5 Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design

There are many benefits of earning a master’s degree in graphic design. These include personal, career and academic advantages. Those who earn a master’s degree are much more likely to earn more money and enjoy career stability. Here are five specific benefits for students of graduate-level graphic design programs.

Program Benefits

A Master of Fine Arts degree in graphic design will take only two years to finish. Those who earn an MFA in graphic design will have the future career option of teaching other students. These degree programs generally require capstone projects or the presentation of a master’s thesis during the end of the final year. A graduate-level graphic design thesis will be drastically different than traditional academic theses. Most graduate students must present new research or defend existing ideas. However, graphic design students will present creative projects that will demonstrate their technical skills and core competencies. This will be an excellent addition to any resume portfolio.

Teaching the Next Generation

Anyone who wants to teach at the college level will need a master’s degree in graphic design. However, many high, middle and even grade schools are now requiring students to learn about computer and technology. Those who want to teach may also find employment in community colleges, trade schools and corporate training departments. Teaching graphic design is a rewarding endeavor because it results in both students and the teacher learning something new. Those who want to teach must ensure they meet the credentialing and licensing standards of their respective states. The benefits of earning a master’s degree in graphic design include helping students achieve academic and career success.

Employment Opportunities

Graphic designers with advanced degrees may provide a variety of unique services in various industries. For example, they may work in advertising, marketing, cinematography, photojournalism and even technical photography. A Master’s Degree in graphic design is the perfect degree for entrepreneurs who want to open their own studios or simply work as home-based freelancers. These graphic designers may find employment through medical, wedding, web design and small business opportunities. They may find themselves working for animators, cinematographers and marketing directors. Alternatively, they may work for business or technology based companies.

Better Job Outlook

While there are no government licenses or certification requirements for graphic designers to work, most employers will prefer to hire job candidates with graduate degrees. Consider the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for graphic designers will only change approximately one percent between 2012 and 2022. This means that those with master’s degrees are more likely to be hired as the job market competition will remain the same. Employers generally hire those with higher educational levels because this is a simple way to weed out the majority of unqualified or similar candidates.

Academic Advantages

Another one of the benefits of earning a master’s degree in graphic design is expanding knowledge and transferable skills. Graduating from a master’s program will add immense intellectual and work-related skills to those who are already working. The majority of students who seek master’s degrees are working adults who want to change or advance their careers. These students will be able to apply the new skills and knowledge they learn every day at work during their degree plan.

Conclusion

Most employers want candidates who have solid academic backgrounds and employment experiences. A master’s degree in graphic design will open job doors and create career opportunities. A final benefit of earning a master’s degree is improved confidence and self-worth.

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