The Best Online Master’s in Graphic Design Programs
Summary of work: More than 35 hours of research. Every online Master’s in Graphic Design program in the US analyzed. 19 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. Top 6 programs identified.
Overview
Most people know that graphic designers are behind the famous logos we see on TV or in stores. But graphic design is a versatile career and professionals produce a wealth of other work from the visual media in newspapers and magazines to graphics for video game companies and design firms. As experts of visual communication, many can even enjoy careers as freelance entrepreneurs.
That said, this expertise must be earned, and many graphic designers pursue a master’s degree to receive the latest training in design theory and professional development. Programs cover key techniques found in the history of design and design innovation to ensure students have a mastery of core skills and room to apply their creativity. Under the guidance of experts, degree holders often go on to become creative directors or leaders of their teams.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN?
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CAN I GET A MASTER'S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN ONLINE?
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HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREES?
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HOW CAN GET A MASTER'S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN?
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IS A MASTER'S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN WORTH IT?
The increase of online businesses has led to a surge in opportunity. As digital communication becomes increasingly popular, businesses, nonprofits, and the public sector will rely on graphic designers to engage people. In other words, graphic designers will have the opportunity to contribute their creative ideas to guide the future of the field.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in Graphic Design Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Graphic Design program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the 6 best online Masters in Graphic Design programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Savannah College of Art and Design
342 Bull St Savannah, GA 31402Savannah College of Art and Design is perfect in terms of value for students who want an affordable, flexible online graphic design program to earn their master's degree. Students not only set their own schedule but also pay the same tuition rate no matter where they live.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Communication Arts
Program Name: Master of Art in Graphic Design and Visual Experience
Accrediting Body: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous, Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 45 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Part-time, Full-time
Program Length: 4 years
Program start dates: Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
69%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$4,170 per course
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
2501 Stevens Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404Minneapolis College of Art and Design keeps its classes small to provide better student collaboration and individual support from faculty members. The small class sizes also make it easier for students to build relationships, which turn into networking opportunities once they've earned their degree.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design
Accrediting Body: NASAD
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-Time, Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 1; Spring: December 1
Graduation Rate
64%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$855 per credit
Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 W Mount Royal Ave Baltimore, MD 21217Maryland Institute College of Art offers an accelerated master's in graphic design program for online students who want to advance in their careers. Students can complete their master's degree in as little as 15 months of full-time study.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Art in Graphic Design
Available Concentrations: Graphic Design
DeliveryFormat: On-Campus
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 15 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall 2019: January 17
Graduation Rate
72%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$1,950 per credit
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24515Liberty University doesn't develop a student's skills by coursework alone; it also requires an internship for real-world experience. Students who complete the internship gain skills that they can use in their own professional careers after college.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Visual and Performing Arts
Program Name: Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (M.F.A.)
Accrediting Body: SACSCOC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Regionally or nationally accredited Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Field Education Requirements: 180 hour Internship
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, Part-time
Program Length: 2.5 years
Program start dates: January 14, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
50%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$565 per credit hour
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery St San Francisco, CA 94105The Academy of Art University offers a renowned master's in graphic design program that caters to students internationally. Though the school accepts more students from the U.S., it also accepts international students, who pay the same tuition rate as those who live in the States.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graphic Design
Program Name: Master of Arts (MA) - Graphic Design & Digital Media
Available Concentrations: Creation, Authorship, Entrepreneurialism, Social Innovation
Accrediting Body: NASAD
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Winter, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.0
Graduation Rate
33%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$1,031 per unit
Vermont College of Fine Arts
36 College St Montpelier, VT 5602Vermont College of Fine Arts provides students with the flexibility to work on their own schedule in the online master's in graphic design program. This program is specifically tailored toward working professionals who have prior obligations but want to earn their degree through part-time study.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Fine Art in Graphic Design
DeliveryFormat: On-Campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Summer 2018, Fall 2018, Winter 2018, Spring 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring 2018: April 8-14, 2018: Fall 2018: October 7-13, 2018
School Type
Private
Tuition
$13,689 per semester