Online Masters Graphic Design & Multimedia Graduate Programs

For the Fine Arts and Design graduate student who wants to earn an online Masters in graphic design or multimedia degree but needs a flexible learning format, enrolling in a Graphic Design online program might be the perfect solution. Distance learning programs tend to be flexible ones, and allow busy adults to schedule study at their own convenience. In effect, no commute time might mean more time to create!

This is good news for professionals in graphic arts who are already working but want to keep their skills fresh; Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs^[i]. Earning an Online Graphic Design degree might involve working in your home studio, and logging into a course management system when you are able. Digital tools help keep students connected to their classmates and faculty, so you still feel part of a college atmosphere.

The general goal of Online Masters in Graphic Design programs is to teach students to communicate their ideas creatively with images and words. Students who are passionate about their art, love technology, and are open to emerging mediums might thrive in a both graphic design and multimedia design masters programs. Students in graphic design learn how to use different forms of content as well as different media technology to connect with audiences. We see the finished products of graphic designers when we look at business card logos, apps, computer games, websites, print advertisements, posters, billboards and brand name clothing.

Today’s graphic artist uses digital arts, computer graphics and other media, to create artwork for video games, apps, web and other emerging mediums. Students in multi-media courses learn to use a variety of media to tell stories, give instructions or to entertain. They are writer of storylines, creators of animated characters, soundtracks, layouts, special effects, audio and video. Part of this process involves creating images, graphics, and sound and video files.

How Do I Choose An Online Masters in Graphic Design Program or Online Multimedia Degree?

Choosing the right online graphic design program for your educational and professional needs may sound like a challenge, with so many different Graphics Design Masters Programs and computer technology and media related platforms that generate new types of courses. Some of these include online Master of Fine Arts in Media Design, Online Master Digital Arts Graduate Programs, Online Master Illustration, Online MFA in Graphic Design, Online Master Animation, and Online Master Computer Arts.

GradSchools.com has search tools to help you locate online graphic design programs by city, state or country. You can also scroll down through the listings and then click through to read more about the degree.

A branch of visual communication and communication design, graphic design is defined as the creation process of visual communication, and problem solving through the use of type, space, image and color^[ii]. Multimedia is a term used to define content that uses a combination of different forms such as text, audio, still images, animation, video, digital, or interactive content forms. It is sometimes referred to as ‘interactive media^[iii].

Choosing A Career In Graphic Design and Multimedia Design

Both graphic design and multimedia design master program curriculums blend creativity with technology in order to prepare students for a variety of career paths.

What Is A Multimedia Artist and Animator?

For the graduate holding an online masters in graphic design, one of the potential career paths might be to become a Multimedia artist and animator. Professionals in this occupation create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, digital animation, movies, music videos, and television commercials.

They need to learn communications and media, design, fine arts, computers and electronics and have a good sense of English language communication. Some of the technology used by multimedia artists includes^[iv]:

• Computer aided design CAD software
• Development environment software
• Graphics or photo imaging software
• Operating system software
• Video creation and editing software
• Web platform development software

Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies and television. (Source: BLS.gov)

About 59% of multimedia artists and animators were self-employed in 2020; industries with the highest employment of these professionals includes motion picture and video industries, computer systems design and related services, software publishers, advertising, public relations and related services. (Source: BLS.gov)

Career Fact: The median annual wage for multimedia artists and animators was $77,700 in 2020. (Source: BLS.gov)

What is A Graphic Designer?

For the graduate holding an online masters in graphic design degree, one of the potential career paths might be to explore a career as a Graphic designer. This category of graphic arts professions includes professionals who design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos, and might involve the use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Similar to multimedia artists, graphic designers need to be trained in design, communications and media, computers and electronics, the fine arts and communicate well in English. Some of the technology used by graphic artists includes^[vii]:

• Computer aided design CAD software
• Desktop publishing software
• Graphics or photo imaging software
• Video creation and editing software
• Web platform development software

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030, however employment of graphic designers in computer systems design and related services is projected to grow 35% in this same time frame. (Source: BLS.gov)

In 2020 about 19% of graphic designers were self-employed; industries with the highest levels of employment in this profession include manufacturing, specialized design services, newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers, advertising, public relations and related services and wholesale trade. (Source: BLS.gov)

Career Fact: The median annual wage for graphic designers was $53,380 in 2020. (Source: BLS.gov)

Ready to Pursue an Online Masters in Graphic Design or a Multimedia Design Degree?

Whether your talents, skills and abilities are, refining them in a graphics design master program might lead to a variety of potentially fascinating job outcomes. Use the search tools on GradSchools.com to determine which graphic design or multimedia masters degree will captivate your imagination for a bright and creative future!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-4 | [ii] En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_design | [iii] En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia | [iv] onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1014.00 | [v] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm | [vi] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-3 | [vii] onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1024.00 | [viii] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-1 | [ix] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-6

GradSchools.com offers 8 Online Masters Graphic Design