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    University of Illinois Chicago

    Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Chicago, USMDesIn-person2 years
    $77,136.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    64
    Credits
    $70.00
    App fee

    Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago is a 64-credit, 2-year, in-person MDes program based in Chicago, US. Tuition is $77,136.

    About the program

    Two-year program focused on an independent master's research project exploring a topic to contribute to disciplinary knowledge. Covers research, writing, design history, image theory, typographic forms and systems, image- and form-making, documentation and publication design, and digital media design, culminating in a public exhibition.

    Focus: research
    QS World University Rankings by Subject (Art & Design): 151-200

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    Admissions

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    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min 92 (Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 6.5 (No subscore lower than 6.0)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $12,816.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago is $77,136 across 64 required credits.
    Is Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago online or in-person?
    Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago take to complete?
    Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago is structured around 2 years and 64 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Per the program's published guidance: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study
    What work-permit options follow Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design at University of Illinois Chicago: 12 months OPT (US)