Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Here’s All You Need To Know

What comes to your mind when you hear of Graphic Design? Visually appealing interfaces and art created in digital space? While the discipline covers it, there’s much more to Graphic Design than that. Designers use this craft to communicate specific messages and ideas in a visual context, ranging from a business logo to complex web page layouts.

So will graduation be good enough to make you stand out as a graphic designer? Or should you pursue a Master’s as well to get better job prospects in the industry? If you are thinking of mastering Graphic Design (literally and otherwise), then there are many renowned institutions abroad to aid you in your quest, with some of the best located in the United States of America (USA).

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Why Pursue Masters in Graphic Design in the USA?

Being the world’s top education provider, there are many reasons why you might want to obtain your masters in Graphic Design in USA, such as: 

1. Chasing Academic Excellence

The universities in the US are known for their advanced teaching methods. They focus on the overall development of the students by providing them with practical exposure along with top-notch facilities.

2. Getting Global Recognition

Studying masters in Graphic Design in USA will open opportunities to work anywhere around the globe. The country also boasts of housing the best graphic designers worldwide. 

3. Experiencing Cultural Diversity

Since people flock to the US from around the world to reside and work, the university campuses are inclusive, consisting of students from different cultures. Pursuing your masters in Graphic Design in the USA can open you up to new traditions and experiences.

4. Excellent Financial Support

Numerous scholarships and financial grants are available for designers wanting to obtain a masters in Graphic Design in USA. The institutes provide assistance during the application, visa, and admission process. In addition, students have access to counsellors to seek career guidance and emotional and mental support. 

Also read: Exams To Study in USA

Top Universities for Masters in Graphic Design in USA

Here’s a list of top institutes where students can apply for Masters in Graphic Design in USA:

S. no.	University Name	Course Name	Duration
1	Yale University	Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design	2 years
2	Boston University	MFA in Graphic Design	2 years
3	Iowa State University	MFA in Graphic Design	2-3 years
4	University of Illinois	Master of Graphic Design	2 years
5	Rhode Island College of Design	MFA in Graphic Design	2-3 years
6	Maryland Institute College of Art	MA in Graphic Design	2 years
7	Savannah College of Art and Design	MFA in Graphic Design	2 years
8	Suffolk University	MA in Graphic Design	1.5 – 2 years

How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?

Cost of Studying Masters in Graphic Design in the USA

The tuition fees and living expenses to pursue Masters in Graphic Design in USA may vary, depending on the university, the state, and the course duration. Here’s a breakdown:

• Tuition Fee (per year): $13,000 – $60,000 (INR 10,73,411 – 49,54,209 L)
• Living Expenses (per year): $10,000 – $18,000 (INR 8,24,748 – 14,84,546 L)
• Total Expenses (per year): $25,000 and $45,000 (INR 20,61,870 – 37,11,366 L)

Students can also get some scholarships, based on their overall profile.

Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students

When Can You Apply?

Unlike Indian universities, the institutes in US offer three types of intakes for students in various months of the year:

1. Fall Intake

For Fall intake, classes start in the month of August or September. It’s popular among Indian students and the deadline for applying for this intake is generally around December or January of the previous year.

2. Spring Intake

The Spring intake starts in January, and the deadline to apply is around September or October of the previous year. It is best for the students who have missed the Fall intake.

3. Summer Intake

The Summer intake is available only for limited colleges and programs and starts around May.

Ultimately, students must choose their intake season based on their preferences, needs and academic goals. It’s crucial to research and compare available options to determine what suits you best.

Also Read: Check out these US Universities Application Deadlines for 2023-2024

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Graphic Design in USA

Here are some of the common requirements that you need to fulfill for a Masters in Graphic Design in USA:

• A Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (83-86%) or equivalent.
• A portfolio of your graphic design work that showcases your skills, creativity, and style.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) that explains your motivation, goals, and interests for pursuing master’s in graphic design in the US.
• A resume or CV that highlights your academic and professional achievements and experiences.
• Letters of recommendation (LOR) from professors or employers who can attest to your academic and professional abilities and potential.
• English language proficiency test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum scores vary by university but generally range from 6.5 to 8 for IELTS and from 79 to 100 for TOEFL iBT.
• GRE test scores are optional for some universities but may be required or recommended for others. The minimum scores vary by the university but generally range from 150 to 170 for verbal and quantitative sections and from 3.5 to 6 for analytical writing sections.

Also Read: 10+ Helpful Phrases to Learn Before You Study in USA

Visa Process

To apply for a visa for completing your Masters in Graphic Design in USA, you need to follow these steps:

1. Apply to a SEVP-approved design school in the US.
2. After approval, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) will register your name.
3. Get Form I-20 after paying the SEVIS I-901 fee.
4. Initiate visa application in the US embassy.

Also Read: Can You Study in USA with B2 Visa?

Job Opportunities

After completing your masters in graphic design in USA, you can chase job opportunities for multiple roles, such as:

1. Design manager
2. UX designer
3. Graphic designer
4. Multimedia artist or animator 
5. Brand identity designer
6. Advertising designer
7. Logo designer or freelancer 

The cross-disciplinary nature of a master’s in graphic design opens up a number of career paths for graduates, including freelance graphic designers and industrial designers in manufacturing.

Also read: Jobs in USA for Indians: On Campus and Off Campus

Scholarships

There are several scholarships available for students who want to pursue their master’s in graphic design in the US. Some of them include:

1. The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for part-time or full-time students enrolled or planning to enroll in a major relevant to the art of print and graphics.

2. FOARE Creative Arts/Design Scholarship is available to any student attending or accepted to attend a degree program in graphic design or a related field, and provides students with $5,000 in funding.
   
3. The Graphic Communications Scholarship Foundation is a New York-based nonprofit that offers multiple college scholarships for $1,000 to $5,000 each.

Also Read: Fully Funded Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students Worldwide

FAQs

Planning to study masters in graphic design in USA? Contact Leverage Edu now to fulfil your study abroad dreams with no hassle.