The United States of America is a residence of some of the world's most esteemed universities and colleges. In addition, universities and colleges in the American subcontinent are renowned for their academic flexibility and options to personalize your study experience via optional courses and co-curricular activities.
Using images, text, and media to share information or ideas is called graphic designing or communication designing. Graphic designers are strategic communicators who make advertisements, book covers, posters, websites, app interfaces, publishing layouts, music album art, and logos amid various other artistic media.
Table of Contents
- Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: Highlights
- Why Study Masters in Graphic Design in the USA?
- Top 10 Universities for Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
- Cost of Studying Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
- Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living in the USA
- Eligibility Criteria to Study Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
- Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: English Language Requirements
- Scholarships to Study Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
- List of Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: TOP Recruiters
- How to Apply for a Master in Graphic Design in the USA?
Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: Highlights
Program |
Course |
Duration of the Course |
Eligibility |
Entrance Exams |
Postgraduate |
Graphic Design |
Between 1.5 and 3 years |
3-4 years bachelors in relevant degree (at least 3.5 GPA), SOP, 2-3 LORs, resume, participation in social & leadership activities |
IELTS or TOEFL |
Why Study Masters in Graphic Design in the USA?
- The world recognizes the USA's universities for their top-class and advanced teaching methods.
- The nation has the top-most teaching techs for its students.
- The American subcontinent is home to the best graphic designers in the world. Hence, you will get a chance for the best job anywhere in the world after graduating from the USA.
- The American subcontinent is ranked number 1 for its education. Its universities are well-known worldwide for their education standards.
- The graphic design course in the USA focuses on the overall development of the student by offering top facilities and hands-on practical experience.
- Citizens from around the world live and work in America. So you will have no problem blending into the work environment.
- The American universities are full of overseas students from various parts of our world. It is so because the country welcomes and respects everyone's culture and traditions.
- You will get many support facilities as an international student in America. For financial aid, there are scholarships available. The universities assist in the application, visa, and admission process. For mental and emotional support, you can go to various counselors.
Top 10 Universities for Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
S.NO |
University Name |
QS World Ranking |
1 |
The University of Pennsylvania |
13 |
2 |
Yale University |
14 |
3 |
Boston University |
112 |
4 |
The University of Southern California – Los Angeles |
112 |
5 |
Purdue University |
116 |
6 |
Ohio University |
Between 1001 and 1200 |
7 |
Iowa State University |
494 |
8 |
George Mason University |
Between 801 and 1000 |
9 |
Clemson University |
Between 801 and 1000 |
10 |
Rochester Institute of Technology |
Between 1001 and 1200 |
Cost of Studying Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
Being able to properly manage the cost of studying Master of Graphic Design in the USA is something every overseas student interested in the course needs to know. Of course, these costs vary depending on your lifestyle, chosen college, etc. However, these costs may range between 1000000 to 3900000 INR when studying in one of its top colleges or universities.
Tuition Fees
S.NO |
University Name |
Course |
Duration |
Tuition Fees in INR |
1 |
The University of Pennsylvania |
MSc in Computer |
2 years |
2800000 |
2 |
Yale University |
MFA in Graphic |
2 years |
3300000 |
3 |
Boston University |
MFA in Graphic |
2 years |
3700000 |
4 |
The University of Southern California – Los Angeles |
MFA in Animation |
Between 1.5 and 2 years |
4900000 |
5 |
Purdue University |
MSc in Computer |
Between 1.5 and 2 years |
1000000 |
6 |
Ohio University |
MA in Graphic Design |
2 years |
1100000 |
7 |
Iowa State University |
MA in Graphic Design |
NA |
1100000 |
8 |
George Mason University |
MA in Graphic Design |
NA |
1800000 |
9 |
Clemson University |
MS in Graphic Communication |
NA |
1700000 |
10 |
Rochester Institute of Technology |
MA in Film Animation |
3 years |
3800000 |
Cost of Living in the USA
On an estimated average, a student is needed to be ready with a budget of 15000 American dollars per year. Some of the costs involved in living expenses in the American subcontinent are given below.
