Overview

Key Features

The Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a two-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.

The program is equally concerned with thinking and making. Through project-oriented activities that foster analytical competence in research, writing, design history, and image theory, the curriculum is designed to deepen process-oriented skills as applied to typographic form/systems, image-/form-making, documentation/publication design, and digital media design. The MDes in Graphic Design is an international program delivered in Chicago and Basel, Switzerland. Chicago-based students participate in the Basel School of Design summer workshops. The program culminates in a public exhibition of the master's research paper and project.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Senior Design Colloquium

Creative Coding

Interaction Design

Industrial Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

64 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Chicago, United States

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 95 other Masters in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Baccalaureate Field No restrictions; however, individuals who apply must demonstrate an advanced level of competence in graphic design through their portfolio submission.

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.

Portfolio Applicants must submit a portfolio of no more than 20 examples of current work demonstrating proficiency in the area of graphic design.

CV/Resume Required.

Letters of Recommendation Three required.

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

27306 USD / year

≈ 27306 USD / year
Out-of-State

27306 USD / year

≈ 27306 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13102 USD / year

≈ 13102 USD / year

Additional Details

+$2,519 Semester Graduate Tuition Differentials

Living costs

Chicago

United States

1297 - 2491 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 Graphic Design.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Key Features

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Chicago

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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