Best Online Master’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs of 2025

A master’s in graphic design develops students for management positions in the graphic design field in industries ranging from marketing and advertising to web design, publishing, digital communications, healthcare, and more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $58,910, and employment in the field will grow by 3% through 2032. Meanwhile, art directors earn a median annual salary of $106,500, and jobs are predicted to increase by 6% in the next decade.

An online master’s in graphic design can take 1-2 years to complete, depending on the total number of credits required by the program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for graduate degree programs is $12,596 at public schools and $28,017 at private schools.

Choose your area of study

Students should consider whether they want a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in graphic design. MFA programs focus on honing students’ artistic abilities and expanding their portfolios. Students who want a broader range of courses in areas relevant to graphic design may want to explore an MA program.

Also, some programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as editorial design, marketing, or motion graphics. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your master’s in graphic design program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for art education.

When researching programs, you should also look for answers to the following questions:

• Can you afford the cost of the program? What scholarships and financial aid are available?
• What networking opportunities are available?
• Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
• Does the program require hands-on experience, like an internship?
• What are the program’s retention, graduation, and job placement rates?

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Get a headstart on the many other applicants by reviewing the program deadlines and application requirements and staying organized with a checklist.

Application requirements vary by school and program. Many programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, a resume, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a personal statement that explains to admissions officers why you desire a master’s in graphic design and your career goals. Your resume should accentuate your graphic design experience and applicable certifications.

Some schools may require GRE scores, although for art degrees it’s more common for students to submit a portfolio of recent graphic design work. Contact the school’s admissions office to confirm you have the most accurate information regarding application requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Some students may only apply to one or two programs based on their specific interests or needs, while others submit several applications to increase the odds of acceptance. Students applying to multiple programs should remember that most schools charge application fees and budget accordingly.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based aid like federal work-study, state and federal grants, institutional scholarships, and federal loans. You can also research merit-based scholarships and grants from professional development organizations, non-profits, community and religious groups, and more.

Students who will be working while enrolled in an online master’s in graphic design program should find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Veterans and active military service members should find out if the school offers military discounts and accepts GI Bill benefits.

Any questions about financial aid, student loans, and tuition should be directed to the school’s financial aid office.