Admissions: Graduate Design + Visual Communications

Step 1: Review Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. While most applicants have a background in communication design or a closely related field—such as architecture, industrial design, or interior design—we recognize that design can be learned in many ways and welcome applicants from other academic majors.

All applicants must demonstrate a level of achievement appropriate for graduate study in this discipline. Application materials should reflect:

• An understanding of the iterative design process
• Critical and conceptual thinking within a design context (including design and visual communication skills and abilities)
• The ability to collaborate effectively

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Director of Graduate Studies at design@arts.ufl.edu with any questions or to arrange a campus visit prior to applying.

STEP 2: Apply to the University of Florida

UF APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1

All applicants must complete the University of Florida’s online graduate application. We do not have rolling admissions and applications will only be reviewed after the deadline to start in the fall semester. 

*A $30 non-refundable application fee is required. Application fee waivers are not available.

If you’re an international applicant, please review UF Admissions Information for International Students before applying.

What You’ll Need to Submit

The online application includes the following required materials:

1. Statement of Purpose
   Describe your goals for graduate study, area of specialization, interest in working with UF faculty, and long-term professional objectives.
2. Letters of Recommendation (3 required)
   Three letters from faculty or professionals who can speak to your academic or professional potential.
   • You will enter your recommenders’ email addresses in the application.
   • Be sure to allow time for them to receive and submit their letters electronically.
   • You will not be able to add recommenders once you have submitted your application. Please have their information and email addresses ready before you finalize.
3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   Your resume or CV must include:
   • All post–high school education and employment
   • Any ongoing international affiliations or sources of research funding
     (Required by Florida Statute)
4. GPA Calculation
   Use the GPA calculator provided in the application to report your upper-division (junior/senior year) GPA. Follow all directions carefully and do not leave this section blank. Only international and non-letter grade degrees should use “non-traditional” for GPA.
5. Unofficial Transcripts
   Upload scanned, unofficial copies of your transcripts for initial review.
   Screenshots are not accepted.
   Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted.

After You Apply

You can return to your application portal to check the arrival status of:

• Letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• Official test scores (if required)

Once you’ve submitted your application, please email graduate@arts.ufl.edu to let us know. We’re happy to assist if you have any questions along the way.

Step 3: Prepare a Digital Portfolio

PORTFOLIO DEADLINE: February 1

To complete your graduate application, submit a digital portfolio through UF’s SlideRoom portal. A $10 submission fee is required and paid online after setting up and reviewing your portfolio.

Your portfolio must include:

• Portfolio of Work: Submit at least 10 samples of design project work. Each sample should include the date, a brief description, and credits for any collaborators. Design writing may be included if relevant.
• Case Study: Choose one project from your portfolio and submit a case study that gives insight into your design process, writing, and communication abilities. There is no required format, but we recommend addressing context, approach/process, reflections, impact, and lessons learned. Submit as a PDF or include a URL if your project is video or interactive work.

For detailed instructions, visit SlideRoom. For technical support, contact support@slideroom.com.

STEP 4: Request Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are not required for the initial application review, but are required for applicants who receive an offer of admission.

• If you attended the University of Florida as your postsecondary institution, you do not need to order a transcript from the UF Office of the University Registrar.
• Transcripts must be sent from each postsecondary institution you attended.

Mailing Address for Paper Transcripts

University of Florida Office of Admissions
S201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 11400
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

Electronic Transcripts

UF accepts official electronic transcripts through the following services:

• FASTER
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse
• ScribbleSoft
• e-Scrip Safe
• Credential Solutions
• SCOIR
• Transcripts Plus

Use the following email address for these services: te@admissions.ufl.edu

Note: All documents submitted become the property of the University of Florida and will not be returned.

Transcripts & Degree Documents

A credential evaluation is optional for college coursework outside of the U.S.

Upload unofficial transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas from every institution listed in your application’s educational history.

Documents may be uploaded directly to the application or via your Check Status page.

Submit scanned copies of the official paper versions issued by your previous or current institutions.

Screenshots of grades will not be accepted.

If your transcripts or degree documents are not issued in English, include a certified, literal, line-for-line English translation. Acceptable translations must be issued by your institution or a professional translation service.

English Proficiency

The University of Florida requires proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure international students can participate fully in academic and campus life. Students from non-English-speaking countries who have not completed at least one year of study at a U.S. college or university must submit scores from one of the following:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 6.5 
• TOEFL (iBT & Home Edition): minimum overall score of 4.5
• TOEFL Subscores: 4.0 in all subsections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing)

UF’s TOEFL school code is 5812.

Please make sure to submit your IELTS or TOEFL score by the application deadline as these are required by the Graduate School for admission.

English Proficiency Exemptions

You may be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if:

• You have completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or in a country where English is the official language.
• You hold an earned associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in the U.S. or a country where English is the official language.

See the list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements.

English Language Support

UF’s English Language Institute (ELI) offers academic and language support to graduate students, including:

• SPEAK & EAP 5836 courses for Academic Writing and International Teaching Assistant Support (as required by the Graduate School or your department).
• Intensive non-degree programs to improve speaking, reading, and writing in English, while also building familiarity with American academic and professional culture.

The ELI also provides housing support, academic advising, and additional resources.

Additional Resources

• UF Admissions Information for International Students
• UF International Student Services
• Overview of the I-20 Process

Assistantships are salaried positions requiring an average of 20 hours per week in duties such as teaching, technical/studio/lab support, gallery assistance, administrative support, and research. These positions make up the majority of the school’s financial aid and are awarded during the admissions review process.

Graduate assistants are evaluated annually. Reappointment depends on faculty evaluation of job performance and satisfactory academic progress. Most assistantships are renewed for the standard duration of the student’s program, as stated in the admission award.

Stipends

MFA 
20 hrs/week (.50 FTE)
→ $20,600 total (~$1,056.41 bi-weekly, mid-Aug to mid-May) 

Graduate School Fellowship
20 hrs/week (.50 FTE) for top MFA candidates
→ $30,000 total (~$1,149.43 bi-weekly, 12-month appointment) 
Recipients must register and work during the summer. These substantial awards are offered at admission to the most competitive applicants.

Grinter Supplemental Fellowships
$2,000 lump sum payment awards are allocated at admission to the most competitive students, in addition to a graduate assistantship award.

The award is for up to 2 years and is paid twice during the year: half mid-fall semester, and the other half mid-spring semester.

In addition to a stipend, assistantship recipients receive:

• Tuition Waivers covering the minimum credits for full-time enrollment:
  • 9 credits in fall and spring
  • 3 credits in summer A or B, or 6 credits in summer C
• GatorGradCare Health Insurance, available with subsidized premiums:
  • Employee only: $17.65/month
  • Employee + spouse: $162.85/month
  • Employee + children: $146.25/month
  • Employee + full family: $224.53/month
    More information available through GatorGradCare. 
• Leave Benefits
  • Graduate assistants receive paid personal and family leave, and retain health insurance coverage during approved research leave. More information is available via UF HR Benefits.

Please note:

All fees must be paid by the deferment deadline to avoid a $100 late fee and potential cancellation of registration.

Tuition waivers do not cover university fees (approximately $850–$950 per semester) or course fees (typically $45–$75 per graduate course).

University fees are deferred until mid-semester, allowing time to plan for payment.