Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Top Universities, Admission Requirements, Cost, Scholarships, Placements
Masters in Graphic Design in USAMasters degree in Graphic Design in USA typically requires 2 to 3 years of full-time study and completion of 60-90 credits, with both full-time and part-time options available.
It offers specializations like M.F.A. in Graphic Design, M.F.A Animation, M.A. Graphic Design, M.S. Graphic Communication, M.A. Film Animation. To be eligible for a Masters in Graphic Design in USA, applicants must have 16 years of prior education 4-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
The fee structure for Masters in Graphic Design in USA ranges from $13,199 to $59,102 (11 lakhs to ₹49.23 lakhs), and living costs in USA range from $9,600 to $14,000 (₹7.97 lakhs to ₹11.62 lakhs). Masters in Graphic Design in USA has a good placement record, and the highest package goes up to $1,47,992 ₹123.28 lakhs.
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Quick Highlights
The table below shows some of the key highlights of Masters in Graphic Design in USA.
Particulars | Details |
Degrees Available |
|
Course Duration | 2 to 3 years |
Type | Full type |
Top University |
|
Eligibility Criteria | 3 to 4 year bachelor's in a relevant field, 3.5 GPA or 87% equivalent |
Exam Accepted |
|
Course Eligibility | Portfolio, SOP, Resume, 2 to 3 LORs, English proficiency. |
Top Job Profiles |
|
Entrance Tests Required | TOEFL and IELTS, Portfolio |
Annual Tuition Fee | $13,199 to $59,102 (11 lakhs to ₹49.23 lakhs) |
Application Mode | Online |
Intake Sessions | August to September, Spring (January), some accept Summer (May) |
Why Choose Masters in Graphic Design in USA?
Many Indian Students pursuing a Masters in Graphic Design choose the United States due to the easy worldwide recognition, excellent education, and reliable career support. Considering that USA is the core of education for tech courses, it is far more popular with the students due to its sophisticated technologies. Some more points could be.
- Graphic designers' employment 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 tech and convenience stores to high fashion, designers are showing companies that they can improve products, services, customer experience, and total brand with their designs Owing to the widespread use of digital technology, there is an increase in demand for UX and UI designers that can build user-friendly digital interfaces.
Also Read: Masters in Graphic Design in UK
Best Universities for Masters in Graphic Design in USA
Here are the top colleges in USA for studying a Masters in Graphic Design, along with their QS world rankings and annual tuition fees.
University | QS World Rank (2025) | Annual Tuition (USD) |
University of Pennsylvania | 15 | $51,980 |
Yale University | 21 | $46,870 |
Boston University | 88 | $33,382 |
University of South California, Los Angeles | 146 | $53,849 |
Purdue University | 88 | $30,228 |
Ohio University | 190 | $13,199 |
Iowa State University | 449 | $42,012 |
George Mason University | 951-1000 | $21,598 |
Clemson University | 951-1000 | $20,400 |
Rochester Institute of Technology | 951-1000 | $59,102 |
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Eligibility Criteria
Check the eligibility criteria for top universities, qualifications required, and the documents required, given separately in the table below.
Top Universities | Qualification Required | Documents Required |
University of Pennsylvania | 4 year Bachelor's in Design or related field | SOP, Portfolio, Resume, 2 to 3 LORs, IELTS, and TOEFL scores. |
Yale University | Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or Visual Communication | Portfolio (mandatory), SOP, Resume, 3 LORs, IELTS and TOEFL scores. |
Boston University | Bachelor’s degree in design or related field 3 to 4 years (often minimum 3.0 GPA) | SOP, Portfolio (15 to 20 images via Slideroom), Resume, 2 LORs, TOEFL and IELTS. |
University of South California, Los Angeles | Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Art, Design, Animation) | SOP, Portfolio (SlideRoom), Resume, 1 to 2 LORs, English proficiency (TOEFL- 100 and IELTS- 7). |
Purdue University | Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, Animation, Visual Arts, or similar field | SOP, Resume, Portfolio, 2 LORs, English proficiency; GRE optional depending on program. |
Ohio University | Bachelor’s degree in design, art, or related field | SOP, Portfolio, Resume, 2 to 3 LORs, English proficiency, TOEF,L and IELTS (standard requirement). |
Iowa State University | Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or related discipline | SOP, Portfolio, Resume, 2 to 3 LORs, TOEFL and IELTS (standard requirement). |
George Mason University | Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Communication Design, or a similar field | SOP, Portfolio, Resume, 2 LORs, English proficiency (common requirement). |
Clemson University | Bachelor’s in Graphic Communication or related discipline | SOP, Portfolio, Resume, LORs, TOEFL and IELTS; GRE may be optional (typical policy). |
Rochester Institute of Technology | Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Design, Fine Arts, or a similar field | SOP, Portfolio, Resume, 2 to 3 LORs, English proficiency (as part of standard MFA procedure). |
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Application Process
Below mentioned is the application process for Masters in Graphic Design at top USA universities.
- Apply through the university's official website: If you want to apply for a Masters in Graphic Design, you need to visit the official website of the university, where you will find the application portal.
- Upload important documents: It depends on the university; you can upload documents related to your qualifications and other areas of eligibility on the application portal.
- Pay the application fee: Masters in Graphic Design in USA fee for applying is usually $50 to $100, with some universities not charging an application fee. You can pay this amount through the university’s application portal.
