Master's Degree in Graphic Communications
This master's degree in Graphic Communications teaches advanced skills in visual design and communication, preparing students for creative and technical roles in media and marketing industries.
About
The Master's Degree in Graphic Communications is a graduate program designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in visual communication and graphic design. It is ideal for those who have completed a bachelor's degree in graphic design, communication, or related fields and want to specialize further. This degree prepares students for careers that involve creating visual content for print, digital media, advertising, and branding. Graduates can work in various creative industries, including marketing agencies, publishing, and multimedia companies.
- The program typically lasts one to two years and leads to a master's level qualification.
- It is aimed at students with a prior degree in design, communication, or a related area.
- The degree focuses on advanced design techniques, communication strategies, and the use of digital tools.
- Graduates often pursue roles such as graphic designers, art directors, or communication specialists.
- The program is offered by universities and art schools across the United States.
What you study
The curriculum of the Master's Degree in Graphic Communications includes a mix of theoretical and practical courses that build on prior knowledge. Students start with foundational subjects and progress to more specialized topics over the course of the program. Practical work is an important part of the learning experience, often involving projects and workshops.
- Core courses cover advanced graphic design, visual communication theory, and digital media techniques.
- Students learn to use professional software for design, layout, and image editing.
- The program often includes project-based learning where students create real-world communication materials.
- Some courses focus on branding, typography, and interactive media.
- The curriculum may include collaboration with industry partners for practical experience.
- Students develop a portfolio showcasing their skills by the end of the program.
How to get in
Admission to a Master's Degree in Graphic Communications in the United States requires a bachelor's degree, usually in graphic design, communication, or a related field. The process involves submitting academic records and often a portfolio of previous work. Each university sets its own criteria, but some common elements apply.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating design skills is usually required.
- Some programs ask for letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
- English proficiency tests may be necessary for international students.
- Admission committees look for creativity, technical skills, and motivation.
- The application process typically involves an online submission through the university's portal.
Day to day
The typical year in this master's program combines classes, workshops, and project work. Students often balance theory with hands-on practice and may have opportunities for internships or collaborations with companies. The workload can be intense but offers valuable experience.
- Students attend lectures and participate in design studios for practical exercises.
- Group projects and individual assignments help develop teamwork and autonomy.
- Internships or real-world projects may be part of the curriculum.
- The program encourages regular portfolio updates to track progress.
- Workshops on software and new technologies are common.
- Students often work on a final project or thesis showcasing their skills.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with a master's in Graphic Communications can find jobs in various creative and communication sectors. The degree prepares them for roles that require both artistic talent and technical knowledge. The job market values practical experience and a strong portfolio.
- Common jobs include graphic designer, art director, and visual communication specialist.
- Employers are often marketing agencies, publishing houses, or media companies.
- The degree supports careers in advertising, digital media, and branding.
- Many graduates work in creative teams producing content for print and online platforms.
- The job market generally offers opportunities for those with updated skills and experience.
- Freelance work is also a common path for graduates.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, some students choose to continue their studies or shift their focus. Options include pursuing doctoral research or specialized certifications. Others may explore related fields to broaden their expertise.
- Some graduates pursue a PhD in communication or design-related fields.
- Specialized courses in user experience or digital marketing are possible.
- Professional certifications can enhance skills in software or project management.
- Reorientation toward teaching or consultancy roles is also an option.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- College of the OzarksPoint Lookout
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green
- Modesto Junior CollegeModesto
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- Waukesha County Technical CollegePewaukee
- Rowan College at Gloucester CountySewell
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- Mission CollegeSanta Clara
- Waubonsee Community CollegeSugar Grove
- Northern Oklahoma CollegeTonkawa
- Nicolet Area Technical CollegeRhinelander
- Iowa Western Community CollegeCouncil Bluffs
- SUNY CobleskillCobleskill
- Mount Marty CollegeYankton
- Full Sail UniversityWinter Park
- Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma City
- Pueblo Community CollegePueblo
- Terra State Community CollegeFremont
- Eastern Iowa Community CollegeDavenport
- Crowder CollegeNeosho
- Baker CollegeOwosso
- Grand View UniversityDes Moines
- Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction
- Springfield Technical Community CollegeSpringfield
- Moberly Area Community CollegeMoberly
- Fox Valley Technical CollegeAppleton
- Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte
- University of Arkansas – Fort SmithFort Smith
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and DesignLakewood
- California Baptist UniversityRiverside
- Los Medanos CollegePittsburg
- San Bernardino Valley CollegeSan Bernardino
- Austin Community CollegeAustin
- Collin CollegeMcKinney
- John Wood Community CollegeQuincy
- Hawaii Community CollegeHilo
- Bryant & Stratton CollegeBuffalo
- Dunwoody College of TechnologyMinneapolis
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- Cochise CollegeSierra Vista
- Howard CollegeBig Spring
- Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah
- Columbia College ChicagoChicago
- Ringling College of Art and DesignSarasota
- Front Range Community CollegeWestminster
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- Los Angeles Film SchoolHollywood
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- ArtCenter College of DesignPasadena
- Borough of Manhattan Community CollegeNew York
- School of Visual ArtsNew York
- California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo
- Academy of Art UniversitySan Francisco
