Updated advice for prospective graphic design master's students: evaluate curriculum (including UX/UI and design research), delivery format, faculty, portfolio expectations, facilities, location, and funding. Request alumni outcomes and syllabi, and use a short checklist to compare programs based on your career goals.
When you're deciding where to get a master's in graphic design, focus on fit more than reputation alone. A well-chosen program should advance your skills, expand your network, and prepare you for the specific roles you want - whether that's art direction, UX design, teaching, or creative leadership.
Curriculum: what you'll actually learn
Look for programs that clearly list coursework and learning outcomes. Modern graphic design master's programs often include UX/UI, interaction design, motion, prototyping, information design, design research, and business or leadership electives. Check whether the program emphasizes theory and critique, technical skill, or industry-ready workflows - pick the balance that matches your goals.
Also note degree type: MFA (studio emphasis), MDes (applied design), MA/MS (theory or interdisciplinary focus). Each has a different expectations around practice, research, and a final thesis or project.
Format and faculty
Today many schools offer full-time, part-time, hybrid, and fully online master's options. If you need flexibility, see how studios, critiques, and mentorship translate to remote formats.
Investigate faculty backgrounds: practicing designers, researchers, or former industry leaders bring different perspectives. Look for evidence of active scholarship, exhibitions, or industry projects and for guest lecturers and adjuncts who maintain industry ties.
Portfolio, admissions, and outcomes
Admissions commonly require a portfolio, statement of purpose, and recommendations. The portfolio should show process as well as finished work: research, iterations, and thinking are as important as polished visuals.
Ask the school for placement stats, recent alumni work, and sample thesis/projects. Alumni outcomes and employer connections give a clearer picture of what the degree will deliver.
Location, facilities, and community
Location still matters for local networking and internships, but strong programs can connect you remotely to global opportunities. Evaluate on-campus resources: studios, fabrication labs, motion facilities, software access, and research centers.
The peer group is also important - look for diversity of backgrounds and collaborative opportunities across departments.
Cost, funding, and value
Tuition varies widely between public, private, and online programs. Explore assistantships, teaching fellowships, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Compare the expected career outcomes and time-to-employment against total cost to judge value.
Quick decision checklist
- Does the curriculum match the skills you want?
- Can the format fit your life (full-time, part-time, online)?
- Is the faculty profile relevant to your interests?
- Does the program support portfolio development and career placement?
- What funding and facilities are available?