Master's in design online
A master's degree in design online can help you advance your design career. Uncover what these programs offer and how they differ from other design-related disciplines.
Explore online master’s in design programs
Why earn a master's in design online?
Develop your portfolio
Compile your best research and projects from the program to demonstrate your skills to future employers.
Access leadership positions
Develop leadership skills and manage design projects.
Study on your time
Programs with asynchronous online delivery let you set your own study schedule.
Design can affect how we look at brands and products and how we receive communications. In a master's in design online, you can learn how to create designs that speak to audiences and influence reputations and buying decisions.
Browse online master’s in design programs
Master's in design online degree overview
A master's in design typically examines how leaders can use visual communication and style to affect brands and . These programs can help you develop skills and teach you how to take a design from conception to launch.
In a master's in design, you may study various design principles, strategies, and practices. Through a combination of lectures, research assignments, and project-based activities, you can learn about sustainable design, design management, and human-oriented design.
What jobs can you get with a master's in design?
A master's in design can prepare you for many promising creative roles in various industries. You can pursue careers in product design or management, user interface and experience, consulting, or marketing. You can also work in one of several design industries, including interior, graphic, or fashion design.
The professional outlook for a master's in design graduate varies by career, industry, and location, among other factors. For example, your field specialization, professional experience, and portfolio can impact your own employment demand and earning potential.
The following list highlights some jobs that may be available to you after graduation with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Marketing manager
Marketing managers develop and oversee an organization's marketing activities. They align the company's communications, products, and services with its brand and market opportunities.
- Median annual and hourly salary (2023): $157,620/year and $75.78/hour
- Projected employment growth (2023-33): 8%
Art director
Art directors create and manage the look and style of a brand, product, or production. They oversee artistic and design departments and projects to ensure that everything meets the client's and organization's needs.
- Median annual and hourly salary (2023): $106,500/year and $51.20/hour
- Projected employment growth (2023-33): 5%
Industrial designer
Industrial designers create the look of products based on client needs and manufacturing requirements. They consider product and design appearance, functionality, and cost in their plans.
- Median annual and hourly salary (2023): $76,250/year and $36.66/hour
- Projected employment growth (2023-33): 3%
Fashion designer
Fashion designers create clothing and fashion accessories for manufacturers, creative productions, and consumers. They work with different fabrics and materials to create visually appealing and functional pieces that meet a specific purpose or trend.
- Median annual and hourly salary (2023): $79,290/year and $38.12/hour
- Projected employment growth (2023-33): 5%
Curriculum for master's in design programs
A master's in design online usually includes a mix of design theory, research, and practical design courses. You may learn how to analyze design and measure its impact on brands and consumer experiences. You can also gain experience with the design process for products, communications, and interactions.
Your program could feature some or all of the following courses:
- Design strategy
- Typography
- Design frameworks
- User research
- Brand and visual design
Concentrations
In certain master's in design programs, you can specialize and narrow the focus of your studies. Concentrations allow you to take several courses in a specific topic and develop expertise in that area, which can help you stand out to employers.
Some common design concentrations include:
- Sustainable design
- Design technologies
- Design for interactions
- Design management
- Graphic design
- Visual communication
Admissions requirements for a master's in design online program
While admission requirements can vary by program, most require at least a . For some programs, you may need a design-related bachelor's degree and/or a design portfolio with academic or professional pieces. If your application requires you to submit a portfolio, consider including pieces that highlight your best technical skills and those that showcase diversity, creativity, and function.
Here are some of the additional requirements you could encounter:
- College transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- A résumé
- Statement of purpose
- A minimum GPA
- English language proficiency test
How to apply
For all , you need to submit your application materials and fees (if required) prior to the deadline for consideration.
Since the admissions process varies by school, it's important to speak with an admissions advisor early on. Your advisor can provide you with information about the program and the process to ensure you complete all necessary steps.
Frequently asked questions
Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?
Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.