Masters in Graphic Design Online

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The best master’s in graphic design online programs should be backed by excellent and experienced faculty, a well-recognized and accredited institution, excellent infrastructure, and computer labs, and offer good value for money. The program format, structure, and options of coursework and specializations are also vital factors. Based on these and more, here is a list of the best master’s in graphic design online programs:

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

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Pursuing a master’s in graphic design is not an inexpensive affair. Programs are known to cost considerable amounts of cash, making it essential to seek a school that offers a well-rounded degree matched with affordability and value. After an exhaustive search, here is a list of some cheap online masters in graphic design programs in the country:

Link to this Page

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A master’s in graphic design degree hones both the aesthetic skill and technical expertise of the student so that they can create finished projects from the very first idea. During this master’s degree, students can learn to apply their skills to other industries and mediums as well.

In most cases, the graphic design master’s program requires 30 to 60 credits in two years. Along with graphic and art-related coursework, these master’s programs often cover topics in business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and advertising as well, providing students with a wide range of skills to work in a variety of industries and settings. Graduates can go on to take up successful professions in innovation and industrial design and work as creative professionals and educators, among others.

Masters in Graphic Design Degree Types

Graphic Design degrees at the graduate level come in several forms. Irrespective of the type of degree chosen, students should note that there can be considerable overlap in the topics studied. Depending on the degree type, the program can culminate in a final project or a thesis.

Free graphic design programs are available by the hundreds online. Unfortunately, they generally do not lead to a complete master’s degree. Most free or advertising-supported site offerings are either certificate programs or independent modules that existing students, working professionals, or enthusiasts can take up to gain additional knowledge and skill in graphic design. Here are a few sites that offer free videos and courses that can be of help:

1. Class Central Class Central offers free online courses in Graphic design and MOOCs from top universities and colleges. Most courses are self-paced and offer three levels of study – basic, intermediate, and advanced.
2. edX edX offers a plethora of graphic design classes that will teach students core principles such as color theory, design theory, design process, etc. Topics include logo design, design software, brand identity, a design portfolio, interface design, and much more.
3. Coursera Coursera is a popular destination for graphic design courses. Apart from paid courses, Coursera provides a decent range of free courses as well, many of which are authored by the University of Colorado Boulder, California Institutes of the Arts, Michigan State University, Saint Petersburg University, and other reputable establishments.
4. Udemy Udemy offers bite-sized learning courses, which it claims enable learning in minutes, as well as in-depth courses from top-rated instructors. Topics range from ‘How to Create Better Graphic Design’ to ‘Vector: Beginner’s Guide to Graphic Design’ to ‘Graphic Design for Entrepreneurs…Who Can’t Draw’, and a whole lot more.

A master’s in graphic design program is often an expensive program. In addition to tuition fees and other student expenses such as food, transport, books, stationery, etc., it is imperative for students to also invest in a relatively high-end desktop or laptop, one which can run the software required by the degree program. All these components add up to thousands of dollars, which is why seeking financial aid from various sources makes tremendous sense for most students. Here are a few sources of financial assistance that can fund a master’s in graphic design online degree:

Scholarships

Students with an excellent academic track record are eligible for scholarships handed out by universities, institutions, and bursaries. Scholarships are usually merit-based and have specific additional admission requirements to be met.

Grants

Students whose families cannot afford tuition for a master’s program can apply for a grant.  Unlike scholarships, grants are need-based and can pay for all other educational expenses in addition to the tuition fee.

Graduate Assistantships

Students can sometimes work as a professor’s assistant, helping them teach and demonstrate for undergraduates or assisting them with a project or workshop. In exchange for such services, known as Teaching Assistantships, the college offers a fee waiver or a stipend that can offset some educational costs.

Student Loans

In some instances, students may be eligible and can apply for loans from the federal government, banks, or private lenders, which entail interest payments. However, it is essential to note that delayed or missed payments will almost certainly result in a rise in student debt.

FAFSA

Completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) provides graduate students with an opportunity to determine whether or not they qualify for any financial assistance, like scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and work-study, offered by the university. In-depth information on FAFSA is available here.

Students must read the best Financial Guide to understand how to fund their graduate studies.

An online master’s degree in graphic design can enable a graphic designer to qualify or start a graphic design company, while graduates can work in research and academics. Graduates of graphics design master’s degrees are also generally employed by ad agencies or design companies, particularly if they have a distinguished portfolio. Multimedia design and animation are two other sectors that require graphic designers. In a nutshell, almost any sector or industry that needs design skills and relies to even a small extent on design are potential employers. Some examples include – packaging firms, marketing agencies, educational institutions, automobile companies, pharmaceutical companies, branding agencies, etc. Possible job titles include but are not limited to:

• Art Director
• Instructional Designer
• Multimedia Artist
• Website Designer
• Production Artist
• Computer Programmer
• Exhibit Designer
• Digital Design Manager
• Environmental Designer
• Technical Writers
• Special Effects Artists & Animators

In 2020, the annual median salary of a graphic designer was $53,380, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with jobs set to grow 3% between 2020 and 2030 (slower than average). Here are a few other jobs, their salaries, and outlook:

• Art Directors – Annual Median Salary: $97,270 | Job Outlook: 11% (faster than average)
• Industrial Designers – Annual Median Salary: $71,640 | Job Outlook: 6% (as fast as average)
• Special Effects Artists & Animators – Annual Median Salary: $77,700 | Job Outlook: 16% (much faster than average)
• Technical Writers – Annual Median Salary: $74,650 | Job Outlook: 12% (faster than average)

Graphic designers who are up to date with the latest technologies and trends can expect better job prospects and projects to take up. To do so, however, students and professionals should network and connect with peers, seniors in the industry, and design establishments, to know the latest in the world of graphic design and to help them build their professional portfolio. Design, after all, is evolutionary, and therefore its constant change based on different markets and people elicit creative collaboration, an exchange of ideas, design thinking, etc. Here are a few excellent ways for students and professionals of graphic design:

1. Dribbble
   Dribbble defines itself as the world’s leading community for creatives to share, grow, and get hired. It is the leading destination to find & showcase creative work and is home to some of the world’s best design professionals.
2. Creative Commons
   Creative Commons is a non-profit organization dedicated to removing legal barriers to information and creativity sharing. It provides licenses and public domain tools that allow anybody and any organization to offer copyright permissions to creative and academic works in a free, straightforward, and standardized manner.
3. Design Management Institute (DMI)
   Design Management Institute (DMI) promotes events, advocacy, and education in relation to graphic design. The institute also conducts research and workshops and has an active community of members.
4. AIGA – The Professional Association for Design
   AIGA was founded in 1914 as a small club of graphic artists, printers, publishers, and illustrators in New York City and has since evolved into a nationwide network of professional designers, educators, students, and design enthusiasts served by more than 70 chapters. The organization advocates for industry standards and launches journals and exhibitions, apart from providing various resources for students and professional development.
5. Graphic Artists Guild
   Graphics Artists Guild is a national association that offers professional development opportunities for graphic designers, animators, and other artists, as well as assists in the establishment of industry standards. The organization provides educational resources, articles & publications, and a host of benefits to its community members.