Best Master’s In Graphic Design

Graphic designers combine creativity and technical skills to create advertisements, logos, product packaging, and other visual designs. A master’s in graphic design prepares graduates for specialized roles in the field.

Graduates with a master’s degree in graphic design can work as senior graphic designers, art directors, and multimedia artists. Many of these roles offer above-average salaries. For example, art directors make a median annual salary of over $94,000.

Our list ranks the best master’s in graphic design programs. Prospective graduate students can use the rankings to find the right fit for their career goals. This article also introduces career and salary data for graphic design careers and graphic design scholarship opportunities.

Earning a master’s degree in graphic design offers several personal and professional benefits, such as increased earning potential and career advancement.

At the graduate level, graphic design programs look for applicants with graphic design experience and a bachelor’s degree. An undergraduate major in art, graphic design, or a similar field helps candidates receive admission. Some programs prefer candidates with professional experience in design or a related field. In addition to submitting transcripts, applicants may need to submit a portfolio of their work, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and/or a resume.

After gaining admission, graphic design graduate students complete coursework requirements. Most programs include a master’s project that allow students to showcase their knowledge and skills.

Graphic design degrees train graduates for various career paths. Graduates can pursue careers in areas like UX design, web design, print design, and interactive design. They may also work as multimedia artists, animators, and art directors.

This section outlines common careers for graduates with a master’s in graphic design.

Source: Burea of Labor Statistics

A master’s degree in graphic design builds advanced creative skills. Master’s students also strengthen their computing and technical skills by learning new software programs and experimenting with technologies like 3D printing. Graphic design students can specialize their skills by taking courses in areas like interactive design or UX design.

Many programs require students to present a portfolio of their work prior to graduation. Courses vary by program, but this section outlines courses commonly found in master’s in graphic design programs.

During this course, learners create prototypes, provide feedback in workshops, and complete group projects. Hands-on projects hone students’ creative and technical skills. Master’s students may workshop their thesis project in a design studio course.

Graphic designers increasingly work with interactive design technologies. In this course, master’s students examine topics like fabrication, prototyping, and design for interactive spaces. Students learn to use 3D design software, including CAD, CAM, and Rhinoceros. The course also covers algorithmic design and physical computing.

Courses in user experience design train graduate students to create digital interfaces that provide a positive experience for users. Learners examine visual and textual communication strategies, human-computer interaction, and interfacing technology. The course also covers design approaches, UX design evaluation, and interface design.

A graphic design certification can help professionals demonstrate mastery of certain industry-relevant programs. For example, Adobe offers multiple certifications in their products, including Illustrator.

Certifications can also help professionals demonstrate their expertise in a specialization. For example, web designers can earn CIW web design certifications, and 3D designers can pursue Autodesk certification. Typically, certification candidates must pass an exam. Some certifications also set minimum education and/or professional experience requirements.

While many graphic design roles do not require certification, professional certifications can give candidates a competitive advantage in the job market.

Professional associations, private foundations, and universities all support master’s students with scholarship and grant opportunities. In addition to the following scholarships, students should research financial aid opportunities based on factors like their state, school, and career goals.