The Top Online Master’s in Graphic Design Programs

Graphic designers use typography, illustration, and other visual elements to inform, communicate, and persuade. Unlike bachelor’s in graphic design programs, which introduce students to foundational concepts and provide basic training in the field, master’s in graphic design programs offer in-depth instruction and opportunities for students to focus their skills.

Master’s in graphic design programs typically include 45-60 credits of coursework and take students two years to complete. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate tuition across disciplines was $12,171 at public schools and $27,776 at private nonprofit institutions during the 2018-2019 academic year. However, the cost of attending a top online program in graphic design can range $33,900-$115,000 total.

Graduates of master’s in graphic design programs can pursue careers in various fields, including graphic design, advertising and marketing, art direction, and postsecondary education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the graphic design field will grow 3% between 2020 and 2030. According to PayScale, graduates with MAs or MFAs in graphic design earn an average annual salary of $69,000 per year.

Keep reading to learn more about earning an online graphic design degree, the best programs, and career options for graduates.

Students who pursue their master’s in graphic design are typically intellectually curious, self-motivated, and creative. Many aspiring graphic designers can earn their master’s degrees within two years. However, some schools offer three-year programs for students who did not major in graphic design in college.

Most master’s in graphic design programs focus on practical skills training and award students MFA degrees. However, some schools offer MA and MS degrees in graphic design. Universities also sometimes offer master of design (MDes), design master of business administration (DMBA), and dual MDes/MBA programs.

If you’re preparing for graduate school in graphic design, it’s important to consider which degree will help you achieve your goals. Although curricula vary, MDes programs typically include classes on design theory and practice. In contrast, DMBA and MDes/MBA programs feature design, logistics, and business administration courses, while MA and MS graphic design programs offer more general training.

Some master’s in graphic design programs focus on writing and research. These programs are usually best for students who aspire to teach graphic design at the college level or pursue doctorates in graphic design.

Publication design concerns the use of typography, artwork, and layouts in books, newspapers, online magazines, and more. In courses on publication design, students study principles of visual storytelling and apply what they learn to their own bodies of creative work.

Interactive design typically focuses on user interfaces, exploring ways to improve the functionality of websites and applications. In interactive design courses, students study advanced visual theories and interactive technologies. They then apply what they learn to create interactive environments.

History of graphic design courses usually cover the development of visual communication from prehistoric cave paintings to today’s digital media. Students consider the impact of technological change on graphic communication and create final projects integrating historical and contemporary design elements.

Through the immersive study of contemporary graphic design, students discover new tools and techniques to use in their work. They also gain a richer understanding of graphic design by studying international developments in the field.

In courses on design management and strategy, students learn how to effectively manage teams of creative professionals. Students also learn how to maintain positive relationships with clients and corporate managers and discover how to bridge the worlds of visual design and business strategy.

The BLS projects that the graphic design field will grow 3% between 2020 and 2030, adding 7,300 new jobs. While this job growth rate is slower than the average across all occupations, the BLS projects that the number of jobs in related professions will increase rapidly during the same 10-year period.

A degree in graphic design is incredibly versatile. Graduates of graphic design programs work as art directors, web designers, advertising and marketing managers, and more. The BLS projects that jobs for art directors will grow 11%, and jobs for web developers and digital designers will grow 13% between 2020 and 2030. Positions for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers may see a 10% increase during this time.

See where a master’s in graphic design can take you. Explore graphic design careers.

Graphic designers use typography, color, and other visual elements to communicate ideas and engage consumers. They create page layouts for publications, determine the visual elements of brands, design product packaging, and much more. Although you can become a graphic designer by earning a bachelor’s degree, earning your master’s in graphic design may qualify you for senior roles.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $53,380

Web designers are responsible for the appearance and functionality of websites and mobile applications. They determine a site’s color scheme, typography, graphics, and layout. Some web designers work as user interface (UI) designers, focusing on how users interact with websites and applications. Others work as user experience (UX) designers, ensuring that sites are intuitive to use and easy to navigate.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $77,200

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers generate demand for products and services They create ad campaigns, spearhead promotional efforts, and identify new consumer markets. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers need both creativity and business savvy.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $141,490

Art directors determine the visual style of publications, advertising campaigns, product packaging, and films and television shows. They manage teams of creative professionals, such as graphic designers, photographers, and set designers, who execute their design plans. Art directors also have administrative responsibilities, such as establishing project timelines and budgets.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $97,270

Postsecondary teachers instruct courses beyond the high school level, often at colleges and universities. Graphic design instructors at postsecondary schools teach students design techniques and best practices. Some postsecondary graphic design teachers also engage in specialized research and publish in academic journals.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $80,560

Graduates of master’s in graphic design programs sometimes pursue doctoral degrees. Some enter Ph.D. programs in design where they research various topics, such as sustainability in design, design for learning, and design in urban environments. Ph.D. programs in design typically prepare students for careers as researchers or postsecondary educators.

Some graduates of master’s in graphic design programs instead choose to earn doctor of design, or DDes degrees. DDes degree programs provide advanced training in graphic design, industrial design, and architecture. Graduates of DDes programs sometimes pursue careers as postsecondary teachers of graphic design; however, many continue to work primarily as practitioners.

It’s Nice That is a UK-based online hub for creative news and ideas in art, graphic design, animation, and related fields. The site is updated daily and also offers a bi-annual magazine.

This online, global community of graphic and web designers offers a platform for posting and receiving feedback on work, finding design jobs and workshops, and networking with thousands of other designers and companies.

A go-to source for any graphic designer, Flickr provides access to thousands of photos and videos shared by photographers around the world and organized by various types of Creative Commons licenses.

RIT offers a well-known graphic design archive, where students can find biographical information on some of the most iconic graphic design artists of the 20th century.

This expansive archive provides information and download links to thousands of typographies. Students can find design examples, typefaces, and information on the designers associated with each typography.

Professional graphic design organizations have much to offer current students and recent graduates, starting with access to design resources. Many organizations offer students discounted membership rates and provide access to benefits such as professional design portfolios, free design webinars and events, and discounts on design products and collaborative workspaces. Many organizations also offer regional chapters with local events that allow students and professionals to network in person.

AIGA is the largest professional design organization worldwide, with more than 25,000 members and 70 chapters. In addition to membership benefits like professional development and a design job board, AIGA offers a diverse and active board that advocates for designers and helps define global design standards.

This national organization provides professional development opportunities and helps set standards for graphic designers, animators, and other artists. In addition to other benefits, members receive a copy of the industry-standard Pricing & Ethical Guidelines handbook for design professionals.

Open to artists across many industries and backgrounds, The One Club offers professional portfolio reviews and other membership benefits for professionals. It also works with schools and youth organizations to provide creative opportunities and scholarships. The organization also hosts the longest-running annual design award in the world.

This Boston-based organization offers global membership and connects designers with business clients across industries. Members receive discounts on annual conferences in the design space, a subscription to an industry-leading quarterly review, and access to an extensive membership network.

SPD brings together visual storytellers and their work from across the globe. Members receive discounts on SPD design and storytelling competitions, access to members-only events, and eligibility to serve on the SPD Board of Directors.