Masters in Graphic Design USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

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9 results found

Digital Art & Design, M.F.A. - Graphic Design Concentration

New York Institute of Technology, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Art-Graphic Design, M.F.A.

New Jersey City University, USA

DURATION
2 Years 6 Months
FEES
INR 17.03L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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MDes in Graphic Design

University of Illinois Chicago, USA

DURATION
-
FEES
INR 52.15L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.5
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Art and Design - graphic design

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 11.55L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Art (M.F.A.) , Graphic Design

Howard University, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 26.11L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Graphic Design, M.F.A.

Georgia State University, USA

DURATION
2 Years 4 Months
FEES
INR 28.60L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Graphic Design - MFA

Ohio University, USA

DURATION
3 Years
FEES
INR 6.19L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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MFA in Design-Graphic Design concentration

California College of the Arts, USA

DURATION
3 Years
FEES
INR 43.21L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media

State University of New York at Oswego, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
INR 9.73L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.5
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Overview – Master’s in Graphic Design in USA (2025)

Feature	Details
Duration of Graphic Design Course USA	1.5 to 2 years full-time
Degree Type	MFA (Master of Fine Arts), MDes, or Master’s in Visual Communication
Eligibility	Bachelor’s in design, fine arts, communication, or related field
Portfolio Requirements for USA Design Schools	Yes – 10 to 20 curated works
Top Universities	RISD, Yale, SCAD, Parsons, MICA, Pratt, ArtCenter
Tuition Fees for Graphic Design Master's USA	USD 30,000 – 65,000/year (₹25–55 lakh)
Internship Opportunities	Available in most programs
Graphic Design Scholarships USA	Offered by most schools (merit or need-based)
Post-Study Work Visa (OPT)	1 to 3 years based on course type
Career Options After Graphic Design Master's	Art Director, UX Designer, Creative Lead, Illustrator

Curriculum for Master’s in Graphic Design in USA

A Master's in Graphic Design in USA focuses on practical design work through studio projects, critiques, and real-world assignments. You’ll build advanced skills in layout, branding, interaction design, and motion graphics using industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

Core Subjects – MFA in Graphic Design USA

Subject Area	What You’ll Learn
Typography & Layout Design	Advanced font systems, grid design, and editorial layouts
Branding & Identity	Logo systems, packaging, and visual identity creation
UX & Interaction Design	Wireframes, UI systems, user testing, and app prototypes
Motion Graphics	Animation, video-based design, and time-based storytelling
Design Research	User behavior, cultural research, and design strategy
Data Visualisation	Turning complex data into clear visuals and infographics
Design for Social Change	Projects focused on real-world problems and communities
Portfolio Development	Final project, thesis, or curated design portfolio

Electives and Specializations for Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Many schools allow focus areas such as:

UX/UI Design and Product Thinking
Sustainable Design
Digital Branding and Advertising
Design Entrepreneurship
Interactive Media and Technology

These are especially useful if you want to work in startups, agencies, or product companies.

Top Universities for Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Parsons (The New School) and RISD rank among the world’s top 5 design schools. Most graphic design master’s programs in the US are based in major creative hubs like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles—giving students access to internships and agency networks.

Best Graphic Design Schools in USA – Ranking & Fees (2025)

University Name (State)	QS Rank	Fees USD (INR/year)
The New School – Parsons (New York)	3	$48,000 – $52,000 (₹40L–₹44L)
Rhode Island School of Design – RISD (Rhode Island)	4	$55,000 – $57,000 (₹45L–₹47L)
Pratt Institute (New York)	7	$45,000 – $49,000 (₹37L–₹40L)
SAIC – Art Institute of Chicago (Illinois)	9	$47,000 – $50,000 (₹38.5L–₹41L)
ArtCenter College of Design (California)	14	$42,000 – $46,000 (₹34L–₹38L)

Specializations in Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Graphic design master’s programs in the USA offer specializations to match your career goal—UI/UX, motion design, branding, or digital media. These tracks define your electives and portfolio focus acrossMFA, MDes, or Master's in Visual Communication USA degrees.

Popular Specializations in MFA in Graphic Design USA

Specialization	Skills You Gain	Career Options
UI/UX Design	Wireframes, prototyping, user flows	UX Designer, App Designer
Branding & Identity	Logo systems, brand strategy, campaign design	Brand Designer, Creative Strategist
Typography	Typeface design, expressive layouts, editorial work	Type Designer, Publication Designer
Motion Design	Animation, transitions, storytelling in motion	Motion Graphics Artist, Animator
Packaging Design	Product packaging, dielines, sustainability	Packaging Designer, FMCG Specialist
Digital Media	Interactive design, AR/VR, creative coding	Digital Designer, Interactive Artist
Environmental Design	Wayfinding, spatial graphics, exhibition design	Exhibit Designer, Environmental Graphic Specialist

Intakes for Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Most graphic design master’s programs in the USA accept students in Fall (Aug/Sep) or Spring (Jan) intakes. Fall has more program options, scholarships, and internship access. To apply on time, start building your portfolio 6–8 months in advance.

Graphic Design Master's Intakes in USA – Fall vs Spring

Intake	Best For	Application Deadlines
Fall	Full scholarships, internships, more course options	Dec 2024 – Feb 2025
Spring	Later applicants, rolling entry	Aug – Oct 2024

Admission Types – Graphic Design Master's Admission USA

Admission Type	How It Works	Common at
Fixed Deadlines	One or more strict rounds (with early cutoffs)	RISD, Yale, MICA, Parsons
Rolling Admission	Applications reviewed as received	State universities, mid-tier schools

Who Can Apply for a Master's in Graphic Design in USA?

To be eligible for a Master’s in Graphic Design in the USA, you need a bachelor’s degree in design or a related field, a strong portfolio, and English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL). GRE is optional but can help for scholarships or research programs.

Eligibility rules are usually the same for Indian students applying for graphic design in USA and cover academic, language, and creative readiness.

Eligibility Requirements – Graphic Design Master's Admission USA

Requirement	Details
Bachelor’s Degree	In graphic design, visual arts, communication, or a related field
Minimum GPA	2.5 – 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (around 60% – 65%)
English Test	IELTS 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 79–90
GRE	Optional – may help for scholarships or research-focused programs

Some top universities for graphic design USA may also ask for a resume, creative statement, or past design work experience.

Portfolio Requirements for USA Design Schools (Master's in Graphic Design in USA)

A portfolio is the most important part of your application. Most USA universities ask for 10–20 curated works that highlight your design thinking, execution, and personal style.

Requirement	Notes
Format	PDF or web link with clear images and short descriptions
Statement of Purpose	Why you want to study graphic design, your goals, and interests
Optional	Some schools ask for a video intro or short design task

Admission Process for Master's in Graphic Design in USA

The graphic design master's admission USA process is entirely online and usually handled through the university’s portal. You’ll need to prepare your portfolio, transcripts, SOP, LORs, and test scores. Most programs review applications in rounds, with final decisions taking 6–10 weeks.

Early submission improves your chances of getting into high-ranking MFA programs and qualifying for graphic design scholarships USA.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Step	What You Need to Do
Step 1: Choose Program	Select from MFA, MDes, or Master's in Visual Communication USA programs
Step 2: Prepare Portfolio	Follow the portfolio requirements for USA design schools closely
Step 3: Gather Documents	Transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, SOP, resume, 2–3 LORs
Step 4: Apply Online	Submit through the university portal; pay fee (USD 75–150)
Step 5: Interview (If Required)	Some schools may ask for a creative or academic interview
Step 6: Wait for Results	Decisions usually come within 6–10 weeks after deadline

Cost of Studying Master's in Graphic Design in USA

The cost of a Master’s in Graphic Design in the USA ranges from ₹30 to ₹60 lakh per year, including tuition, living expenses, and academic supplies. Students at the top universities for graphic design USA must also budget for design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, a laptop, printing costs, and sometimes studio materials.

Tuition Fees and Total Annual Cost – Graphic Design Master's USA

Cost Item	Range (USD/year)	Approx. INR/year
Tuition Fees (MFA/MDes)	$20,000 – $55,000	₹16.5L – ₹45L
Living Expenses (Big Cities)	$14,000 – $18,000	₹11.5L – ₹15L
Design Tools & Software	$1,000 – $2,000	₹82K – ₹1.6L
Health Insurance	$600 – $1,200	₹50K – ₹1L
Visa + Travel + Misc.	$1,500 – $2,000	₹1.2L – ₹1.6L

The tuition fees for graphic design master's USA vary by school and degree type (MFA vs MDes). Cities like New York, LA, and Boston have higher living costs than smaller university towns.

Scholarships for Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Most graphic design scholarships USA are merit-based and offered by universities, art colleges, and private donors. These can cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, or both. Indian students can also apply for diversity-based awards, need-based aid, or even support from Indian government schemes for studying abroad.

Top MFA in Graphic Design USA programs often include automatic scholarship consideration during admission. Some schools also have portfolio-based awards for creative excellence.

Top Graphic Design Scholarships USA – 2025

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Who Can Apply
Parsons Merit Scholarship	25% – 75% tuition	Based on GPA + portfolio
SCAD Academic Honors	$5,000 – $15,000 per year	International design students
California College of the Arts Awards	Up to full tuition	MFA students with strong portfolios
Pratt Institute Scholarships	25% – 50% of tuition	Merit-based + need-based
Inlaks Foundation Scholarship (India)	Tuition + partial living costs	Indian students in top USA programs
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship	Full tuition, travel, living	Indian citizens with strong resumes

Many of the best graphic design schools in USA include scholarship opportunities directly in their application portal. You don’t need to submit a separate form for most university-level awards.

