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There are more than 600 million websites active on the Internet.
With the diversity and complexity of many of these sites, it makes sense to wonder who helps to create more than half a billion of these things. Much of that work is thanks to folks with master’s in creative & design degrees!
What is a Creativity & Design Degree?
Creativity & design covers a broad range of visual and artistic pursuits, but most typically concern the creation of visual elements for mediums such as websites and marketing materials. Individuals can specialize in particular fields and visual elements, or choose to pursue a wide range of skills that allow them to function in multiple settings and serve many roles.
How Much Money Can I Earn Working in Creativity & Design?
The creative elements of these degrees give students a lot of flexibility in their post-grad job search. The combination of visual and technical skills allows individuals to pursue a wide range of careers, from graphic design to multimedia art and animation.
Each of these jobs has their own advantages. The field of graphic design can often lead to non-traditional work environments, like freelancing or working from home. Multimedia art and animation has a median salary of more than $70,000 a year, and is expected to see more than 6,000 new job openings in the next ten years.
Accredited Online College Programs
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Why Choose An Online Master’s Degree in Creativity & Design?
Master’s students get in-depth experience and knowledge of the programs and techniques that employers want to see. These programs give students a chance to create a worthwhile portfolio that will impress potential workplaces.
The online element also saves students money and gives them far more flexibility. It can also be a good career preview for freelancing or work-from-home type job situations. If you want to see the Best Online Colleges regardless of degree, check out College Choice’s Best Online Colleges for a Master’s Degree.
What Are the 5 Best Online Master’s in Creativity & Design?
College Choice considers several factors including institutional merit, student fulfillment, and return on investment to develop rankings.
Institutional merit combines metrics such as student-to-faculty ratios, graduation rates and endowment to measure each school’s ability to provide excellent and cost-effective education for each student. Student fulfillment measures how fulfilled current and former students felt with the services and programs offered at each school. And finally return on investment looks at the fiscal benefits students are likely to receive from each school’s education, weighted against the costs of attendance, namely tuition and student loans.
In the end, we believe these truly are the 5 Best Online Master’s in Creative & Design Degrees.
Top Online Master's in Creative and Design Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Master’s In Creative And Design Degrees
Syracuse University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers around the country attend Syracuse University for the top-ranked online master's in instructional design, development, and evaluation, one of the best in its class. The program equips learners with advanced training that can lead to career advancement in their field. If they choose, master's graduates can also pursue a doctorate later on.
Learners like the fact that this program’s format helps them more efficiently manage their time. Students can fit in other responsibilities such as work, caregiving, and family life because of the program’s flexibility. The program emphasizes academic rigor and flexibility. Learners benefit from faculty support.
The application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unless the program states otherwise. Applicants get accepted at a rate of 44%. In-state students can expect to pay around $38,880 per year, which they can help fund through grants, loans, and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s In Creative And Design Degrees
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of fine arts in graphic design at Liberty University maintains high ranking among similar online degrees. The program prepares learners for higher-level work in the field than a bachelor's program typically allows. Master's degree-holders can also choose to pursue a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D.
The school’s online format appeals to students who need to effectively manage their time. Degree candidates do not need to sacrifice other important aspects of their lives such as work and family to earn this degree. Enrollees receive faculty support and benefit from an engaging academic community whether they study on campus or online.
Degree-seekers interested in pursuing a master’s usually need a bachelor’s in the major or a related field to apply. About 51% of applicants get accepted to this school on average, but applicants may find that programs post different averages. Tuition stands at around $7,980 per year for students who live in Virginia. Enrollees can help fund their education with grants, loans, and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Master’s In Creative And Design Degrees
Quinnipiac University
- Hamden, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers attend Quinnipiac University because they can earn graduate degrees at an institution that prioritizes learning flexibility. Though located in Hamden, Connecticut, the school offers two online master's programs for remote learners. One option is the master of science in interactive media and communications. This program offers a flexible online format that accommodates the needs of busy professionals and others who work.
A bachelor’s in the major is a typical requirement for many master’s programs, but criteria vary depending on the degree. Earning a master's can lead to many benefits, including higher pay and more job opportunities. The program also provides the foundational knowledge for a Ph.D.
The school keeps tuition competitive, charging $18,990 per year. Learners can contact the financial aid department to find out more about if they qualify for grants and scholarships. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Master’s In Creative And Design Degrees
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Savannah, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Savannah College of Art and Design offers a top-ranking master's in creative business leadership. Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. Some master's degree-holders move on to a doctorate.
The program's convenient online format appeals to many degree-seekers. A big part of this program's allure is that it allows students to manage other aspects of their lives without sacrificing their education. The program emphasizes academic rigor and flexibility. Enrollees receive support from faculty and the community.
The program's application requirements include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts, but the department can provide more information. Applicants get accepted at a rate of 96%. Degree-seekers can use financial aid such as loans and grants to pay the annual tuition, which costs about $38,475 for Georgia residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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