Overview

The Design - Graphic Design programme at the University of Minnesota provides a comprehensive framework for students to explore the complex relationships between humans and designed objects. This advanced course of study integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are equipped to handle emergent technologies and digital design solutions. Students work closely with expert faculty to develop information resources and physical objects that significantly enhance the quality of daily life.

Why Design - Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota?

Students benefit from a rich research environment supported by specialised facilities such as the Letterpress Lab and Surface Design Studio. The university provides access to unique resources including the Goldstein Museum of Design and the Eicher Dress and Fashion Library. Faculty expertise spans diverse areas from user experience and typography to screenprinting, offering a collaborative atmosphere where creative scholarship and traditional making techniques thrive together.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 42694 per year
National fee: USD 41512 per year
Local fee: USD 18626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around major credits and elective options, culminating in a significant creative thesis or capstone project. Modules may include:

Multicultural Communication
Visual Representation of Information
Human Interaction with Designed Objects
Social and Cultural Implications of Design
Color Systems and Perception
Design History
Design Education
Design Theory
Research Methods

Careers with Design - Graphic Design

Graduates are prepared for high-level roles in design practice, research, and academia. The programme's emphasis on specialised research gives students a competitive edge in the global job market, particularly in sectors requiring expertise in digital solutions and human-centred design. Those completing the M.Sc. Plan A often progress to doctoral studies to pursue careers as professors and scholars, while MFA graduates typically enter senior creative positions within the design industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design Theory

Innovation Theory and Analysis

Graphic Design Research

History of Graphic Design

Surface Fabric Design Workshop

Advanced Typography

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

34 SCH

MFA: 60 credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Design Graphic Design View 88 other Masters in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An undergraduate or graduate degree in design or a related area (art, architecture, technical communication) or significant professional experience (3–5 years) in design (graphic, exhibition, etc).

Coursework in design or art foundations

Computer literacy in industry-standard programs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)

Professional coursework in design (12 credits minimum) or several years of professional experience with evidence of effective design

A preferred 3.0 GPA

Personal statement of your academic and professional goals for the degree desired (1–2 pages)

Diversity statement (1–2 pages)

GRE scores are not required for the graphic design track of the Design Graduate Program, but many scholarships require GRE scores

Three letters of recommendation

All transcripts

Application fee of $75

A portfolio with 15–20 examples of current work in .pdf file format

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42694 USD / year

≈ 42694 USD / year
Out-of-State

41512 USD / year

≈ 41512 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18626 USD / year

≈ 18626 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design - Graphic Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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