Categories |
Amount in USD |
Accommodation |
Between 9600 and 14000 per year |
Health insurance |
2000 per year |
Travelling |
Between 1400 and 3000 per year |
Groceries |
3000 per year |
Other utilities such as electricity, entertainment, etc |
6000 per year |
Eligibility Criteria to Study Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
- To apply for a Master of Graphic Design in America, you need to have a 3 or 4 years bachelor's degree in a relevant area with at least a 3.5 GPA.
- You need to write your Statement of Purpose (SOP) with at least 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Your resume or CV since it's a master's degree.
- Participation in social and leadership activities will increase your chances of getting selected for the degree program
Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: English Language Requirements
Name of the University |
Exam Name |
Minimum Band Requirement |
The University of Pennsylvania |
IELTS |
6.5 |
Yale University |
IELTS |
7.0 |
Boston University |
IELTS |
7.0 |
The University of Southern California – Los Angeles |
IELTS |
7.0 |
Purdue University |
IELTS |
6.5 |
Ohio University |
IELTS |
6.5 |
Iowa State University |
IELTS |
6.0 (with no band less than 5.5) |
George Mason University |
IELTS |
6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) |
Clemson University |
IELTS |
6.5 |
Rochester Institute of Technology |
IELTS |
6.5 |
Scholarships to Study Masters in Graphic Design in the USA
S.NO |
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility |
Amount in USD |
1 |
Hydrocephalus Scholarships 2022 |
These scholarships are awarded by the Hydrocephalus Association |
International students admitted to postgraduate degrees |
Partial-funding, 1000 |
2 |
Education Future International Scholarship 2022 – USA & Non-USA |
This scholarship is awarded by Education Future |
For Indian students |
Between 2577 and 25771 |
3 |
Fulbright Foreign Student Program |
The Fulbright Association offers various scholarships to students to aid them financially in their studies abroad |
For Indian students |
Tuition fees and some other expenses |
4 |
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program |
This scholarship is a Fulbright exchange program for overseas students |
For international students |
Tuition fee |
5 |
Next-Gen Scholarship |
This scholarship is awarded under the Next Genius Scholarship Program |
NA |
1000 |
List of Masters in Graphic Design in the USA: TOP Recruiters
- Washington State University.
- Pentagram.
- Sagmeister & Walsh.
- All-Time Design.
- Landor.
- MetaDesign.
- Huge.
- Firstborn.
- House Industries.
- The Office of Paul Sahre.
How to Apply for a Master in Graphic Design in the USA?
To application process for a Master of Graphic Design in the USA is quite simple if you follow all these steps correctly. However, if you still find it hard, we recommend contacting an expert study abroad consultant.
Step 1: Choose when you would like to enrol in an American university. There are three intakes in the nation.
- Spring intake (between January and May).
- Summer intake (between May and August).
- Fall intake (between September and December or early January).
Step 2: Collect all the needed documents for Masters's in Graphic Design. These may vary from university to university. However, usually, you will need these credentials on hand, which we have mentioned below for your reference.
- Your bachelor's degree.
- 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Previous academic transcripts.
- Your resume or CV.
- Proof that you participated in social and leadership activities.
Step 3: Fill out an application form with your academic and personal information for your chosen graphic designing PG program.
Step 4: Follow the next steps on the university website to proceed.
Step 5: As per the university website's instructions, submit all the requested credentials and pay the fee (usually the application fee) when prompted.
Step 6: If you receive an offer letter, prepare to fly to America. Otherwise, you always have these three options available.
- Apply in the next year.
- Apply in the next intake.
- Plead your case (application) with the university. The chances are that it might change its decision.
Step 7: Done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research programs, meet admission requirements, prepare a portfolio, apply for universities, and obtain a student visa.
Graduates can pursue roles like graphic designer, art director, UX/UI designer, creative director, or work in advertising, branding, web design, and more.