

    Yes, the accelerated B.F.A and M.A. in Communication Design allows you to earn your master’s in just one additional year, saving time and potentially reducing overall tuition compared to a traditional two-year graduate degree, while positioning you for higher-level roles, stronger earning potential, advanced portfolio development, and long-term career growth.

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