Graphic design is the professional art process that requires the implementation of many fine art skills in combination with one’s creativity. Therefore, a graphic designer’s role is central to the performance of a final product as it is brought to market. Graphic design is used fundamentally in most industries as it is used to illustrate textbooks or create branding & advertising, among many other purposes. The specialized field of graphic design includes illustrations, typography, visual art, and the creative posture required to combine these aspects to create a visually appealing final product.
Top 5 Masters in Graphic Design Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio University | Athens, Ohio |
| 2 | Suffolk University | Boston, Massachusetts |
| 3 | Cranbrook Academy of Art | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan |
| 4 | The New School (Parsons) | New York City, New York |
| 5 | Pratt Institute | New York City, New York |
Students enrolled in a Masters in Graphic Design degree program or a Master in Graphic Design online program explore the many aspects of the graphic design process within the graphic design industry and beyond. This would include the exploration of various web & art, packaging, and logos & branding, among other graphic design elements. Additionally, a Masters in Graphic Design degree program provides students with hands-on learning experiences as they have the opportunity to participate in the many aspects of the graphic design program throughout their tenure at school. As such, a Masters in Graphic Design degree delivers degree candidates the opportunities to work with the important and essential practical skills required to navigate a graphic design career successfully. Career options for graphic designers include, in part, –
- A flash designer.
- A web designer.
- A layout artist.
- A photoshop artist.
- A creative director.
- Brand identifier, to name a few.
Fortunately, there are many quality Masters in Graphic Design programs from which to choose, many of which are available entirely online. If you have an eye for creative detail, a masters in graphic design online or on-campus degree may be the perfect degree and career for you.
Masters in Graphic Design On-Campus
Ohio University
Located in Athens, Ohio, Ohio University’s School of Design and Art offers a three-year MFA degree that allows students better to understand graphic design’s cross-cultural role in society. This cross-disciplinary masters in graphic design from Ohio University also offers students the opportunity to contribute to the Fine Art’s College Create-space.Degree candidates explore graphic design topics in image/typography and bookmaking, pedagogy and graphic design thinking, and interactive animation/technology and coding, among others.
Suffolk University
Suffolk University’s College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Degree Programs, located in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Graphic Design (MAGD) that is NASAD accredited. Those who wish to apply to Suffolk University’s master’s in graphic design program without a visual arts background can opt for a pre-degree program option prior to enrolling in the 12-class graduate degree in graphic design.
Cranbrook Academy of Art
Located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the Cranbrook Academy of Art is a nationally ranked institution of higher education that is exclusively dedicated to graduate degree education options in the fields of architecture, design, and art. Students enrolled in Cranbrook’s masters in graphic design program (MFA) can opt for one of eleven academic tracks that include print media, sculpture, painting, photography, 2D, 3D, 4D Design, ceramics, metalsmithing, and painting.
The New School (Parsons)
The New School’s Parson School of Design is located in lower Manhattan. The New School offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Communication Design that allows students to explore and learn competence and confidence in industry technologies that include JavaScript, CSS, and HTML through a cooperative team cohort. Students graduate from the New School’s masters in graphic design program in only twelve months. This program is considered one of the United States’ best higher learning institutions.
Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute’s School of Design offers a two-year, in-residence Master of Fine Arts in Communications Design that allows degree candidates to explore the many ways to communicate meaningful messaging by developing compelling experiences for each user of each product. Pratt Institute’s masters in graphic design program prepares graduates for the world of professional graphic design by learning about digital/print media, branding, typography, and interactive design, to name a few.
Yale University
Yale University’s Norfolk School of Art offers a two-year degree in Masters in Graphic Design (Master of Fine Arts (MFA)) that offers students a state-of-the-art digital lab facility while studying for a graphic design degree from this prestigious Ivy League university. Yale’s School of Art, situated in New Haven, Connecticut, was founded in 1948, nearly 250 years after Yale University was established in 1701.
