An online masters in graphic design is designed for professionals who want to further their knowledge and career prospects in this field.
Graphic designers communicate using art, language, images, and more. As you further your expertise with dynamic visual design tools and strategies, you can learn to better express emotions and messages that reach different demographics.
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Those who pursue a graphic design masters degree online often want to enter senior, leadership, or teaching roles. A masters could also help you enter the graphic design field if you have a background in a different discipline.
Masters in Graphic Design Programs Online
A master’s degree in graphic design can help students develop a deeper understanding and mastery of graphic design. In these programs, you can learn valuable skills like typography, illustration, and various visual elements.
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Graphic design professionals are often curious, creative, and self-motivated. They often have the responsibility of helping an organization properly communicate with its audience. Graphic designers know how to use visual communication to properly represent a business or relay a message, which is essential in the digital world.
In order help you hone your skill sets, an online graphic design masters degree program will cover an array of subjects. Some of these subjects may include:
- Typography
- Digital illustration
- Digital imaging
- Design techniques
Graduates can go on to use their skills in a variety of careers. Potential career paths include:
- Art directors
- Web designers
- Advertising and marketing managers
- Postsecondary teachers
- Graphic designers
- Industrial designers
A masters in graphic design could be a strategic degree path for students looking to increase their knowledge in the subject or to merge their creativity into their careers.
Many schools offer their graphic design graduate programs as Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees. MFAs are considered terminal degrees, and they could even lead to teaching positions in postsecondary schools.
Graphic Design Careers and Salaries
A master’s degree in graphic design is a relatively versatile degree. These graduates work in a number of roles across the labor force, whether it be as teachers, self-employed artists, or advertising managers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of potential careers related to graphic design.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Marketing Managers | $140,040 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $127,830 |
| Art Directors | $105,180 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $98,950 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $83,240 |
| Technical Writers | $79,960 |
| Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers | $77,280 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $75,910 |
| Graphic Designers | $57,990 |
| Fine Artists | $57,560 |
This list doesn’t represent all the careers that may be available to you. Additionally, while a masters degree in graphic design can help you qualify for more senior or leadership roles in the field, it doesn’t guarantee any specific positions or salary. Many factors influence the hiring process.
Online MFA in Graphic Design Curriculum & Courses
An online graphic design masters program will expose students to many courses. These may include:
- Publication Design: In this course, you’ll study the tenets of visual storytelling so that they can be applied to your work.
- Interactive Design: This course exposes you to advanced visual theory as well as interactive technology.
- History of Graphic Design: This course will go over the development of visual communication styles.
- Contemporary Graphic Design Issues: In this course, you’ll study new graphic design tools and international developments in graphic design.
- Design Management and Strategy: This course teaches you how to lead and manage teams.
- Visualization Illustration: This course will require students to determine the projects they intend to complete throughout the semester.
- Brand Redevelopment: In this course, you’ll learn about how graphic design plays a role in the advertising of products or services.
- Design Integration: This course has you use new design methods in class projects and critique your classmates’ projects.
- Defining Client Needs: This course will build a student’s foundational interpersonal skills.
- Design Research: In this course, you’ll be introduced to both graphic design tools and research methods.
Graphic design masters programs will consist of varying coursework, so it could be helpful to review a program’s specific curriculum before applying.
Online Masters in Graphic Design Admissions Requirements
A master’s degree in graphic design requires a more extensive set of admissions criteria than bachelor’s programs, as can be expected. Admissions requirements will vary by school and program, but here’s a list of general requirements that you may encounter:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- 0 cumulative GPA, on average
It’s beneficial to review the admissions requirements for each program that you’re interested in to ensure that you fulfill the necessary criteria.
Graphic Design Masters Programs Accreditation
Regional accreditation is the status given to an institution once its educational offerings, faculty, and student services have been surveyed by a regional accrediting agency. This status certifies that a school provides a high-quality education.
