Masters in Design in USA: Fees 2023, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

Masters in Design in USA is a 1-2 year postgraduate degree program that explores the practicalities and implementations of Designing. Apart from Master of Science (MS), other PG courses in Design in USA are Master of Professional Studies (MPS), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Design (MDes), available in 90+ top universities in USA.

The tuition fee in the top universities for Masters in Design in USA ranges from USD 43,000 to USD 73,000 per year which is estimated to be INR 35.1 Lakhs to INR 59.6 Lakhs per annum. The average requirement from each applicant is a 4-year bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (83-86%) from a recognized university. Aspirants must also possess a relevant prior work experience of at least 2-5 years as well as an updated portfolio of all the design related work.

Masters in Design in USA opens up a wide range of job opportunities with competitive salaries in various industries. Graduates can work as product designers, graphic designers, UX/UI designers, fashion designers, and more, earning an average salary of 84,000 USD (68 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 153,000 USD (1.25 crore INR). The top employers for design graduates in the USA include Apple, Amazon, Google, and Nike, among others

Masters in Design in USA: Highlights

Courses Available MS, MDes, MFS, MPS
Course Type Full-time | Part-time
Program Duration 1-2 Years
Degree Requirement BA/BFA/BS from an accredited institution with a prior professional experience of at least 2-5 years
GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%)
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score | TOEFL iBT: 79 to 100 overall score
Annual Tuition Fees USD 43,000 to USD 73,000 (INR 35.1 Lakhs to INR 59.6 Lakhs)
Annual Salary Range USD 57,200 to USD 135,250 (INR 46.7 Lakhs to INR 1.1 Crore)

Top Universities for Masters in Design in USA

The top universities for Masters in Design in USA are given below:

University Program Application Deadlines Tuition Fee per year (USD)
Parsons School of Design at the New School MS: Design and Urban Ecology | MS: Strategic Design and Management | MS: Strategic Design for Global Leadership 1 Feb 2023 (Closed) 83,700
Pratt Institute MS: Packaging Identities, and Systems Design | MS: Urban Design 5 Jan 2023 (Priority deadline. Applications are still accepted) 68,000 | 49,400
Art Center of Design MS: Spatial Experience Design | Transportation Systems and Design 15 Jan 2023 (Closed) (Applications Open: 1 Aug 2023) 51,726
Stanford University MS in Design 1 December, 2022 (applications closed) 39,120
Columbia University MS: Advanced Architectural Design | MS: Architecture and Urban Design 15 Jan 2023 (Closed) 93,900

The following are some popular Masters program in Design in USA:

University Program Application Deadlines Tuition Fee per year (USD)
Parsons School of Design at the New School MFA: Design and Technology | MFA: Fashion Design and Society | MPS: Fashion Management 15 Dec 2023 56,400
Rhode Island School of Design MFA: Graphic Design | MID: Industrial Design 5 Jan 2023 (Closed) 58,700
School of Art Institute of Chicago MFA in Studio: Design for Emerging Technologies 10 Jan 2023 (Closed) 55,800
Pratt Institute MFA: Interior Design 5 Jan 2023 (Priority deadline. Applications are still accepted) 61,750 | 49,400
Art Center of Design MFA: Graphic Design | Media Design Practice | Transportation Systems and Design 15 Jan 2023 (Closed) Applications Open: 1 Aug 2023 51,726
Stanford University MFA in Design 1 Dec 2023 39,120
Carnegie Mellon University MA in Design 15 Jan 2023 (Closed) 43,000
California Institute of Arts MFA: Design | MDes: Interaction Design 15 Jan 2023 (Closed) 61,000 | 73,000
School of Visual Arts MFA: Design | MFA: Design for Social Innovation | MA: Design Research, Writing, and Criticism 1 Oct 2023 54,900

Why study Masters in Design in USA?

Masters in Design in USA is a well-structured and well-planned program offered by several accredited institutions of the world. Here are some of the major reasons to pursue a Masters in Design in USA:-

  • 3 top universities for Masters in Design in USA are ranked among the top 10 and 25+ universities are ranked among the top 100 universities of the world for Design as per the QS Rankings 2023.
  • Graduates of Masters in Design in USA can earn an average salary of 84,000 USD (68 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 153,000 USD (1.25 crore INR)
  • According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the number of jobs in arts and design fields is expected to rise by 2 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is a slower rate compared to all other occupations. Despite the slow growth, this increase is predicted to generate approximately 20,500 fresh employment opportunities during the decade.
  • Apart from the newly created jobs due to growth, employment opportunities are also expected to emerge as workers permanently leave their occupations and need to be replaced. On average, around 94,500 vacancies per year are estimated to arise from both growth and replacement needs.
  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also anticipates a 2.6% expansion in employment opportunities for graphic designers from 2021 to 2031. During this period, approximately 6,800 job openings are expected to become available.

