MDes Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago

Programme overview

The Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design is a two- or three-year degree program focused on an independent masters research project that offers students the opportunity to identify and explore a topic of inquiry with the potential to contribute to broader disciplinary knowledge.

Faculty: College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chicago, IL, United States

What you will study

Minimum 64-82 semester hours required. Master's Research Project required. Required courses include Introduction to Design Practice (4 hours); Advanced Studio I: Advanced Topics in Design Fundamentals (3 hours); Advanced Studio II: Advanced Topics in Design Fundamentals (3 hours); Advanced Topics in Design (8 hours); Design Seminar; Combined Studio (4 hours).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Prior degree: No restrictions; however, individuals who apply must demonstrate an advanced level of competence in graphic design through their portfolio submission. GPA: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study. Tests: None. Letters of recommendation: Three required. Personal statement: Required. This statement of purpose should outline the applicant’s current or previous work as relevant to plans and objectives for advanced study; describe professional goals and how these goals were developed; and state why the applicant would like to study in a research-oriented design program.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate and professional programmes admit for Fall, Spring and Summer terms depending on the programme; applications for Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and Summer 2028 are expected to open on August 1, 2026.

Graduate and professional application deadlines are set per programme, with separate deadlines for domestic and international applicants for most non-online programmes; optional earlier priority, recommended or fellowship dates apply to both. Applications are made through the UIC graduate application or a centralized application service for some professional programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uic.edu/admissions/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities