Studying Graphic Arts: Graduate Degrees at a Glance
Graphic art is 2-dimensional art form often used for communication purposes, such as in advertising or business promotion. Graphic arts can be studied at the graduate level in graphic design degree programs. Graphic designers combine graphic art with words to create a final product, such as a logo, brochure or website. Although there are many master's degree programs in graphic design, there are few related PhD programs.
Employment of graphic designers is a growing in some industries, but declining in others. For example, graphic design jobs in the computer systems and design services industry were expected to more than double over the 2010-2020 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But, during same period, the BLS predicted a decline of about four percent for graphic designers in the print publishing industry.
| Master's | PhD | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Aspiring art directors, design managers or graphic arts teachers | Those who want to work in academia, and professionals who want to enhance their careers |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Graphic designer ($44,000)* - Web production artist ($58,000)** - Art director ($81,000)* | - University art professor ($62,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years full-time | 5-6 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - 30-60 graduate credits (depending on MA or MFA) - Master's thesis/research paper -MFA may require teaching internship | - Roughly 10 graduate level courses - Thesis/dissertation - Oral exam |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree in graphic art or design for MFA - Bachelor's in any field for MA - Experience in art and design | - Master's degree in graphic art or design - Professional coursework or experience in art and design |
| Online Availability | Yes | None found at this time |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary Wizard.
Master's in Graphic Arts
Master's degrees in graphic arts can be found as Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. These programs can vary widely depending on the type of program and the school. In general, MA programs require about 30 credits and offer a non-thesis option, while MFA programs may require up to about 60 credits, including a thesis and a teaching internship. For both programs, you'll either need to have an undergraduate degree related to graphic art and design, or if you have a degree in an unrelated subject, you'll need extensive experience in graphic art and design. All students must demonstrate artistic ability by submitting a portfolio with their application.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- GRE scores typically are not required for graphic art and design programs
- An MFA can prepare you for a career in teaching in colleges, management and art direction
- Graphic design careers in the computer industry are expected to increase 61% from 2010-2020, which is much faster than average*
Cons
- Many graphic arts careers only require a bachelor's degree*
- You must have experience and a portfolio to enroll in most programs
- If you don't have an undergraduate degree related to visual arts, it could take you up to four years to complete a Master of Arts in Graphic Design
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
Course requirements for both MA and MFA degree programs include seminar and studio classes. You'll take classes in art and design history, theory, image forms, digital art and design methods. Schools that offer both the MA and MFA in Graphic Design can require double the amount of credits for the MFA. If a thesis is required, you might have to participate in a thesis exhibition.
Online Degree Options
Although you can find an MA or MFA in Graphic Design completely online, you're more likely to find a low-residency program that blends independent study and online coursework with limited on-campus residency requirements. These programs are designed to accommodate working artists and designers. Although you can complete an online program in only two years, it may take additional time to complete a low-residency program.
Stand Out With This Degree
Many graphic art and design jobs require working in teams of artists, programmers, designers and other professionals. During your master's degree program, you may want to participate in group projects to ensure you have experience working on teams. Additionally, many graphic design jobs require expertise in design software programs. Use elective courses to take classes in new or updated design software programs.
Alternative Degrees
Since most jobs for graphic artists and designers are forecasted to be in computer-related fields, it might be advisable to complete a graduate degree in computer graphics design or computer art. An MFA in Computer Graphics Design or an MFA in Computer Art will take about the same amount of time to complete as an MFA in Graphic Design. The main difference between the programs is that computer graphics design and computer art programs are focused on art and design for video games and interactive websites, while the graphic design is generally for both print and online design.
PhD in Graphic Arts
There are few PhD programs in graphic design. These are generally PhD in Design programs that have either a graphic design track or the flexibility to tailor the program to include a focus on graphic art and design. These programs are for students with art or design backgrounds who want to perform in-depth research on design methods and processes. At the PhD level, design programs cover theory and criticism along with improving design methods.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Programs are flexible and interdisciplinary
- For all degree subjects, median earnings for PhD holders were almost $15,000 more a year than for master's degree holders in 2011*
- PhD programs allow you to research design problems in order to improve lives
Cons
- There are a limited numbers of PhD programs in this field
- Most graphic arts professorships only require a MFA
- PhD programs take 1-2 years longer than MFA programs
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
In a graphic design track of a PhD in Design program, you'll likely take about ten courses covering topics in quantitative and qualitative research methods, ethics in research, design analysis and visual communication. After you complete your course requirements, you'll take preliminary written and oral exams, complete a dissertation and then present and defend your dissertation.
Online Degree Options
This degree program is not currently available online. Students who enroll in interdisciplinary programs may find some elective classes available online, but most required coursework will take place on campus. Also, once you start your dissertation, you can typically work independently at an off-campus location.
Stand Out With This Degree
Many PhD programs in design offer elective courses or concentrations in interactive design. The BLS states that the best opportunities for graphic designers will be in web and interactive design. Choosing a program with ample computer-related courses and focusing in digital or graphic design may open career possibilities. Also, if you plan to teach, take advantage of teaching assistantships. These positions provide you with postsecondary teaching experience.