Admissions to Masters in Design in USA

Universities accept admissions for Masters in Design in USA twice a year: fall and spring sessions. International candidates are advised to keep an eye on the application deadlines and apply at the earliest. The admission requirements vary with the university, still possessing a 4-year bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA from a recognized university is considered the threshold.

Masters in Design in USA: Eligibility Criteria

The following eligibility criteria is followed by a majority of universities for accepting admissions in Masters in Design in USA:

  • BA/BFA/BS from an accredited institution
  • Prior professional experience of at least 2-5 years
  • 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • A 500-750 word Statement of Purpose (SoP)
  • Official transcript or certified copies of transcripts
  • Updated Resume or CV
  • Portfolio
  • Personal Interview
  • A valid passport
  • US Student Visa
  • Proof of English Proficiency:-
    • IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score
    • TOEFL iBT: 79 to 100 overall score

Also Read: US Student Visa

Masters in Design in USA: Admission Requirements

Here are the entry requirements for pursuing Masters in Design in USA:

University Bachelor’s Degree Requirements English Language Requirements
Parsons School of Design at the New School Bachelor's degree in Arts or Design with at least 5 years of professional experience IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 92
Rhode Island School of Design 4-years bachelor’s degree with at least 3.0 GPA from a recognized university IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 93
School of Art Institute of Chicago 4-years bachelor’s degree from a recognized university IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 85 (at least 21 in each section)
Pratt Institute 3-years bachelor’s degree from a recognized university IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 79
Art Center of Design Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Design from a recognized university IELTS: 7.5 (with at least 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section)
Stanford University BA/BFA/BS from an accredited institution with at least 3 years of professional experience TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section)
Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Design from a recognized university with at least 2 years of professional experience IELTS: 7.5 (with at least 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 102 (at least 25 in each section)
California Institute of Arts BA/BFA/BS from an accredited institution | 3-years bachelor’s degree from India with grade A IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 80
School of Visual Arts Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Design from a recognized university IELTS: 8 (with at least 7.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section)
Columbia University First bachelor’s degree, BArch, or March from a recognized university with at least 5 years of professional experience IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section)

Masters in Design in USA: Costs

The total cost of pursuing Masters in Design in USA includes the tuition fee of universities and cost of living in USA. A detailed breakdown of the costs that an international student can expect to incur is provided below. It is always preferable to be aware of the costs involved and optimise the budget ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.

Masters in Design in USA: Tuition Fee

The average tuition costs for pursuing Masters in Design in USA fall between USD 43,000 and USD 73,000 or INR 35.1 Lakhs and INR 59.6 Lakhs. The university-wise tuition fee distribution for Masters in Design in USA is given below:

Masters in Design in USA: Tuition Fee

University Tuition Fee per year (USD) Tuition Fee per year (INR)
Parsons School of Design at the New School 56,400 46 lakhs
Rhode Island School of Design 58,700 48 Lakhs
School of Art Institute of Chicago 55,800 45.6 Lakhs
Pratt Institute 61,750 50.5 Lakhs
Art Center of Design 51,726 42 lakhs
Stanford University 39,120 32 lakhs
Carnegie Mellon University 43,000 35.1 Lakhs
California Institute of Arts 61,000 49.8 Lakhs
School of Visual Arts 54,900 44.9 Lakhs

Cost of Living in USA

USA is the most popular as well as the costliest study abroad destination for MS in Electrical Engineering in USA as well as other programs. This corresponds to the quality of education, safety, ambiance, and health services offered by the country. The following table shows the average expense and the cost of living in USA for international students:

Expense Type Cost Per Month (USD) Monthly Cost Equivalent (INR)
On-campus Accommodation 2,450 to 2,775 1.99 to 2.26 Lakhs
Books and stationary 500 to 1,000 40,600 to 81,300
Food 2,500 2 Lakhs
Clothes 500 40,600
Public Transport 500 to 1,200 40,600 to 97,600
Miscellaneous 2,000 1.63 Lakhs

Cost of Living in USA

Masters in Design in USA: Scholarships

Students who find the cost of studying Masters in Design in USA unaffordable may look out for university scholarships and grant options in order to fund their scholarships. Following is the list of some of the popular scholarships in USA available for Masters in Design in USA:-