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It’s beneficial to attend an accredited school in order to validate your education and degree. For many students, the main reason to attend an accredited university is that an accredited degree is often recognized and preferred by employers. Attending an accredited school can also be a precondition for many forms of financial aid.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
It’s common for graduate students to seek financial aid to help them meet the cost of their education. The first avenue that many students take is to fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Your FAFSA information will help determine your eligibility to receive financial aid administered by the federal government. Federal aid often comes in the form of student loans. You can also pursue scholarships and grants from your prospective school as well as from outside organizations.
In addition, some employers offer tuition reimbursement or other tuition benefits to workers who are furthering their education.
Is Graphic Design in Demand?
As businesses are increasing their digital presence, the need for graphic design professionals continues to grow.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% job growth for graphic designers over the next ten years, with around 24,800 positions expected to open up each year. These openings will be largely due to the need to replace workers who transfer jobs or leave the workforce.
Other positions related to graphic design are projected to see average or faster than average growth over this same period. These positions include art directors (4% job growth), web designers (16%), and advertising, promotions, and marketing managers (10%).
What Can You Do with a Masters in Graphic Design?
Earning a graphic design masters online may open the door to many prominent careers. It’s common for these graduates to become postsecondary teachers or even self-employed artists. Graduates from these programs are also often prepared to enter managerial-level positions.
Others go on to fulfill positions within ad agencies, design companies, or even multimedia design. Potential career paths in this field include graphic designer, web designer, advertising or marketing manager, art director, industrial designer, and multimedia artist.
How Much Can You Make with a Masters Degree in Graphic Design?
A master’s degree in graphic design may open the door to various careers, and these careers can span industries like marketing, art direction, postsecondary education, and more. So, the salaries for this field can vary greatly depending on your position, industry, geographic location, and level of experience and education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for graphic designers is $57,990, with most of these professionals making between $35,430 and $100,920 each year. Senior or management occupations generally have higher earnings. For instance, the median salary for art directors is $105,180, and the median for advertising and promotions managers is $127,830.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master Degree in Graphic Design?
Online graphic design masters degree programs usually require around 60 credit hours. These programs are often designed to take full-time students about 2 years to complete. The time it takes you to complete the program, though, will also be determined by you.
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Online graphic design degree programs tend to be more flexible than fully in-person programs. Some online degrees offer accelerated tracks, enabling you to complete your program sooner with year-round enrollment. Part-time studies can often more flexibility, but they can also extend your overall completion time.
What’s the Difference Between an MA vs. MFA in Graphic Design?
Here are some of the differences between a Master of Arts (MA) in Graphic Design and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design.
| MA in Graphic Design | MFA in Graphic Design |
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Comparing graphic design MA and MFA programs from different schools can help you determine which path is best for you.
What’s the Difference Between Web Design vs. Graphic Design Master’s Programs?
Here are some of the differences between graphic design and web design.
| Master’s in Graphic Design | Master’s in Web Design |
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While these disciplines can have some overlap, it’s beneficial to know which degree path best aligns with your career goals.
What’s the Difference Between Digital Design vs. Graphic Design Graduate Programs?
There is a lot of overlap when it comes to a masters in graphic design and a masters in digital design, but here are some of the differences between the two.
| Masters in Graphic Design | Masters in Digital Design |
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Assessing your interests and goals may help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Is a Masters in Graphic Design Worth It?
Yes, a masters in graphic design is worth it for many students. Businesses and organizations of all shapes and sizes may require talented graphic designers to efficiently share their products, services, values, and more.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for graphic designers are expected to grow 3% over the next ten years, with about 24,800 positions expected to open up each year. Many related positions are projected to see average or faster than average growth over this same period. These positions include web designers (16% job growth), art directors (4%), and advertising, promotions, and marketing managers (10%).
