An online master’s degree in art and design may equip individuals with advanced technical and professional skills required for a position of leadership in their chosen area of design. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to determine a visual concept, review and approve design ideas, and provide education in various areas of art. Possible concentration areas may include graphic design, fine art, and art education.

Upon graduation, students may either seek employment or pursue an art and design doctoral degree. Master’s level graduates may seek employment in art direction, art education, graphic design, and advertising.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 9% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A master’s-level art and design program may consist of core coursework alongside specialized electives in the student’s chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses such as art administration technology, management and leadership in the arts, and art in society. Possible concentration areas for a master’s in art and design degree may include the following:

• Art Education
• Graphic Design
• Fine Art
• Media Design
• Digital Art
• Photography
• Industrial Design

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may gain employment in advertising, education, graphic design, non-profit organizations, and art administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, art direction employment is projected to increase by 9% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Museum Educator
• Photographer
• Art Educator
• Creative Arts Therapist
• Art Director

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete an online art and design master’s degree may wish to continue their education by enrolling in a doctoral-level degree program. An art and design doctoral degree may prepare students to teach art and design at the collegiate level. Employers may require a bachelor’s degree at minimum for professional art and design employment.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook