Highlights -
- Reason - The job outlook after completing a master's in graphic design is projected to change to 3% from 2022 to 2032.
- Salary - The average median salary for a Graphic Designer is $58,910 per year and $28.32 per hour for a part-time hourly wage.
- Cost of studying - The arrival visa fees in the USA are $180 and the accommodation rates are the highest in a range of about $9,600–14,000. The average annual tuition fee for studying MA in Graphic Design in USA is $53,000 to $1,11,000
- Careers - You can explore fields like Visual design, animation artist, creative design, director, etc. with an average salary of $60,325 per year. It is seen that graphic designers in NY earn 12% more than in other cities like San Diego, which is $67,500, accounting for 11.3%
- Job market - Since the last two years, the job market in this sector has been around 270,900 in 2022 and by 2032, it is expected to rise to 279,800.
Masters in graphic design in USA spans over 2–3 years and requires the completion of 60–90 credits. Both full-time and part-time options are available. MS in graphic design in USA allows you to delve into the realm of visual communication. The two major intakes offered by US institutions are Fall and Spring. Classes for Fall intake begins in August/September, and for Spring, the classes start in January. Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around May, so you won’t have many options. You need to start preparing your applications 9–10 months before the commencement of the program. The nature of the work in MS in graphic design in the USA largely depends on the specific requirements and ideas of the organization. The main responsibilities of a graphic designer are -
- Creating graphics for digital and print
- Use design software to create logos, web graphics, etc. for the organization
- Designing social media posts
- Formalizing the layout for a print ad
- Developing visual assets to support a marketing campaign
After you study graphic design masters in USA, you can explore careers like Creative director, UI-UX designer, web designer, animation artist, illustrator, advertising art director, etc.
Graphic designers generally work in studios, where they have access to equipment such as drafting tables, computers, and software. Although many graphic designers work independently, those who work for specialized graphic design firms are often part of a design team. Many graphic designers collaborate with colleagues or work with clients on projects. The median annual wage for graphic designers was $58,910 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,450.
Reason for Studying Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
USA being the hub of education for tech courses, has been preferred by the students because of its advanced technologies. Some other reasons could be -
- Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
- About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- From technology to fashion, companies are recognizing the value of design in improving products, services, and overall customer experience. The rise of digital technology has led to a surge in demand for UX/UI designers who can create user-friendly digital interfaces
Table of Content
Top Universities for MS in Graphic Design in the USA
Many top graphic design universities in USA offer many specialization courses in Graphic Design for Masters. The table below contains a list of the top universities -
| University | Program | Admission Deadlines | Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | M.Sc. Computer | September 6 January 4 April 2 |
43.30 lakhs | $51,980 |
| Yale University | M.F.A. Graphic | Closed | 39.04 lakhs | $46,870 |
| Boston University | M.F.A. Graphic | Closed | 27.80 lakhs | $33,382 |
| University of South California, Los Angeles | M.F.A Animation | TBA | 44.87 lakhs | $53,849 |
| Purdue University | M.Sc. Computer | September 15, 2024 | 25.18 lakhs | $30,228 |
| Ohio University | M.A. Graphic Design | TBA | 11 lakhs | $13,199 |
| Iowa State University | M.A. Graphic Design | Closed | 11 lakhs | $42,012 |
| George Mason University | M.A. Graphic Design | closed | 18 lakhs | $21,598 |
| Clemson University | M.S. Graphic Communication | TBA | 35 lakhs | $20,400 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | M.A. Film Animation | February 1, 2024 | 49,23,582 36,93,311 | $59,102 (12 credits) $44,334 (9 hour credit) |
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Admission Requirements
To secure admission to an MFA in graphic design USA, students need to apply through an online application and pay the university’s application fees. Some of the masters in graphic design requirements-
- 3 to 4 years bachelor's degree in relevant field
- 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors
- SOP
- 2 to 3 LOR
- Resume
- Social & Leadership Activities
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: English Language Requirements
International students planning to study in USA are required to prove proficiency in English. Some of the masters in graphic design requirement ELP Requirements are mentioned below:
| University | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | 6.5 | 80 |
| Yale University | 7 | 100 |
| Boston University | 7 | 84 |
| University of South California, Los Angeles | 7 | 100 |
| Purdue University | 6.5 | 80 |
| Ohio University | 6.5 | 79 or higher |
| George Mason University | 6 | 80 and 20 in each subsection |
| Clemson University | 6.5 | 80 or higher |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 6.5 | 79 |
| Iowa State University | 6.0 overall and 5.5 in each section | 71 overall 17 in each subsection |
USA Student Visa for International Students
Students who are not citizens of the United States must obtain a USA student visa in order to study in the U. S. The procedure for obtaining a student visa in the U. S. is highlighted below:
| Visa Application | Online |
|---|---|
| Types | F-1, F-2, F-3, M-1, M-2, M-3, J-1, J-2 |
| Fees (USD) | 160 |
| Fees (INR) | 11,899 |
| SEVIS Fee (USD) | 220 |
| Documents | Valid passport with a minimum 6 months of validity SEVIS-Fee payment receipt Visa fee payment receipt Form DS-160 Form I-20, from US institution Original Marks Sheet or Provisional certificates Score sheet of standardized exams taken to study in USA. Availability of sufficient funds Visa appointment letter (original as well as copy) |
Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: Cost to Study
International students planning to move to the USA for further studies are always concerned about the cost of studying. The average cost to study in the USA includes various factors like Pre-arrival costs, tuition fees, and cost of living. A glimpse of the same is mentioned below.
