Is Design Grad School Worth It in 2024?

There are many professions where completing a degree is non-negotiable. While the creative design field isn't necessarily one of them, attempting to learn systems thinking, complex software, advanced skills, and new techniques on your own is certainly a challenge. Additionally, having a formal education under your belt puts you at a competitive advantage during your career search.

If the question "should I get a master's in design?" has been on your mind lately, know that doing so will provide you with valuable benefits. The knowledge you acquire from a formal design education can open the door to numerous opportunities. Read on to explore potential career paths, the pros and cons of getting a master's degree in design, and more.

What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Design?

Will a college degree matter in the future? You may be surprised to know there are many career routes you can take with a degree in design. Nearly every industry requires some form of design, from reimagining the future of retail to reimaging the figure of health care; from creating a website or book cover or an advertising campaign to sustainable product packaging. 

You'll find designers in various industries, including the arts, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Whether working for a big tech company or small business, there's something for you. Here are some design-related careers you can pursue:

• Industrial Designer

• Interaction Designer

• Social Innovation Designer

• Service Designer

• Design Manager

• Design Researcher

• Design Strategist

If you're unsure about a clear career path, attending a job fair similar to the one hosted for current SVA students is an excellent way to discover new professions, learn about different companies, and speak with potential employers.

Pros of a Design Master's Degree

There are pros and cons to consider when choosing to continue your design education. First, below are three advantages to getting your master's degree in design.

1. More Opportunities: Jobs and Salaries 

A master's degree in design qualifies you for a wider range of jobs and the potential to earn more money. Many employers are willing to pay more for a designer with higher levels of training, skills, and experience. It is also often included in job descriptions. If you can provide proof of a master's degree, potential employers typically see you as more dedicated and reliable—and may be more likely to offer you a higher salary as a result.

Earning a higher salary can also help you become a better designer. You can invest earned money in your skills to continue improving them, like launching side projects, networking, attending conferences, entering for design awards, or paying back student loans. By doing so, you may increase your earning potential. 

2. Competitive Edge

Certain design fields are highly competitive. Having a master's degree in design under your belt to back up your abilities is a plus for getting a job and can help demonstrate how you’ve developed your skills. 

All employers have different standards when looking for candidates, and many believe having a formal education is essential — it demonstrates that you've successfully practiced teamwork, meeting deadlines, mastering skills, and accomplishing goals. These skills can give an employer some added assurance when making the final hiring decision.

Having a master's in design might set you apart from the competition, but those who don't have this option can still find ways to improve their chances of landing a job in the design field. 

3. Skill and Portfolio Development

Learning directly from design experts through an advanced program is incredibly valuable to your career development. They have years of experience in the field, meaning they can provide you with front-line training and practitioner knowledge that would be difficult to obtain on your own. You can apply the design skills developed throughout your formal education both in and out of the classroom.

Additionally, you can build an outstanding portfolio with the help of these professionals. You'll receive the best possible advice and feedback on showcasing your work to potential employers. A master’s degree helps students work on their portfolio and résumé, as well as helping with presentation and negotiation skills. 

Design programs offer a plethora of tools and equipment you can practice on to hone your skills before entering the job force. Committing the time to try new approaches and expand your skillsets can offer a wider variety of projects to include in your portfolio.

4. Side Hustles

A master’s degree in design can prepare you to create a side hustle. In their final year, grad school students must create a thesis project. This offers plenty of time to explore interests, dig into research, and maximize your skillset to serve you in the future. Many designers pursue side hustles both while pursuing their education and in the future. Once you find your passion in design, you’re better equipped to know what types of services you may want to offer.

Cons of a Design Master's Degree

Next, below are the two main cons associated with a design degree.

1. School Expenses

There's no denying that school isn't cheap—a factor that deters many from pursuing a degree. Tuition and fees can be expensive. However, you have options to make school more affordable. These include applying for federally funded aid or some of the scholarships available in the design field.  

Most find that the costs associated with school are well worth it in the long run. Aside from the potential of a well-paying job, the skills you'll learn are irreplaceable. Additionally, many degree programs offer students free access to design software. This is a significant benefit considering quality design software can cost thousands of dollars.

2. Time-Consuming

Regardless of your skill level, completing a design degree isn't something you do part-time or as a side hustle. Courses can be intensive as they aim to develop well-rounded design skills, exposing students to numerous design tools and techniques. 

A graduate degree requires enormous intrinsic motivation, but fortunately, people who choose to return to school for post-graduate work are making a conscious choice to dedicate themselves to advanced work with high demands. 

Is Getting a Master's in Design Worth It?

So, is it worth getting a master's in design? If you're serious about pursuing a design career, the answer is a resounding yes. Getting any degree is costly and time-consuming. Still, the valuable skills and benefits far outweigh the costs.

A master's degree in design can help you develop well-rounded skills, build your portfolio, and provide proof of your expertise to employers. A degree can be your passport to this profession if you want to work with top companies and organizations and land exciting, life-changing opportunities.

Learn More About Our Product Design Master's Program

Interested in continuing your design education to enrich your future career path? At SVA Products of Design in New York City, our comprehensive product design graduate curriculum prepares you for a future in product design while also allowing you to enter multiple other design disciplines. We provide a multifaceted education to prepare you for success in numerous industries so that you don't have to choose one career path.

When you enroll in the MFA Products of Design program, you'll connect with some of the top designers in the industry. Attend professional studio tours and visiting lectures, collaborate with leading designers, and meet like-minded peers through our innovative graduate program.

Whether you have an extensive design background or are new to the field, we want to help you pave the way to a brighter future. To learn more about our MFA Products of Design program, visit our frequently asked questions page or contact us with questions today!