What are the program characteristics of the Department of Visual Communication at Herron?

The Department of Visual Communication is one of two departments at Herron School of Art and Design, a professional school established in 1902. Eight faculty members teach in the Department of Visual Communication on a full-time basis.

What degree is awarded upon completion of the graduate program?

Students who successfully complete the graduate program in visual communication at Herron School of Art and Design are awarded the degree of Master of Fine Art in Visual Communication by Indiana University.

May I attend the program part time?

No. Students pursuing the MFA degree in Visual Communication must complete a coordinated curriculum of 15 credit hours each semester. Four semesters of study are sequenced chronologically. The MFA oral and written thesis reviews must be successfully completed within 3 years of the date of entry into the degree program.

May I keep my current job while in the program?

While it may be possible to work while conducting MFA graduate studies in Visual Communication, this degree is designed as a full time program. The majority of courses are scheduled during a 9:00 am to 5:00 pm workweek. This degree program is intensive and requires a significant amount of work outside of classroom instruction. All studio based research must be conducted "in residence" on site at Herron School of Art and Design.

Is health insurance available for graduate students?

Students have the option of purchasing student health insurance through the university. For more information go to http://www.iupui.edu/~gradoff/health.html or email studenhc@indiana.edu

What are the school characteristics of Herron School of Art and Design?

On June 3, 2005 Herron celebrated the grand opening of its new home, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hall, on the campus of IUPUI. This 169,000 square foot facility provides state-of-the-art learning environments to more than 800 Herron students. The school is positioned on the west flank of Military Park and serves as a cultural link for downtown and IUPUI. The Herron Galleries and sculpture gardens enhance the attractions of White River State Park, and neighbor other cultural destinations such as the Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens.

For more information see http://www.herron.iupui.edu

What are the campus characteristics of IUPUI?

Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI), the third largest university campus in Indiana, is located in the heart of a metropolitan area of 1.7 million people and is home to a vital and growing museum and cultural community. At IUPUI, more than 29,000 students are served by the largest number of degree programs in the state. IUPUI is composed of 21 schools including Business, Liberal Arts, Science, Education, Informatics, Law, Medicine, Library Science, Social Work, and Herron School of Art and Design. Although the campus is less than 30 years old, IUPUI has experienced rapid growth and represents a dynamic campus where change, innovation, and community collaboration are vital parts of everyday life. The campus is well on its way to becoming a model for urban higher education for the twenty-first century, committed to serving the needs of both non-traditional and traditional students.

For more information about IUPUI, visit http://www.iupui.edu/enroll

May I arrange to meet with someone for a tour and more information?

Faculty and staff encourage all prospective students to visit Herron if possible. Such visits enable prospective students to determine if Herron’s curriculum, atmosphere, and academic rigor match their educational/professional needs. Please email the admissions office at herrart@iupui.edu or call 1-317-278-9400 for an appointment or more information.

What cultural experiences are available in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis is known as the Crossroads of America as more interstate highways bisect the city and state than any other city in the country. The IUPUI campus is adjacent to many of Indiana’s major cultural institutions: the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indiana Repertory Theater, and the Indiana Historical Society. Indianapolis is home to many major museums including Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum and Indianapolis Museum of Art, the seventh largest art museum in the country. For more information about Indianapolis visit these websites:

http://www.iupui.edu/community/indy/
http://www.indy.org/
http://www.indydt.com
http://www.culturalindy.org/
http://www.nuvo.net/
http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/