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Documents Required
The following are the documents you must carry during your admission to Masters in Graphic Design in USA:
- 3 to 4 years bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume
- Social & Leadership Activities
- Passport Copy
- Proof of Funds
- Application Fee Payment Receipt
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Visa Application Timeline
Here are the expected dates for the visa application for studying Masters in Graphic Design in USA.
Event | Important/Tentative Dates |
Visa Interview (F-1 Visa) | April to July |
Appear for Visa Interview | April to July |
F-1 Visa Approval | 1st to 3rd weeks after the interview |
Travel to the USA | July to August |
Classes Begin | August to September (Fall intake) |
Top Entrance Exams for Masters in Graphic Design in USA
Check the top entrance exams along with their purpose and requirements for Masters in Graphic Design in USA in the table below.
Exam | Purpose | Required by |
IELTS | English language proficiency | Most universities in place of TOEFL. |
TOEFL | Alternative to IELTS for English proficiency | Required for all international applicants. |
Duolingo English Test | Online English test as an alternative to IELTS/TOEFL | Some universities |
Interview (if applicable) | Tests communication and creative intent | Some top universities like Yale, RISD, or USC may require an interview. |
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Cutoff
Check the table below for the cutoff for various universities for each of the prominent entrance exams for Masters in Graphic Design in USA.
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 |
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Syllabus
Some common core courses and subjects in the Masters in Graphic Design in USA are listed below:
- Design Studio & Practice
- Typography & Visual Communication
- History & Critical Studies
- Interaction & UX Design
- Digital Media & Tools
- Business & Ethics
- Design Research & Methodology
- Electives (varies by program)
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Electives & Specializations
The table below shows the Electives and Specializations for Masters in Graphic Design in USA.
Category | Typical Topics / Subjects Covered |
Design Studio and Practice | Studio based courses such as Graduate Design Studio, Conceptual Projects, Portfolio Work, Thesis, or Capstone; ongoing critiques and faculty mentorship. |
Typography and Visual Communication | Advanced Typography, Visual Identity, Branding, Motion Graphics, Publication Design. |
History and Critical Studies | History of Graphic Design, Design Criticism, Visual Culture, and Contextual Studies. |
Interaction and UX Design | UX Fundamentals, Interaction Design, Web App Interface Design, and Information Architecture. |
Digital Media and Tools | Digital Illustration, Multimedia Design, Motion Graphics, and Animation techniques. |
Business, Ethics and Research | Media Ethics, Design Management, Business Information Design, Research Methods, and Thesis Preparation Courses. |
Electives and Special Topics | Information Design, Experience Design, Exhibition Design, Programming for Designers, Ethical Design, AI and Emerging Tech (AR and VR), and Sustainability. |
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Scholarships
The table below shows the available scholarships for Indian students studying Masters in Graphic Design in USA, along with eligibility.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Value |
Hydrocephalus Scholarships 2022 | International students enrolled in master's programs. | Partial funding of 1,000 USD |
Education Future International Scholarship 2022 USA and 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 | $1,000 |
Cost of Living in USA
The table below provides the cost of living for Masters in Graphic Design in USA ($) Dollar and Indian (₹) Rupees per year.
Type of Expenses | Cost Per Year (USD) | Cost Per Year (₹) |
Accommodation | $9,600 – $14,000 | ₹7.97 – ₹11.62 lakhs |
Health Insurance | $2,000 | ₹1.66 lakhs |
Traveling | $1,440 - $3,000 | ₹1.19 – ₹2.49 lakhs |
Groceries | $3,000 | ₹2.49 lakhs |
Other Utilities like Electricity, Entertainment | $6,000 | ₹4.98 lakhs |
Career Scope After Masters in Graphic Design in USA
After doing a Masters in Graphic Design in USA there are so many career options available for students. Some are even listed below.
- Creative Designer
- Creative Director
- Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Graphics Design Supervisor
- User Experience UX Designer
- UX Designer
Masters in Graphic Design in USA: Salary Package
The table below shows the Annual Salary for various job roles offered after completing Masters in Graphic Design in USA.
Job Title | Average Salary Package (USD) | Annual Salary (₹) |
Creative Designer | $60,849 | ₹50,69 Lakhs |
Creative Director | $1,47,992 | ₹123.28 lakhs |
Designer | $74,354 | ₹61.94 lakhs |
Graphic Artist | $55,766 | ₹46.45 lakhs |
Graphic Designer | $60,325 | ₹50.25 lakhs |
Graphics Design Supervisor | $98,931 | ₹82.41 lakhs |
User Experience UX Designer | $1,24,376 | ₹103.61 lakhs |
UX Designer | $93,071 | ₹77.53 lakhs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What is the duration of a Masters in Graphic Design in USA?
Ans: Masters degree in Graphic Design in USA typically requires 2 to 3 years of full-time study and completion of 60-90 credits, with both full-time and part-time options available.
Ques: What is the cost of studying a Masters in Graphic Design in USA?
Ans: The cost of living for a Master's in Graphic Design in USA ranges between $9,600 and $14,000 per year (approximately ₹7.97 – ₹11.62 lakhs).
Ques: Do I need to take the GRE for admission?
Ans: GRE is usually not required for most graphic design masters programs. However, check with individual universities, as some may keep it optional.
Ques: What is the average salary package of Masters in Graphic Design in USA?
Ans: Masters in Graphic Design in USA typically earns an average salary ranging from $55,766 to $1,47,992 (₹46.45 lakhs to ₹123.28 lakhs).
Ques: When should I apply for the Fall intake?
Ans: Most Fall intakes begin in August to September. Application deadlines range from November to March, so it’s best to apply 8 to 12 months in advance.