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By submitting this request for more information, you are giving your express written consent for Lindenwood University and its partners to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text - including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to the wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase good or services and you may always email us directly, including to opt out, at [email protected].

Master’s in Art & Design, MA

Online Master’s in Art & Design

The master’s in art and design provides students with a firm foundation in critical theories and trends, as well as the practical application and problem-solving involved in visual art and graphic design. Master’s in art and design students are exposed to various approaches in the field, provided with a historical overview of the field, and introduced to the principles of a wide range of areas with emphases in graphic design, web user experience, photography, digital art, sustainable design, and project management. 


Program at a Glance

2-4 years

Duration

30

Credit Hours

$551

Cost per Credit

100%

Online

Awards & Recognitions

Ranked #3
Best Online Master’s in Art & Art History Programs

Top Ranked
Best Online Master’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs of 2024

Concentrations

The Master of Arts in art and 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 Art and Design (MA) with Emphasis in Digital Art program is a total of 30 credit hours, including 15 credit hours of major coursework and 15 credit hours of digital art classes. Digital art degree course studies cover essentials across digital art expression and production – from web design and social media to animation and digital painting. The digital arts master’s degree prepares graduates to pursue creative roles in the digital space, including illustrator, web designer, freelance digital artist graphic designer and more.

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 art and design 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 master’s in graphic design emphasis degree develops mastery of the fundamentals, such as visual communications, motion graphics, product design, color scheme and logo design. The master’s in graphic design program equips graduates to pursue careers in graphic design and other visual design fields.

The Art and Design (MA) with Emphasis in Photography provides students with a firm foundation in critical theories and trends, as well as the practical application and problem solving involved in design. The art and design master’s in photography is a total of 30 credit hours, including 15 credit hours of major coursework and 15 credit hours of emphasis coursework. This photography master’s degree program explores foundational concepts such as composition, alignment, printmaking, resolution and pixels, stock photography. Master’s degree in photography graduates are equipped for many careers within the visual arts, including photographer, animator, graphic designer and more.

The Art and Design (MA) with Emphasis in User Experience provides students with a firm foundation in critical theories and trends, as well as the practical application and problem solving involved in design. The art and design master’s degree in user experience design is a total of 30 credit hours, including 15 credit hours of major coursework and 15 credit hours of emphasis coursework. This master’s in UX design online program covers the fundamentals of web development—from web page design and user interface to graphics and pixels. The master’s in UX design develops learners’ expertise across user experience and web services. The master’s degree UX design credential positions graduates for the challenges of the web design field, along with other roles in visual communications.

The Art and Design (MA) with Emphasis in Project Management 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 design management degree is a total of 30 credit hours, including 15 credit hours of major coursework and 15 credit hours of emphasis coursework. This master’s in arts management degree explores key aspects of the project management lifecycle, such as strategic planning and leadership communications within project management, with a focus on art and design production and expression. Design management degree graduates can pursue careers in a number of business environments, across operations.

Course Spotlight

At Lindenwood University Online, we have a long tradition of providing art and design students with a personalized path to their goals in several creative fields. Whether you want to work as a fine artist, museum curator, or designer in the fashion industry, we can help you prepare for success. Some students pursue visual art while others find inspiration in product design. At Lindenwood, our faculty will foster your inspiration through a well-rounded curriculum that builds towards a portfolio of work you can use to impress prospective employers. Courses in theory are balanced with core skills that employers look for in job candidates. Some courses in this master’s in art online program include: 

  • Portfolio and Career Foundations 
  • Personal Branding and Content Creation 
  • Editing for Film and Video

Career Outlook

With your master’s in art in art and design, you can qualify for several high-level creative positions. As an art director, you can oversee the creation of projects, from concept to execution. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that art directors can earn an annual median wage of $100,890. Meanwhile, special effects artists and animators earn an annual median salary of $78,790. These are just two of the career paths you can pursue once you complete our master’s in art and design online program.

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. 

Tuition Details

The cost per credit hour for this program is $551. Besides affordable tuition, we offer a generous transfer policy of up to nine credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs—to save you time and money on your education!

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Why Choose Lindenwood University Online?

Since 1832, Lindenwood University has served students worldwide with affordable, high-quality academic programs providing real experience and real success. After nearly 200 years of academic excellence, Lindenwood is committed to a set of core values, including integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity, and community. Our master’s in art and design students receive the same personalized approach to academic excellence that defines the Lindenwood campus experience. With our innovative online approach, you can continue your education without putting your current life on hold.

Quality

Quality

We evolve our online degree programs to reflect the latest in academic research and innovation and to meet the top standards of higher education.

Affordability

Affordability

We are committed to offering our students studying online low tuition rates on top of multiple ways to save on your education.

Career-Focused

Career-Focused

Our programs align curriculum to industry realities from experienced instructors who share real-world insights.

Support

Support

We employ experts who are dedicated to helping our students with financial aid planning, enrollment counseling, tutoring services, and more.

We are committed to helping you succeed.

Throughout each step of your master’s in art and design online 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. 

Contact us today to learn more about this dynamic art and design master’s program. Simply fill out the form on the side of this page to get started. 

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