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Pratt Institute

Program in Package Design

Brooklyn, NY

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Overview

A Top-Rated School with a Rich History of Graphic and Package Design Education

The Pratt Institute Graduate Communications and Packaging Design department has a 40-year history of preparing students for careers in graphic and packaging design: notable designer Paul Rand, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum, and graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister all got their start at Pratt Institute. The department's graduate student population is diverse, representing  about 20 countries. The Pratt Institute Graduate Communications and Packaging Design department currently ranks in the "Top 10 Graduate Design Departments" according to "U.S. News and World Report." The department offers: a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Communications Design, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Packaging Design. Curriculum emphasizes creative development, studio practice, and design history and theory. Upon graduation, students have a broad-based education to help them start or further their careers in the design industry, or become design educators.

20th Century Product Development: Master of Science in Package Design

The 2-year Master of Science in Package Design degree trains students for future careers in product development and package design for a range of fields and industries, from food to pharmaceutical to mass market products. The broad-reaching curriculum emphasizes all aspects of product development, from initial concept to finished product. Students take courses not just in design, but also in brand development, visual communications, marketing, and digital technology. Required first-year curriculum includes in-depth study on the visual aspects of typography, graphic design, art, and culture. Students also learn procedures for professional print production from start to finish, including electronic layout, digital proofing, file preparation, and technology trends in digital printing. Second-year students take advanced structured courses in marketing, design theory, image management, and workshops where students create their own projects. The program culminates in a thesis that combines a creative visual communications portfolio with research.

Selective Admissions Process to the Pratt Institute

All students applying to the Graduate Communications and Package Design Department at Pratt Institute must submit a portfolio of previous work. The admissions committee uses the portfolio to evaluate applicants' creative potential. Students should submit between 12 and 20 examples of their best traditional or digital work. In addition to the portfolio, students must also submit an application, letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, and a statement of purpose. International students must submit TOEFL scores in order to be considered for the program.

Learning from Leaders in Design

Professors in the Graduate Communications and Packaging Design program are leaders in the design industry, and many are currently working professionals. Design students work with experienced professors such as Kevin Gatta, owner of Gatta Design and Co. and author of several graphic design books. Thomas Klinkowstein, adjunct professor, is a graphic design consultant for organizations such as IBM and NASA, and his work has been shown in galleries around the world, including Paris' Centre Pompidou. Faculty also include a roster of visiting and adjunct professors that offer students access to a wide variety of techniques, skills, and insights into current industry practices.

Unique Extracurricular Design Guild Helps Launch Careers

The Pratt Institute Graduate Design Guild is open to students in the communications design, fashion design, and industrial design departments. Recently, the Graduate Design Guild has partnered with Barnes and Noble to design an exclusive line of products -- including notebooks and sketchpads -- featuring student work. The Graduate Design Guild allows students to build professional experience in design and network with industry professionals while taking courses at Pratt Institute.

Pratt Institute's Brooklyn Campus

All communications and packaging design classes take place in Pratt's historic Brooklyn campus. Graduate student living options range from the Pratt residence community -- including special interest communities -- to a full array of off-campus living opportunities. Graduate students can find assistance for off campus housing through Pratt's Office of Residential Life and Housing. A range of safe, fully-furnished, affordable short term housing options are available along with graduate student in-residence options that can enhance graduate education at Pratt.

Degrees & Awards

Degrees Offered

Degree Concentration Sub-concentration
Master of Science (MS)

Degrees Awarded

Degree Number Awarded
Master's Degrees 23

Earning Your Degree

Part-time study available? Yes
Distance learning programs available? No

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirement
Master's Degrees Thesis Required

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

45
Applied
42
Accepted
10
Enrolled
93%

Applying

50
Application Fee - Domestic
90
Application Fee - International
Yes
Electronic
applications accepted?

Application Deadlines

Type Domestic International Priority date
Fall deadline January 5th January 5th No
Spring deadline October 1st October 1st No

Entrance Requirements

Exam Details
Master's Degree Requirements Portfolio, letters of recommendation

International Students

Exam Details
TOEFL: Required TOEFL Paper score: 565
TOEFL IBT score: 85

Tuition & Fees

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Tuition & Fees

$35,226
Tuition & Fees
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Financial Support

Financial award applicants must submit: FAFSA
Application deadlines for financial awards February 1
Types of financial support available Health Care Benefits
Institutionally-sponsored Loans
Scholarship and/or loans
Graduate Assistantships
Career or field-related internships
Federal Work-Study
Financial support for part-time students

Student Body

32
Total Graduate Students
68%
International Breakout (representing other countries)

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino 3.13%
Black or African American 3.13%
White or Caucasian 18%
American Indian or Alaska Native Not Reported
Asian Not Reported
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Not Reported
Two or more races 3.13%
Unknown 3.13%

Gender

Male (15%)
Female (84%)

Location & Contact

Address 200 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, NY  10011
United States
Contact Santiago Piedrafita Iglesias
Chairperson
Email: spiedraf@pratt.edu
Phone: 718-648-5313
Fax: 718-399-4495

Pratt Institute
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