Study Masters in graphic design in the US

Graphic design is a field that is persistently evolving, which means there are always new challenges to deal with, and new things to learn. It’s a creative field that allows you to express your ideas and communicate visually, which means it allows you to explore your creativity and translate your ideas into visuals. Also, there’s a high demand for jobs in the market where companies want to communicate to their audience via a graphic designer. Here are other reasons for pursuing a graphic design career:

1. Creative expression: Graphic design is an art form that allows individuals to express their creativity and imagination visually.

2. Versatile skills: Graphic design skills can be applied to a wide range of industries, including advertising, publishing, web design, and branding.

3. Communication skills: Graphic designers must be able to communicate complex ideas and information clearly and concisely.

4. Job opportunities: The demand for skilled graphic designers is increasing, and there are many job opportunities available in various industries.

5. Flexibility: Graphic design can be done on a freelance or contract basis, allowing individuals to work from home or create their own schedules.

6. Collaborative work: Graphic designers often work in teams, collaborating with writers, photographers, and other creative professionals to bring projects to life.

7. Constant learning: The field of graphic design is constantly evolving, which means that designers must continually learn and adapt to new technologies and design trends. This can make the work challenging and exciting.

Studying graphic design in the US can be a turning point for your career! Here’s why it’s the best decision:

1. High-quality education: The US is known for having some of the best colleges and universities in the world, and many graphic design programs are highly respected and offer rigorous training.

2. Diverse range of programs: There is a wide range of graphic design programs in the US, from large universities to specialised art and design schools. This means that students can find a program that fits their specific needs and interests.

3. Access to resources: Many graphic design programs in the US offer state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology, as well as access to industry professionals and internships. This can provide students with valuable experience and connections.

4. Creative culture: The US is known for having a vibrant and diverse creative culture, with many opportunities for designers to showcase their work and collaborate with others.

5. Career opportunities: The US is home to many design studios, advertising agencies, and other creative firms, providing graduates with a wide range of job opportunities. Additionally, many companies value a degree from a reputable American institution, which can help graduates stand out in the job market.

Typically, a Masters degree program in graphic design in the US spans over 2-3 years and requires the completion of 60-90 credits. Both full-time and part-time options are available. This program offers students the opportunity to delve into the realm of visual communication in a comprehensive manner. Areas of study may include:

• Digital Media

• Graphic Design

• Illustration

• Photography

• UX/UI design

Professionals in graphic design employ both artistic and technical skills across a range of industries, such as publishing, business, fashion, and advertising. Here are some of the top fine arts schools that offer programs in graphic design in the US:

*Source: (US News) https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-fine-arts-schools/graphic-design-rankings

There are majorly two intakes offered by US institutions, Fall intake when the classes begin in August/September and Spring when 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 tuition fee in the US varies a lot. It changes from one state to another. However, the average tuition fee ranges from $18,000- $48,000. The living expenses can also range from $8,000 - $35,000. Based on the student’s overall profile, the student may get some scholarships as well.

The eligibility requirements may vary with university you are applying for, but here are the common criteria for studying graphic design in the US:

1. University application: You need to submit an application in order to apply to the program and pay the required application fee. The application fee can range from $50-$100. With IDP, you may get the application fee waiver for some universities.

2. Résumé: In a résumé, you can briefly mention what you have done so far, your academics, your projects, internships and work experience, etc.

3. Goal statement (essay): While some universities want you to write your statement of purpose or an essay that is your opportunity to state your specific interests concerning the program to which you are applying. Your intended area of specialisation, career objectives and research interests and experience are of interest.

Some may also want you to write your goal statement that’s a written summary of your long-term professional goals. It acts as a guide to achieving your career objectives by specifying the exact steps to achieve these goals. You can use career goal statements to define your professional objectives and hold yourself accountable for achieving them.

4. Letters of Recommendation (LOR): LOR are something from your academic or professional contact who knows you as an individual and who can endorse or recommend your candidature to the universities you are applying. You can get LOR from your professors who have taught you or a professional under whom you have worked with. 

5. Official transcripts: You need to submit your official transcripts to the university. You can upload the marksheets that we also call unofficial transcripts while submitting the application. However, some universities want official transcripts in order to evaluate. You can either courier your official transcripts issued from the university in a sealed envelope or asked the respective institutions to send them electronic transcripts.

6. Portfolio: A Portfolio is a collection of all your artwork that you have done so far and by this, you can showcase your artistic creativity to the university.

7. English language requirement: As an international student, you need to take an English language proficiency exam. IELTS is widely accepted in more than 3,000 US universities.

When it comes to pursuing higher education in graphic design, two popular options are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees. While both degrees offer advanced education in graphic design, they have distinct differences in terms of their focus, curriculum, and career outcomes.

A graphic designer is responsible for developing unique visual concepts for a variety of projects, ranging from website designs to print advertisements. The nature of the work largely depends on the specific requirements and ideas of the organisation, and how the designer applies their creative skills to bring those ideas to life. The typical responsibilities of a graphic designer may include:

• Creating graphics for digital and print

• Use design software to create logos, web graphics, etc. for the organisation

• Designing social media posts

• Formalising the layout for a print ad

• Developing visual assets to support a marketing campaign

A Masters degree in graphic design can open up numerous career opportunities in various industries. With advanced knowledge and specialised skills in design, graduates can pursue a diverse range of jobs that allow them to express their creativity and contribute to the visual communication of ideas and messages.

Here are some potential career paths that graduates of a Masters in graphic design program may consider:

1. Animator: Animators are an artist who creates images that are played in a sequence to create the illusion of movement. As an animator, you can bring life into a character or object using animations, special effects and other visual images using various tools.

2. Graphic designer: Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas by using a variety of artistic and decorative effects.

3. Web designer: A web designer creates the layout and design of a website. In simple terms, a web designer makes sure to make a site look good.

4. Artworker: As an artworker, you will take designs that have been created by a graphic designer or a packaging designer and prepare them for production. This involves checking the design and making changes or corrections to the text, images or layout. 

5. Exhibition designer: As an exhibition designer, you'll work on large commercial public exhibitions, showcase events, trade shows and conferences for trade, industry or education, or cultural exhibitions for museums, libraries and galleries.

6. Advertising art director: Art directors design images for ad campaigns, including film, TV, website and printed adverts. They are responsible for the creation and development of advertising ideas majorly for their visual appearance.

7. Illustrator: An illustrator is an artist who specialises in enhancing writing or elucidating concepts by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea.

8. Concept artist: A concept artist is a designer who visualises and creates art for characters, creatures, vehicles, environments, and other creative assets.

9. UX designer: UX designers are responsible for creating products or services that ensure a positive experience for the user while meeting overall business goals. They follow the UX design process to understand the needs, goals and pain points of their target audience and to design and test potential solutions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 2.6% increase in employment opportunities for graphic designers from 2021 to 2031, with approximately 6,800 new job openings expected to emerge during this period. Also, the average salary of a graphic designer in the US is $48,985.*

*Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Graphic_Designer/Salary

Overall, pursuing a degree in graphic design in the US can provide a wealth of opportunities for creative individuals who are interested in visual communication. With access to top-quality programs and state-of-the-art technology, students can gain valuable skills and knowledge that can lead to fulfilling and lucrative careers. Whether you are interested in working in advertising, web design, publishing, or another industry, a degree in graphic design can prepare you for success in a rapidly evolving field that is essential to modern communication.

If you want to know more about studying graphic design in the US, you can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They will help you with the end-to-end admission process.