- Pikes Peak Community CollegeColorado Springs
- Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City
- DigiPen Institute of TechnologyRedmond
- University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi
- Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- Middlesex County CollegeEdison
- Columbus State Community CollegeColumbus
- Pratt Institute-MainBrooklyn
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- College for Creative StudiesDetroit
- Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- Columbus College of Art and DesignColumbus
- Northeast Technology CenterPryor
- Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana
- East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City
- Miami Dade CollegeMiami
- University of Hawaii–West OahuKapolei
- Clark UniversityWorcester
- California College of the ArtsSan Francisco
- El Centro CollegeDallas
- Chapman UniversityOrange
- Houston Community College SystemHouston
- Maryland Institute College of ArtBaltimore
- University of BaltimoreBaltimore
- Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg
- Somerset Community CollegeSomerset
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeGreen Bay
- Sacramento City CollegeSacramento
- Southern Maine Community CollegeSouth Portland
- Northeastern UniversityBoston
- California Institute of the ArtsValencia
- Indian Capital Technology Center-MuskogeeMuskogee
- College of the CanyonsSanta Clarita
- Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica
- Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester
- Francis Tuttle Technology CenterOklahoma City
- Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey
- Riverside City CollegeRiverside
- Coastline Community CollegeFountain Valley
- Northwest Vista CollegeSan Antonio
- Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce
- University of the ArtsPhiladelphia
- Atlantic UniversityGuaynabo
- City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland
- Sierra CollegeRocklin
- Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville
- University of Silicon ValleySan Jose
- Tulsa Technology CenterTulsa
- Cerro Coso Community CollegeRidgecrest
- Laguna College of Art and DesignLaguna Beach
- Alfred State CollegeAlfred
- West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegePaducah
- Kansas City Art InstituteKansas City
- Mt. San Antonio CollegeWalnut
- Central Texas CollegeKilleen
- University of Puerto Rico-CarolinaCarolina
- Woodbury UniversityBurbank
- Minneapolis College of Art and DesignMinneapolis
- Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Pasadena City CollegePasadena
- Diablo Valley CollegePleasant Hill
- Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa
- Victor Valley CollegeVictorville
- Tarrant County CollegeFort Worth
- Southeast Technical CollegeSioux Falls
- University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio
- Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- Morgan State UniversityBaltimore
- Shawnee State UniversityPortsmouth
- Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKalamazoo
- Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlesterMcAlester
- Northcentral Technical CollegeWausau
- Bakersfield CollegeBakersfield
- Cleveland Institute of ArtCleveland
- Southern California Institute of ArchitectureLos Angeles
- Danville Community CollegeDanville
- Osceola Technical CollegeKissimmee
- Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeMilwaukee
- New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark
- Hostos Community CollegeBronx
- Cabrillo CollegeAptos
- Regent UniversityVirginia Beach
- Webster UniversitySaint Louis
- Passaic County Community CollegePaterson
- University of IdahoMoscow
- Carroll UniversityWaukesha
- Mt. San Jacinto CollegeSan Jacinto
- Johnson County Community CollegeOverland Park
- Chabot CollegeHayward
- Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison
- College of DuPageGlen Ellyn
- Bradley UniversityPeoria
- Aims Community CollegeGreeley
- University of Wisconsin–StoutMenomonie
- Thaddeus Stevens College of TechnologyLancaster
- Rio Hondo CollegeWhittier
- De Anza CollegeCupertino
- Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City
- Moraine Valley Community CollegePalos Hills
- North Iowa Area Community CollegeMason City
- Lane Community CollegeEugene
- Southwestern Illinois CollegeBelleville
- Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem
- Delaware College of Art and DesignWilmington
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Rowan College at Burlington CountyMount Laurel
- Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet
- Colegio de Cinematografía Artes y TelevisionBayamon
- Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph
- Camden County CollegeBlackwood
- Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead
- Palomar CollegeSan Marcos
- Maine College of ArtPortland
- Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles
- Illinois State UniversityNormal
- Norco CollegeNorco
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Los Angeles Mission CollegeSylmar
- Great Plains Technology CenterLawton
- Harper CollegePalatine
- SUNY OrangeMiddletown
- Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa
- Cerritos CollegeNorwalk
- Michigan Career and Technical InstitutePlainwell
- Montserrat College of ArtBeverly
- Cañada CollegeRedwood City
- Columbia College HollywoodLos Angeles
- Lynn UniversityBoca Raton
- San Diego Mesa CollegeSan Diego
- Canadian Valley Technology CenterEl Reno
- York County Community CollegeWells
- Chaffey CollegeRancho Cucamonga
- University of Minnesota, DuluthDuluth
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Lewis Clark State CollegeLewiston
- Jefferson Davis Community CollegeBay Minette
- Suncoast Technical CollegeSarasota
- Antelope Valley CollegeLancaster
- Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa
- Shoreline Community CollegeShoreline
- Phillips Community College of the University of ArkansasHelena
- Utah Tech UniversitySaint George
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply?
Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, communication, or a related field. A portfolio showcasing previous work is also important.
Is practical experience part of the program?
Yes, the program includes project-based learning and often internships or collaborations with companies to gain real-world experience.
Can international students apply?
International students can apply but may need to provide proof of English proficiency and meet specific admission requirements.
Is this degree more theoretical or practical?
The degree balances theory with practical work, including workshops, projects, and portfolio development.
What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?
Graduates can work as graphic designers, art directors, or communication specialists in various creative industries.
Can I continue studying after this master's?
Yes, students may pursue doctoral studies or specialized certifications to further their expertise.
Is there an option for work-study or alternance?
Typically, this program does not offer alternance or work-study options.
How selective is admission?
Admission is selective, with universities looking for strong portfolios and relevant academic backgrounds.

























