At a Glance
$551
Cost per Credit
30
Credit Hours
100%
Online
2-4 Years
Program LengthMaster’s in Art & Design, MA
Program Overview
At a Glance
$551
Cost per Credit
30
Credit Hours
100%
Online
2-4 Years
Program LengthWhy Study Art & Design?
Ready to take your mastery of your creative practice to the next level? An online master’s in art and design from Lindenwood University can help you further develop your approach to product design, fine artistry, and much more. The master’s in graphic design online offers a way to amplify your impact in your mode of creative expression, all while you elevate your practice and skills when and where it works best for you.
What You'll Learn
Whether you want to launch or advance a career as a fine artist, museum curator, or fashion designer, the art master’s degree nurtures your applied mastery of creativity. Cover a range of creative disciplines in this master’s in graphic design and art, including graphic design, web user experience, photography, digital art, sustainable design, and project management. Coursework in this master’s in graphic design online explores topics such as:
- Portfolio and Career Foundations
- Personal Branding and Content Creation
- Editing for Film and Video
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web designers can earn an average salary of $92,750 per year. Careers in this field are anticipated to add 34,700 new jobs between 2022-32. Other career paths in this field include becoming a Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UX Designer, Web Designer, Brand Artist, Art Director, and Industrial Designer.
Essential Skills & Insights
Coursework in this master’s in graphic design online program covers the following:
- Industry-Relevant Certifications. Earn design certifications such as Adobe that can enhance your skills and professional potential.
- Project Management. Learn to navigate the creative project lifecycle—from ideation to production.
- Analytical Thinking. Develop critical thinking skills that help you overcome challenges and create solutions within your artistic practice.
- Technological Literacy. Master the latest technologies within a number of areas of art and design fields and practices.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this graphic design master’s program is $551. Besides being ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree.
Admissions Requirements
Applications are initially reviewed by the Office of University Admissions to ensure all university admissions standards are met. An admissions decision will be made once all steps have been completed.
In addition to the requirements of all graduate students, applicants to the College of Arts and Humanities should complete and/or submit the following documents and information:
- Transcripts demonstrating completion of undergraduate degree in related field with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all major coursework.
- The official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required if GPA is below 3.0.
- Three academic and/or professional references.
- 1,000-word statement of purpose describing applicant’s goals.
- Specific deliverables depending on area of study, such as a writing sample and/or portfolio of work.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to nine credits toward your graphic design master’s degree completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 21 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!
Learn MoreCurriculum Overview
The Master’s in Art and Design program at Lindenwood University delivers an advanced curriculum that emphasizes both artistic innovation and professional practice. With this efficient, yet comprehensive program, you can study art and design principles across a wide range of areas with emphases in graphic design, web user experience, photography, digital art, and project management. Now is the time to refine your creative abilities and gain expertise in various art and design disciplines to pursue leadership roles in a dynamic and creative industry.
Major Coursework – 15 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAH 50000 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CAH 51000 | Research and Scholastic Writing | 3 |
| CAH 55000 | Graduate Seminar | 3 |
| CAH 60000 | Thesis/Directed Project I | 3 |
| CAH 61000 | Thesis/Directed Project II | 3 |
Specialized Coursework – 15 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AAD 50000 | Portfolio and Career Foundations | 3 |
| AAD 51000 | Design with Illustrator | 3 |
| AAD 51600 | Drag and Drop Web Design | 3 |
| AAD 52200 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| AAD 52450 | Applications for Mobile Devices | 3 |
| AAD 52500 | Desktop Publishing | 3 |
| AAD 53310 | 3D Printing | 3 |
| AAD 53700 | Digital Painting | 3 |
| AAD 55501 | Visual Branding | 3 |
| COM 57100 | Advanced Audio Production | 3 |
Concentration
Graphic Design
The Art and Design (MA) with Emphasis in Graphic Design provides students with a firm foundation in critical theories and trends, as well as the practical application and problem solving involved in design. The master’s in graphic design online is a total of 30 credit hours, including 15 credit hours of major and 15 credit hours of emphasis coursework. This graphic design master’s program develops mastery of the fundamentals, such as visual communications, motion graphics, product design, color scheme and logo design. The master’s in graphic design and art equips graduates to pursue careers in graphic design and other visual design fields.
Accreditation and Awards
Best Online Master’s in Art & Art History Programs
Best Online Master’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs of 2024
Career Opportunities
Creative Director
Lead and manage creative teams that develop creative and branding strategies for all types of businesses.
Multimedia Artist
Create visual effects, animations, and other multimedia content for film, television, video games, and other digital platforms.
Art Professor
Teach art and design courses at the college level, guiding students in developing their creative knowledge and skills to thrive in professional roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an art and design degree the same as a fine art degree?
The online master’s in art and design at Lindenwood focuses on developing skills in the fine arts, with an additional emphasis on digital art, graphic design, and more. A fine arts degree typically has a narrower focus that excludes many of the principles in design and technology-driven art.
What is the difference between Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts?
In brief, a Master of Arts (MA) is generally less focused than a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and takes less time to complete. However, at Lindenwood University Online, we tailor your online art and design program to the needs of professional creative fields that match your talents.
What is the benefit of an art and design master’s degree?
Earning your master’s degree in art and design can help you reach the next level in your career. The skills you learn can give you and employers confidence that you are ready for high-level professional challenges.
Can you get a master’s in graphic design?
Yes, you can earn a master’s degree in graphic design. Plus, at Lindenwood, you can earn your master’s in graphic design online to give you the flexibility to earn your degree where and when it works for your schedule.
What can you do with a master’s in graphic design?
There are a number of fulfilling career paths for those with a master’s-level education in graphic design. Whether you aspire to guide other creatives as a creative director or advance your design specialty in industrial design or web design, you can put your creative passion into practice.
Is graphic design a good career?
If you have an aptitude or passion for design, a career in graphic design could be great fit. Additionally, if you are interested in a more lucrative career path, a role in creative direction could give you a conduit for your creative aspirations, along with a higher salary.
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learn moreWe are committed to helping you succeed.
Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.
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