M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.S. in Graphic Design
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Graphic Design is a concise, 30-credit-hour program specifically focused on graphic design and research-related coursework. It is crafted to help students mature into experienced design professionals, capable of contributing significantly to both the professional design world and potentially educational settings. The curriculum aims to refine visual communication skills through a rigorous exploration of critical design principles and contemporary applications.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Graphic Design includes a combination of core courses and electives designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field. Required core courses typically involve "Graphic Design Directed Problems I & II," "Typography," and "History of Graphic Design." Students also select one of "Research Topics in Art History: Artist" or "Research Topics in Art History: Periods or Styles." Electives allow for further specialization and may cover areas like "Concept Design," "Interactive Design," "History of Semiotics and Letterforms," and "Graduate Digital Animation." This structure ensures students develop both practical skills and a strong theoretical and historical grounding in graphic design.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Graphic Design program emphasizes "research-related classwork." While it does not typically culminate in a full thesis as seen in an MFA, the inclusion of "Research Topics in Art History" courses indicates a focus on critical inquiry and the theoretical underpinnings of graphic design. Students are encouraged to engage with the historical, cultural, and conceptual aspects of design, informing their practical work with a deeper understanding of the field. This research component prepares graduates to analyze design problems, evaluate trends, and contribute to design discourse.
Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's M.S. in Graphic Design is closely aligned with industry needs, aiming to prepare graduates for successful careers in commercial art and design. The curriculum's focus on branding, print design, and interactive design directly addresses key areas within the modern design industry. Faculty members, many of whom hold advanced degrees and have professional experience, offer real-world insights and mentorship. The program emphasizes building a strong professional portfolio through diverse projects, which is crucial for gaining employment. Although not explicitly stated as a requirement for the M.S. program, the university's broader encouragement of internships at the undergraduate level suggests an emphasis on practical experience and industry readiness.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Graphic Design curriculum does not explicitly detail a dedicated global studies component, the nature of graphic design itself inherently transcends geographical boundaries. Effective visual communication often requires an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and visual languages. Mississippi College, as an institution, fosters an international environment with a notable population of international students, which enriches the overall learning experience and indirectly exposes students to global perspectives on art and design. The study of the "History of Graphic Design" and related theoretical courses would naturally involve examining design movements and influences from around the world, contributing to a broader global understanding of the field.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Graphic Design from Mississippi College provides graduates with advanced skills in visual communication, strategic branding, and digital design, preparing them for influential roles within the creative industries. This graduate degree elevates their capabilities beyond foundational design, equipping them for leadership and specialized positions where critical thinking, research, and innovative problem-solving are paramount.
Senior Graphic Designer: With a master's degree, graduates can immediately step into senior roles, taking on more complex projects, guiding creative direction, and potentially mentoring junior designers within agencies, corporate design departments, or publishing houses.
Creative Director: This leadership position involves overseeing the visual style and imagery for entire campaigns, brands, or creative departments. M.S. graduates, especially those with a strong portfolio and a knack for strategy, are well-suited to define creative vision and manage teams of designers and other creatives.
Art Director: Similar to a creative director but often with a more hands-on role in the execution of visual concepts, art directors lead the artistic efforts for projects in advertising, publishing, film, or web design, ensuring the visual style aligns with the project's goals.
UX/UI Designer: The M.S. curriculum's focus on interactive design directly prepares graduates for careers in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design. They create intuitive and aesthetically pleasing digital products, focusing on user flow, information architecture, and visual design for websites, mobile apps, and software.
Brand Strategist/Brand Identity Designer: Leveraging their advanced understanding of visual communication and market trends, graduates can specialize in developing comprehensive brand identities for companies. This includes designing logos, color palettes, typography systems, and creating brand guidelines to ensure consistent messaging.
Motion Graphics Designer: With skills in digital animation and concept design, graduates can create dynamic visual content for video, film, television, web advertising, and interactive media. This increasingly in-demand role blends graphic design with animation principles.
Digital Marketing Designer: In this role, graphic designers create compelling visual assets specifically for digital marketing campaigns. This includes social media graphics, website banners, email templates, infographics, and digital advertisements, aiming to engage audiences and drive marketing objectives.
Publication Designer: Graduates can work for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or digital content platforms, specializing in the layout, typography, and visual presentation of editorial content, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and readability.
Freelance Graphic Design Consultant: Many M.S. graduates opt for self-employment, offering their advanced design and strategic consulting services to a diverse range of clients across various industries, managing their own projects and client relationships.
Design Researcher/Strategist: The research-focused components of the M.S. program prepare graduates to conduct in-depth design research, analyze market trends, and develop design strategies that inform business decisions and innovative product development. This role often sits at the intersection of design, marketing, and business strategy.
