The Department of Digital Art and Design offers three different STEM graduate programs that integrate critical inquiry, applied research, and emerging technologies within creative practice. Rooted in New York Institute of Technology's mission of career-oriented professional education and access to opportunity, our programs support research that benefits industry, culture, and society.
The M.A. in UX/UI Design and Development prepares designers to shape intelligent and adaptive interaction systems within rapidly evolving digital environments, while the M.S. in Digital Product Design focuses primarily on the creation, management, and growth of digital products within technology-driven ecosystems. The M.F.A. in Graphic Design and Media Innovation remains grounded in the integration of theory, technology, and studio practice. Across all graduate programs, students balance conceptual rigor with technical fluency, cultivating a perspective that connects design, technology, and professional practice.
Our Graphic Design and Media Innovation program fosters creativity and critical inquiry within convergent media contexts, encouraging students to produce original work while engaging digital production methodologies across motion graphics, interactive media, and evolving screen-based environments. Media Innovation reflects the expanding role of graphic designers in shaping visual systems across broadcast, interactive, and technologically mediated platforms.
The M.F.A. in Graphic Design and Media Innovation emphasizes research-informed studio practice across motion graphics, interactive media, and evolving digital environments. At the graduate level, the program supports advanced conceptual development, creative production, and professional workflow culminating in a thesis project and public exhibition.
The Graphic Design and Media Innovation program prepares graduate students to engage complex problems and creative research in design content, print design, web design, interactive design, exhibition design, and interface design. Thesis design production-based projects will be presented in a final exhibition that will include: a visual exhibition of an ambitious design solution, a written critical evaluation of the thesis project, and a comprehensive book that includes the process and documentation of the realization of the thesis project. Graduates will also be expected to make a successful oral presentation of their final thesis to their thesis advisor.
International F-1 students who successfully complete this degree are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension to work in the U.S. in an area directly related to their area of study immediately upon completing the customary 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Transition Requirements to the M.F.A. Program
Any student with an earned M.A. from New York Tech may transition into the M.F.A. in Graphic Design and Media Innovation with the following conditions:
1. 18 required M.F.A. thesis credits must be completed as listed below:
- ARTC 801/802/803: Graduate Critique/Thesis Orientation, 3 credits
- ARTC 851/852/853: Thesis Proposal, 3 credits*
- ARTU 862: Thesis Production I, 4 credits
- ARTU 872: Thesis Production II, 4 credits
- ARTC 871/872/873: Thesis Paper and Exhibition, 2 credits
- ARTB 751: Professional Critiques, 2 credits
* ARTC 852 Thesis Proposal is waived for transitioning UX/UI Design and Development program students.
2. 8–10 credits* of electives recommended by the M.F.A. faculty advisor from ARTA, ARTB, ARTC, ARTH, and/or ARTG series, above 600 level.
* UX/UI Design and Development program students must complete 15 credits of electives.
Back to Top Admission Requirements
- B.F.A. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Application Materials
- Completed application
- $50 nonrefundable application fee
- M.F.A. Supplementary Application: digital portfolio, description sheet describing the contents of the portfolio, résumé/CV, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must submit their portfolio after applying to New York Institute of Technology. They will then receive a New York Tech ID number through their application portal, or they can contact the Office of Admissions for their ID number to upload their portfolio online.
- Copies of undergraduate transcripts for all schools attended. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
- Copy of college diploma or proof of degree
- International student requirements: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE), I-20, and transcript evaluation
For additional information, please contact the Department of Digital Art and Design at 212.261.1796 or 516.686.7542 or visit the department website.
The M.F.A. program does not accept transfer credit. See the M.F.A. description for information on transition from a New York Tech Communication Arts, M.A. or UX/UI Design and Development, M.A. degree to the M.F.A. program.