Scholarship University Eligibility Award
Pratt Restricted Awards and Scholarship Pratt Institute Full-time students with academic excellence having financial needs USD 100 to 1,000
Teknik Student Loans Carnegie Mellon University Individuals with at least 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA having financial need USD 2,500 t 5,000
Visionary Practice Scholarship California Institute of Arts US graduate applicants who have completed FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) Up to USD 26,000 per year
SVA Matching Outside Scholarship School of Visual Arts Full time students with academic excellence having financial needs Up to 2,500 per year
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships US Government Citizen of a country with Rotary clubs | 2 years of college course work or equivalent Up to 25,000 USD
Fulbright Scholarships for Indians US Government Indian citizen | Academic excellence | English proficiency Monthly stipend, Tuition and cost of attendance coverage
Inlaks Scholarship US Government Indian citizen | Minimum 65-75% marks 100,000 USD
AAUW International Fellowship US Government Non US based women pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in USA 20,000-50,000 USD
JN Tata Endowment Fund (loan) US Government Indian citizens | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 60% marks 1,00,000-10,00,000 INR

Masters in Design in USA: Placements

Masters in Design in USA offers a number of job opportunities such that they can earn an annual salary ranging from USD 57,200 to USD 135,250, equivalent to INR 46.7 Lakhs to INR 1.1 Crore. Some of the popular job profiles available after Masters in Design in USA are given in the following table along with their corresponding payouts:

Masters in Design in USA: Placements

Job Profile Annual Salary (USD) Equivalent Salary (INR)
Interior Designer 57,200 46.7 Lakhs
Industrial Designer 71,000 58 Lakhs
UX Designer 85,500 69.9 Lakhs
Creative Researcher 103,600 84.6 Lakhs
Product Designer 106,400 86.9 Lakhs
Senior Product Designer 135,250 1.1 Crore
Graphic Designer 44,700 36.6 lakhs
Landscape Designer 58,900 48.3 lakhs
Design Manager 114,800 94 lakhs

Masters in Design in USA: Return on Investment

Apart from high tuition fees and high cost of living, Masters in Design in USA is accompanied by a high return on investment. The following table

Masters in Design in USA: Return on Investment

shows the university-specific average salaries bagged by MS in Design graduates:-

University Tuition Fee per year (USD) Graduate Salary (USD)
Parsons School of Design at the New School 56,400 72,000
School of Art Institute of Chicago 55,800 63,000
Pratt Institute 49,400 69,000
Art Center of Design 51,726 86,000
Stanford University 39,120 113,000
California Institute of Arts 61,000 73,000
School of Visual Arts 54,900 79,000

Masters in Design in USA vs Masters in Design in the UK

A contrast between MS in Design offered by the topmost study abroad destinations: USA and UK is tabulated as follows:-

Particulars Masters in Design in USA MS in Design in the UK
Degree Requirement BA/BFA/BS from an accredited institution Prior professional experience of at least 2-5 years 2:1 honour’s degree in Arts or Design with at least 50% aggregate from a recognized university
Duration 1-2 Years 1-2 Years
ELP Score IELTS: 6.5 to 8 overall score | TOEFL iBT: 79 to 100 overall score IELTS: 5.5 to 6.5 overall score
Annual Tuition Fees USD 43,000 to USD 73,000 (INR 35.1 Lakhs to INR 59.6 Lakhs) GBP 16,500 to GBP 19,000 (INR 16.2 Lakhs to 18.7 Lakhs)
Graduate Salary USD 57,200 to USD 135,250 (INR 46.7 Lakhs to INR 1.1 Crore) GBP 34,000 (INR 33.41 Lakhs)

Masters in Design in USA is a beneficial program for candidates willing to pursue a career in the fields of Graphic Design, Media Design Practice, Transportation Systems and Design, etc. A hike of around 3% is expected in the career opportunities for MS in Design graduates in USA in the next 5 years.

FAQs

Ques1. What will I learn while pursuing Masters in Design in USA?

Ans. While studying for Masters in Design in USA, an individual flourishes in the following disciplines:-

  • Craft
  • Textile
  • Media
  • Lifestyle Products
  • Graphics
  • User Experience Design, etc.

Ques2. Which country is best for studying MS in Design?

Ans. The following are the popular study-abroad destinations for pursuing MS in Design:

  1. USA
  2. UK
  3. Italy
  4. Australia
  5. Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden)

Ques3. What can I do after Masters in Design in USA?

Ans. the completion of an Masters in Design in USA allows one to immediately pursue a career in Designing. Some of the popular job titles are:-

  • UI/UX Designer
  • Product Designer
  • Industrial Designer
  • Design Manager
  • Interior Designer
  • Fashion Designer

Ques4. Is prior experience required for pursuing Masters in Design in USA?

Ans. The application criteria for a majority of universities in USA offering MS in Design includes the possession of a relevant prior experience of 2-5 years or more by the candidate in the design industry.

Ques5. What are the top design schools for Masters in Design in USA?

Ans. Some of the top design institutions for pursuing an Masters in Design in USA are:

  1. Parsons School of Design at the New School
  2. Rhode Island School of Design
  3. School of Art Institute of Chicago
  4. Pratt Institute
  5. Stanford University

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