Carnegie Mellon University
The School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), located in Pittsburgh, PA, offers a Master of Design degree that permits students to explore a research-based approach to professional design and social innovation. CMU’s masters in graphic design offers degree candidates three academic tracks – Transition Design, Design for Service, and Social Innovation Design. Students explore these topics, research-based design for interactive work, theory/practice of communications in design, and advanced concepts in service design, to name a few.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Founded in 1826, the Maryland Institute College of Art is located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an interdisciplinary degree program in graphic design with its MFA degree. Students enrolled in MICA’s masters in graphic design program explore a variety of relevant topics in research and design within MICA’s advanced lab facilities. Coursework for MICA’s graduate degree in graphic design includes studio classes in graphic design, visual identity in branding, interactive media, plus a thesis project, to name a few.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Located in Upstate New York, the Rochester Institute of Technology offers an MFA degree program in Visual Communication that prepares students in the areas of user design, professional practice, and innovation in research/design through a broad spectrum of available media options. Coursework covers the topics of design in motion, 3D modeling, typography, web/UI design, and project implementation, to name a few. Students graduate and enter the workforce as a consulting art director, UI/UX designer, or visual designer, among many other options.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio University | Athens, Ohio |
| 2 | Suffolk University | Boston, Massachusetts |
| 3 | Cranbrook Academy of Art | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan |
| 4 | The New School (Parsons) | New York City, New York |
| 5 | Pratt Institute | New York City, New York |
Masters in Graphic Design Online
Quinnipiac University
Situated in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac University offers a Master of Science degree (MS) in Interactive Media & Communications that prepares students for innovative and successful careers as professional graphic designers. Students explore the principles and theories relating to conceptual design, business challenges, and creative strategizing. Additionally, students enrolled in Quinnipiac University’s masters in graphic design online degree program are required to complete a project-based capstone experience.
Lesley University
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts degree program. Their master’s program has five residencies over 24 months and can be done online.
Savannah College of Art
Founded in 1978, the Savannah College of Art (SCAD) offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Graphic Design & Visual Experience that can be completed entirely online. SCAD’s masters in graphic design online degree programallows students to explore the graphic design techniques & approaches that include design research, ideation models, typographic voice/visual narratives, visual analysis of static content, plus a graduate internship in graphic design.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
The College of Visual & Performing Arts, located at the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts degree program in Communication Design (MFA) that is ranked among the nation’s best masters in graphic design online programs. Degree candidates work one-on-one with Kutztown’s faculty as they develop their graphic design voice. Kutztown University’s graduate degree in graphic design is accredited by the National Associate of Schools of Art & Design.
Ball State University
Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University offers a Master of Arts degree (MA) in Emerging Media Design & Development that is primarily available online with a low-residency requirement. This masters in graphic design online degree program is designed for working learners who wish to learn to manage the many advanced techniques of visual storytelling. Students can opt for a final thesis project or another personalized capstone project with the faculty’s approval.
Our Ranking Methodology The schools listed above include some of the finest Masters in Graphic Design programs available in the marketplace today. The list is organized with the most affordable graduate degree programs listed first. The data used to determine this list of available master in graphic design programs has been pulled from the latest available tuition data from the school year of 2019/2020 or 2020/2021. All other relevant information has been extracted from the school’s website and/or the information detailed on the NCES website as provided by the NCES – the National Center for Education Statistics. Each school’s rankings include the following information that offers students a comprehensive look at a potential school.
- Tuition fees listed are per semester, with 12 – 15 credit units, unless otherwise noted.
- Credit Units Required is helpful to determine the depth of the degree program.
- The school’s student enrollment data is indicative of the university/college size.
- The school’s Student to Faculty Ratio is valuable information for those students who prefer to learn within smaller class sizes or for those students who perform well at larger schools.
For even more programs, check out our associate’s in graphic design programs.
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