Pre-Arrival Cost
Pre-arrival costs are the expenses incurred while applying for the program and preparing to move to the USA. Some of the pre-arrival expenses are tabulated below:
| Type of Fees | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fees | 160 |
| Health Insurance | 2,000 to 36,740 |
| Airfare | 675 |
| TOEFL Fees | 180 |
| IELTS Fees | 185 |
Cost of Living in USA
On average, a student is required to be prepared to be with a budget of 15,000 USD per year. Some of the expenses required for the cost of living in the USA are tabulated below:
| Type of Expenses | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 9,600–14,000 |
| Health Insurance | 2,000 |
| Traveling | 1,440-3,000 |
| Groceries | 3,000 |
| Other Utilities like Electricity, Entertainment, etc | 6,000 |
Scholarships to Study MS in Graphic Design in the USA
To cut down the high cost of studying in the USA, students can apply for various scholarships in the USA. Some of the scholarships in the USA available for Graphic Design students are tabulated below:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrocephalus Scholarships 2022 | International students enrolled in master's programs. | Partial-funding 1,000 USD |
| Education Future International Scholarship 2022- USA & Non-USA | Available for Indian Students | 2 lakhs to 10 lakhs |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Available for Indian Students | Tuition fees and some other expenses |
| Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government) | International Students | Tuition Fess |
| Next-Gen Scholarship | - | 1,000 USD |
Job Opportunities After MS in Graphic Design in the USA
The average Masters in graphic design salary is $60,325. The range of salary varies between 28,300 USD (lowest) to 97,700 USD (highest). Some of the job titles with average salary packages are tabulated below:
| Job Title | Annual Salary (INR) | Average Salary Package (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Designer | 50,69,118 lakhs | $60,849 |
| Creative Director | 1,23,28,69900 lakhs | $1,47,992 |
| Designer | 61,94,173 Lakhs | $74,354 |
| Graphic Artist | 46,45,671 Lakhs | $55,766 |
| Graphic Designer | 50,25,466 Lakhs | $60,325 |
| Graphics Design Supervisor | 82,41,598 Lakhs | $98,931 |
| User Experience UX Designer | 1,03,61,33200 lakhs | $1,24,376 |
| UX Designer | 77,53,421 Lakhs | $93,071 |
The above ROI indicates that students who have graduated from Ohio State University have received the highest ROI percentage of 160%, indicating that their annual salary is much higher as compared to the annual investment.
Placement opportunities in the USA also vary according to the cities. Some of the popular cities in USA offering good job opportunities are mentioned below:
Graphic designing is a lucrative field and in the last 3–4 years, it has shown a significant increase in job opportunities. So, pursuing a Master's in graphic design is an added advantage that will increase your chances of landing in one of the top universities in USA.
FAQs
Ques. What is the duration of a Master's in Graphic Designing program in the USA?
Ans. A Master's in Graphic Design program in the USA lasts for two years if pursued full-time.
Ques. What are the prerequisites for applying to a Master's in Graphic Designing program?
Ans. While specific requirements may vary between institutions, most programs require a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field, a portfolio showcasing your design work, letters of recommendation, and sometimes GRE scores.
Ques. Can I pursue a Master's in Graphic design if my undergraduate degree is not in a design-related field?
Ans. Yes, many programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds. However, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in design through a portfolio or take related courses.
Ques. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for international students?
Ans. Yes, many universities offer scholarships, grants, and assistantships for both domestic and international students. It's advisable to check with the specific institutions you're interested in for details on available financial aid options.
Ques. What is the curriculum of a Master's in Graphic Designing program?
Ans. The curriculum usually includes courses in advanced design theory, typography, branding, user experience design, interactive design, and design research. Additionally, there may be opportunities for specialization in areas such as motion graphics, web design, or advertising.
Ques. Do Master's in Graphic Design programs in the USA offer opportunities for internships or practical experience?
Ans. Many programs incorporate internships, co-op experiences, or real-world projects into their curriculum to provide students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing a Master's in Graphic Designing program?
Ans. Graduates of graphic designing programs can pursue careers as graphic designers, art directors, web designers, UX/UI designers, brand strategists, and more in various industries such as advertising, publishing, marketing, and digital media.
Ques. Is it necessary to have prior work experience in graphic design to apply for a Master's program?
Ans. While prior work experience can be beneficial, it is not always a requirement. Admissions committees evaluate applicants based on their academic background, and portfolio.
Ques. Are there opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals during the program?
Ans. Many programs organize events, workshops, and guest lectures where students can interact with and learn from professionals in the graphic design industry.
Ques. Can I pursue a Master's in Graphic design part-time or online?
Ans. Some universities offer part-time or online options for their Master's in Graphic design programs to accommodate students with other commitments. However, availability may vary between institutions.
Ques. What makes a strong portfolio for admission to a Master's in Graphic Designing program?
Ans. A strong portfolio showcases a range of design skills, creativity, and conceptual thinking. It should include examples of projects that demonstrate your ability to solve design problems, work with different mediums, and communicate ideas effectively.
Ques. What sets apart Master's in Graphic Designing programs in the USA from programs in other countries?
Ans. Master's programs in the USA often emphasize a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
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