Online Masters In Graphic Design Programs | Schools, Requirements, Cost – Graphic design is the product that adds value to people’s lives. As a graphic designer who wants to add value and advance in the field, a master’s degree will teach you the relevant skills you need. It is more reasonable when you earn your master’s degree in graphic design program from one of the best schools online.
An online graphic design master’s degree guild students to careers through design theory, skills training, and professional development while giving them the flexibility and convenience they need.
Just like the master’s degree in graphic design taught on campus, an online option also prepares students for a wide range of careers relating to artistic design and computer technologies.
Thus, this write-up will provide you with important information on the online master’s degree in graphic design. Meanwhile, you will get to know more about the best schools to earn a master’s degree in graphic design, their requirements, and their cost.
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is a craft that creates visual content to communicate messages. However, it involves the use of images, words, basic graphic forms, and the overall layout of the visual design to convey a message or feeling.
According to AIGA, the professional association for design, graphic design is “the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.”
From Wikipedia, Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem-solving through the use of typography, photography, iconography, and illustration.
From the explanation above, one can say that it is the process by which one creates visually interesting imagery that defines the world around us.
Who Is A Graphic Designer?
A graphic designer is a person that creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, as well as captivate consumers. Graphic designers are also referred to as graphic artists or communication designers.
Why Study A Degree In Graphic Design?
studying graphic design is always fun for creative people who like playing with colors, giving information using images, and who want to create great visual content to communicate messages.
One of the most significant benefits of being a graphic designer is the numerous job options, such individuals hardly look for jobs.
However, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in graphic design will teach you all there is to know about typography, page layout techniques, user interface (UI), user experience (UX), and industry-specific software.
Reasons Why You Should Study Graphic Design
- Make your mark on the world. As a designer, you will be creating unique work you can be proud of and sharing it with the world. Also, your work could potentially be seen by generations to come.
- Work across a range of industries. Every industry needs effective visual communication; hence, the need for good designers. So, as a graphic designer, there are endless possibilities for you.
- You get paid for being creative. Basically, graphic designers express their creativity every day. So, if you’re a creative type, with a good eye for detail, graphic design gives you the opportunity to bring your ideas to life.
You make a real difference. whatever you design, the ability to create change is a privilege and an advertising campaign has the potentials to make a difference. Ensure you hone your visual communication skills at college and use them to make an impact.
The world is your oyster. With a pencil, mac, laptop, and the right software, a designer can work anywhere in the world.
- Be your own boss. As a graphic designer, there are lots of opportunities for you to work for yourself, from freelancing to setting up your own agency. With marketing and artistic skills, you can launch your own commercial brands as well as promote your own product ranges.
What Is A Masters In Graphic Design?
A master’s degree in graphic design is a program that examines the artistry, technology, and technique associated with creating graphics digitally.
A typical master’s program in the graphic design curriculum includes a thorough study of design history and theory, as well as advanced study in design concepts such as typography and design research.
This program’s major aim and objective are to develop students’ ability to create graphics, and as such, its courses are often highly practical.
Some of the courses you might expect include:
- Graphic Design Compositions
- Commercial Design Techniques.
- Introduction to Photoshop
- Introduction to Illustrator
- Color Theory
Types Of Masters Degree In Graphic Design
There are two graduate degrees for students of graphic design:
Masters of Arts (MA) in Graphic Design
Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design
The MA in graphic design is a theoretical and academically advanced degree, while the MFA in graphic design is the pinnacle professional degree for graphic artists and related professionals.
Another distinction is that the MA student focuses on a singular academic specialization, sometimes in preparation for teaching. On the other hand, the MFA student is free to explore a wide range of skill applications and elective fields.
Degree requirements include completion of a research or theoretical study for the MA in graphic design and a creative dissertation or portfolio for MFA students.
One similarity is that both degrees take from two to three years to complete, depending on the programs and graphic design schools.
Why Pursue An Online Master’s Degree In Graphic Design?
One may wonder why an individual will pursue an online masters in graphics design Here are some reasons why you should consider earning your master’s degree in graphic design online:
- An online master’s degree in design can prepare students for a wide range of careers relating to artistic design and computer technologies.
- As a professional, an online master’s graphic design program enables you to create a balance between work and studies.
- A master’s degree program in graphic design will increase marketability and improve the attractiveness of a resume.
- An online master’s degree program allows students to attend the top programs in the country without relocating.
- Again, graduates with master’s in graphic design online degrees can pursue leadership roles such as art director, marketing manager, and product designer.
Who Can Pursue An Online Master’s Degree In Graphic Design?
Anyone can pursue a master’s degree in graphic design provided you have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or any related field.
What Are The Requirements For An Online Masters In Graphic Design?
The basic requirement for an online master’s degree program in graphic design is a bachelor’s degree. However other requirements may include the submission of the following:
- Letters of recommendation
- A portfolio of previous work
- GRE scores
- Personal statement
- Transcript
What Is The Cost For An Online Masters Degree In Graphic Design?
There is no specific cost for an online master’s degree in graphic design program as the cost differs among schools and programs.
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The best source of information regarding tuition and fees is the admissions office at the school you are planning to attend. so, let no man deceive you or extort your money
Therefore, intending students are advised to look up their chosen schools and program for the tuition fee and other costs involved in earning a master’s degree in graphic design online.
Meanwhile, request a formal summary of expenses if you want a full rundown of the cost of this program.
How Long Does It Take To Complete A Masters Program In Graphic Design Online?
Most online graphic design master’s degree programs take about one to two years to complete and require at least 30 credits. However, the completion time depends on the program’s structure and content.
Which Schools Are The Best For Online Masters In Graphic Design Programs?
To effectively rank the best school for online masters in graphic design programs, we used the following factors.
To make your degree count, it’s of essence you attend an accredited college or university. In line with this, the accreditation of each online school counts in making it one of the best or top schools for a master’s degree in graphic design.
This is specifically the rate or percentage at which the school accepts or admits students. Most top universities are known for having low acceptance rates. This applies majorly to schools that offer an online master’s degree in graphic design in the USA.
List of the best schools for online masters in graphic design programs
- Savannah College of Art and Design
Online M.A. in Graphic Design and Visual Experience
Located in Savannah, Georgia; Atlanta, USA, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit institution. It offers over 40 certificate and degree programs, including one of the best online graphic design master’s programs.
The online master’s of art in graphic design program uses asynchronous courses, giving students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
This 45-credit master of art in graphic design covers topics such as:
Design research
Ideation models and processes
Visual analysis of static content
Professional practices for visual design.
Students also learn from representatives of top digital firms, like Airbnb, Hasbro, and Google. Learners who earn this master’s in graphic design online culminate the degree with an internship, SCADpro collaboration, or two 500-700-level elective courses.
Graduates of this program can work as graphic designers, brand designers, mobile app designers, and publication designers.
To apply for this online MA graphic design program, you need a bachelor’s degree. Also, you must submit a portfolio, two letters of recommendation, a resume, transcripts, and a statement of purpose. Applicants can submit GRE scores to bolster their applications, this is, however, optional.
Inaddition, Savannah College of Art and Design has a 93% acceptance rate and a 68% graduation rate. It is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
- Online Master in Graphic Design
Located in Spain, the Barcelona School of Design (ESDESIGN) is the first 100% online design school, a meeting point where neither kilometers nor days nor hours matter. It is part of the Planeta Formación y Universidades, an institution with over 100, 000 students based in 114 countries.
It is an institution created with the aim of responding to the need for training of design professionals, with the ability to anticipate trends, analyze emerging social situations and needs, and provide the most innovative solutions.
Basically, the Master in Graphic Design aims to enter the world of graphic design by proposing a linear journey starting with the most basic design concepts (typography, a graphic sign, rhetoric, etc.). It continues through the study of each of the disciplines on which the foundations of the world of work related to design are established.
These disciplines include:
Branding
Editorial Design
Packaging Design
Digital Design
Signage or Way-finding Design.
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Quinnipiac University
Online Master’s in Interactive Media and Communications
Founded in 1929, Quinnipiac University is a private university in Hamden, Connecticut, USA offering over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. QU Online, an online division of the university established in 2001 offers a variety of flexible programs, including an online master’s in interactive media and communications.
The master of science in interactive media and communications basically prepares students to think critically and creatively leverage multimedia assets to become effective digital storytellers
The 30-credit program trains students to conduct research, solve problems, develop strategies, and produce professional media.
Students complete 9 credits of core courses and 21 elective credits. Electives cover topics such as:
Visual design
Web technologies
Content strategy
Visual storytelling.
The degree culminates with students completing a professional portfolio that they can use for job applications following graduation.
To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. Also, you must submit a resume, two recommendation letters, a 500-word personal statement, a portfolio of work, a 1,000-word original writing piece, and official transcripts.
Quinnipiac was ranked #7 among LinkedIn’s 2014 analysis of best schools for media professionals.
Furthermore, Quinnipiac University has a 74% acceptance rate, a 77% graduation rate, and is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
- Liberty University
Online Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
Founded in 1971, Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian university in the USA. It offers industry-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in Christian principles. LU offers several of its programs online, including a master of fine arts in graphic design.
The 60-credit, online master of fine arts in graphic design degree program takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Courses here use an asynchronous format, giving students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities.
The students take 10 core courses, such as advanced typography and interactive design, as well as three art history and theory courses and three electives. The curriculum features courses such as:
Publication design
Interactive design
The history of graphic design.
The program also includes a 180-hour internship that allows students to apply what they learn to a practical setting. Students culminate the degree with a professional portfolio and oral examination.
Also, LU has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to transfer up to 30 credits toward the degree.
Graduates of this online MFA graphic design degree program can work in industries such as advertising, animation, public relations, sales, and business.
To apply, you need an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also submit an artist statement, portfolio, official college transcripts, and proof of English proficiency.
However, Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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Campus Universitario Europeo – CUE Spain
Online Masters in Graphic Design
Located in Spain, the European University Campus (Campus Universitario Europeo) is an entity that works to achieve high-quality training. It undoubtedly aims to bring accessible and affordable training to anyone interested in training at an elite Campus, one of the most prestigious in Europe, in terms of Continuous Training refers.
The CUE Professional Master in Graphic Design will equip students with all the tools nec-esarias for the realization of graphics such as posters, corporate bodies, advertisements, magazines, and so on.
It takes about 6 months to complete the CUE Professional Master in Graphic Design online. The tuition fee is EUR 1,695.
Note that the degree is obtained after submitting and approving the practical cases of all the evaluable areas of the program.
To apply, you must have a diploma or be licensed, be a specialist in the areas of Marketing and Advertising, or be a Technician.
Furthermore, Campus Universitario Europeo (CUE) is accredited by the EEE, European Excellence Education, which ensures the correct compliance of the educational quality standards towards the students.
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Instituto Artes Visuales
Online Masters in Graphic Design
Founded in 1994, the Institute of Visual Arts (Instituto Artes Visuales) is a private institution dedicated to specialized training in areas of graphic design, multimedia creation, the development of communication for Web and motion graphics.
The Master in Digital Graphic Design is a postgraduate training basically designed for all those who want to know professionally the field of graphic design, both professional tools and theoretical concepts that every designer must master.
It takes about 12 months to complete the Instituto Artes Visuales Master in Graphic Design online. The tuition fee is EUR 2,850.
- ESDESIGN – Escuela Superior de Diseño de Barcelona
ESDESIGN Online Master in Graphic Design will allow us to master the graphic language and the codes most used in the design industry, to apply it to the rest of the disciplines of the design world: editorial, packaging, and digital.
The program enables the student to respond to the multifaceted reality of the design world, based on a linear journey. Also, it takes about 12 months to complete the program.
However, to apply for the ESDESIGN online graphic design masters program, you will need a bachelor’s degree in design, communication, and advertising, fine arts, or any related field.
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