Overview of Design and Applied Arts

Design and Applied Arts is an interdisciplinary field of study that brings together the traditional disciplinary boundaries of art, design, and technology. It integrates aesthetics and function, creativity and processes, elements of form making, visual communication, emergent technologies, and human behavior. Master’s degree programs in Design and Applied Arts provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to create meaningful and successful products, services, environments, and experiences.

Career Opportunities for Graduates With A Master’s Degree in Design and Applied Arts

Graduates of a Master’s degree in Design and Applied Arts have many career opportunities available to them. Popular positions include graphic designer, product or industrial designer, magazine or book cover designer, art director, illustrator, fashion designer, package designer, web designer, and technical illustrator. Professionals in this field can also find work as instructors at design schools, technical colleges, and universities. Further job paths may be available in digital marketing, user experience design, and the wider creative industry.

Internship and Co-Op Opportunities for Master’s in Design and Applied Arts

Students with a Master’s in Design and Applied Arts may benefit from internships and co-op opportunities in order to gain related experience and build their portfolio. Co-ops and internships may be offered at various companies, such as software development and digital media production firms, graphic design studios, and museums. Additionally, students may intern with other departments in their university, such as user experience design teams or faculty centers working on experiments involving applied design.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within a Master’s in Design and Applied Arts

Many universities offer specialized tracks or concentrations within a Master’s in Design and Applied Arts program. Students may choose to focus exclusively on Design, Applied Arts, or a combination of the two. Specialization options include motion graphics, 3D animation, virtual reality, interactive media, product design, graphic design, web design, game design, typography, illustration, and image processing.

How does a Master’s Degree in Design and Applied Arts Prepare Students for their Career?

A master’s degree in Design and Applied Arts provides students with training that will boost their career prospects, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to create innovative and successful products, services, environments, and experiences. Students will learn how to use advanced tools and techniques, such as digital illustration, 3D modeling, user experience design (UX), visual communication, and motion graphics, to develop and create in the fields of design and applied arts.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Design and Applied Arts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in the fields of design and applied arts, providing opportunities for graduates with a Master’s in Design and Applied Arts to explore and develop new creative possibilities. AI can be used to assist in the design process, providing feedback to generate new ideas and create unique visuals and images. AI can also help with 3D modeling and motion designs, allowing for complex projects to be completed with speed and accuracy.

The Career Outlook for Students with a Master’s in Design and Applied Arts?

The demand for professionals in the fields of Design and Applied Arts is expected to continue to grow. With the increasing use of technology, new opportunities are becoming available for professionals with a Master’s in Design and Applied Arts who possess the skills and experience necessary to work in advanced technology related fields. The current demand for such professionals, combined with the expertise and knowledge they possess, makes them a highly valuable asset for employers across the globe.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Design and Applied Arts:

California College of the Arts, Salary: $92,520

Carnegie Mellon University, Salary: $89,756

The New School, Salary: $56,427

Rhode Island School of Design, Salary: $55,121

George Washington University, Salary: $54,395

Harrington College of Design, Salary: $51,997

Norwich University, Salary: $51,905

Pratt Institute-Main, Salary: $51,744

Drexel University, Salary: $50,993

School of Visual Arts, Salary: $47,688

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their master’s degree in Design and Applied Arts.