Universities Offering Online Masters in Graphic Design Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Academy of Art University offers an MA in Graphic Design program online. Potential courses include History of Graphic Design, Making Ideas Visible, Type Forms, Visual Literacy, User Experience Design, and more. Building a portfolio is a common goal of the program. The full program may be completed in 4 semesters.
Academy of Art University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Arizona State University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Graphic Information Technology. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, or 10 classes that last 7.5 to 15 weeks each. The program typically offers the option to study topics based on career interest.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Aurora University offers an MS in Digital Marketing and Design program online. The program offers the opportunity to prepare for real-world work environments by completing either an internship or a portfolio project. The program requires 36 credit hours of 8 week courses, and can usually be completed in 1 to 2 years.
Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Brandeis University offers a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design program online. Potential courses include Digital Marketing Strategy, Search Engine Marketing and Optimization, Writing for Digital Environments, and more. Courses are typically taught in an asynchronous format and the 30 credit program offers both part-time and full-time attendance options.
Brandeis University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Fort Hays State University offers a hybrid program for a Master of Fine Arts in Art and Design. Most coursework can be completed online, but there may be on-campus requirements for some. Concentrations are available in Printmaking, Design, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, and Intermedia. A thesis and thesis exhibition are required components, as is passing comprehensive written and oral exams.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Jacksonville University offers a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts program online. A 4 week summer residency that includes a 2 week summer boot camp in JU’s on-campus facilities is required. The program typically uses a cohort model, with each cohort having about 10 students. There are both 2 year and 3 year cohorts.
Jacksonville University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Kennesaw State University offers a Master of Arts in Art and Design program online. Concentrations include Museum Studies, Art Education, and Digital Animation. The completion of 30 credit hours is required, and the program may be finished in 1 year. New admissions are usually offered every fall.
Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kutztown University offers a Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design program online. Active engagement is typically provided through virtual meetings and class discussions. The program aims to keep class sizes small, with the intent of facilitating 1 on 1 attention from instructors. The program is geared toward working professionals.
Kutztown University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University offers an online program for a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours of 8 week courses, and typically takes 2 years to complete. The opportunity to participate in a 180 hour internship and a 90 hour practicum to gain hands-on experience is offered.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lindenwood University offers an online program for an MA in Art and Design with an emphasis in Graphic Design. The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, and aims to teach both the theory and the practical applications of graphic design. A choice is offered to complete either a thesis or an applied project.
Lindenwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design. Classes are usually taught synchronously while still allowing for a high level of flexibility. Class sizes are typically small so as to facilitate personalized attention from instructors and getting to know classmates.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Savannah College of Art and Design offers an MA in Graphic Design and Visual Experience program online. The program requires the completion of 45 credit hours, including courses such as Ideation Models and Processes, Methods of Contextual Research, Typographic Voice and Visual Narrative, and more.
SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Stephen F. Austin State University offers a hybrid program for a Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Optional travel classes are offered during the Maymester and summer sessions, and there are typically portfolio events on campus every semester. Internship opportunities may lead to earning course credit and gaining professional experience at the same time.
Austin State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas State University offers an MFA in Communication Design primarily online but with a low-residency requirement. Coursework may be completed online, and then an on-campus visit is required once each semester to attend in-person workshops and lectures. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, including a thesis.
Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Web Design. Courses are typically taught using a combination of live virtual meetings and pre-recorded lectures that can be watched any time. Networking opportunities and hands-on assignments are also commonly offered.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Masters in Graphic Design Online
An online masters degree in graphic design hones students’ abilities to utilize a variety of visual mediums to communicate with an audience. These skills are applicable to an array of positions and settings.
A masters program in graphic design offers a rigorous curriculum and opportunities to build your portfolio. In addition, masters degrees often increase the career prospects of graduates, which is why many degree holders are found in senior or leadership roles. Some MFA graduates even go on to teach in postsecondary schools.
You could start researching accredited institutions today to see which graphic design masters program best aligns with your schedule, interests, and career goals.