What Jobs Can You Get After a Graphic Design Master's in USA?

Graduates with a Master’s in Graphic Design in USA work in roles like UI/UX designer, motion graphic artist, or creative strategist. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle offer the highest salaries and demand for design talent—especially for those with well-made portfolios and internship experience.

If you studied at one of the top universities for graphic design USA and completed internships, you’ll likely get better offers.

Salary After Graphic Design Master's in USA

Job Role	Avg. Salary (USD/year)	In INR (approx.)
UI/UX Designer	$80,000 – $110,000	₹66L – ₹90L
Visual Designer	$70,000 – $95,000	₹58L – ₹78L
Motion Designer	$65,000 – $90,000	₹54L – ₹74L
Brand Strategist	$75,000 – $105,000	₹62L – ₹86L
Interaction Designer	$85,000 – $115,000	₹70L – ₹95L

Jobs after MFA in Graphic Design USA often come with OPT work options and can lead to H-1B later, if you get sponsored.

Top USA Cities for Design Jobs

City	Demand Level	Industries Hiring Designers
New York	Very High	Fashion, media, branding, agencies
San Francisco	High	UI/UX, tech, startups
Los Angeles	High	Film, digital, ad agencies
Seattle	Medium-High	Product companies, big tech
Chicago	Medium	Marketing, publishing, retail design

Companies Hiring Graphic Designers in USA

Google
Meta
Adobe
IBM
IDEO
Pentagram
Amazon
Microsoft
Nike
Design studios and startups

Most companies prefer grads with internship experience, which is why your school’s network and location matter.

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FAQs About Master's in Graphic Design in USA

Is a Master’s in Graphic Design in USA a STEM-designated program?

No. Unlike tech programs, the Master's in Graphic Design in USA is not STEM-designated. However, you can still apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.

Do USA universities accept 3-year Indian degrees for Graphic Design master’s programs?

Yes. Many top universities for graphic design in USA accept 3-year Indian degrees, especially if the degree is NAAC ‘A’ accredited or accompanied by relevant work or portfolio experience.

What file format and size are accepted for portfolio submission for Graphic Design courses in USA?

Each school has its own portfolio requirements for USA design schools, but most accept PDF, JPG, or online portfolio links. File size limits are often 10–20 MB.

Can I apply for a Master’s in Graphic Design in USA with a background in architecture or fine arts?

Yes. Many MFA in Graphic Design USA programs welcome students from architecture, visual arts, or communication design backgrounds, provided you demonstrate design thinking and skills in your portfolio.

Are there industry immersion or real-world projects included in Graphic Design programs in USA?

Yes. Graphic design internship opportunities in USA and studio-based real-world projects are standard. Schools like RISD, Pratt, and SCAD include client work or industry collaborations in the curriculum.

What is the typical class size or student-faculty ratio in USA Graphic Design master’s programs?

The best graphic design schools in USA keep studio classes small—around 10–15 students—to allow individual mentoring and project feedback.

Are there any fully funded or assistantship-based Graphic Design programs in USA?

Yes. Some public universities offer graphic design scholarships USA or assistantships that cover tuition and living costs. These are competitive and portfolio strength matters most.

Do USA design schools conduct interviews during the Graphic Design admission process?

Some do. Top schools may request a short interview as part of the graphic design master's admission USA process—especially if you're applying for fellowships or assistantships.

Can I shift to UX/UI design jobs after a Graphic Design master’s in USA?

Absolutely. Many graduates move into UX, product design, or interaction design roles. The career options after graphic design master's go beyond branding and packaging into tech, AR/VR, and digital media.

What kinds of companies hire international Graphic Design graduates in USA?

Firms like IDEO, Apple, Meta, Adobe, and Pentagram often hire from the top universities for graphic design USA. Job markets are strong in NYC, San Francisco, and Seattle.

How strong are alumni networks for Graphic Design programs in top USA universities?

Very. The best graphic design schools in USA like RISD and SVA have tight-knit alumni networks that help with internships, jobs, and mentorship.

Is CPT/OPT available for Graphic Design master’s students in USA?

Yes. Indian students in graphic design USA can apply for 12-month OPT. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is available during the course, often linked with internships.

What are the best USA cities for Graphic Design jobs after graduation?

New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles lead for design jobs, thanks to design agencies, ad firms, and in-house roles at tech and fashion companies.

Can I pursue a PhD after completing a Master’s in Graphic Design in USA?

Yes. Some schools offer Master's in Visual Communication USA that feed into design research PhDs, especially in design theory, semiotics, or human-centered design.

What kind of design tools and software do USA Graphic Design programs train students in?

Students train in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, After Effects, and sometimes Cinema 4D or Blender—depending on electives.

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