How Do I Get a Master of Design Degree?

To receive a Master of Design degree, you typically need to first complete a program that awards you with a bachelor's degree from a college or university. Once you have your bachelor's degree, you can apply to various graduate schools that offer a program in design. Completion of a Master of Design degree is likely to take about two years after completion of the bachelor's degree program, though some schools have varied curricula that sets the required amount of time based on your previous work in design.

A Master of Design degree is typically awarded by a graduate school for students who focus on learning about and researching various aspects of design. The easiest way to pursue this level of study is to typically begin with a bachelor's degree from a college or university, which takes about four years to complete. You can choose just about any field to receive this in, though you may find it easier or faster if you focus on design while in undergraduate school. Related fields that can help you toward your Master of Design degree include business, advertising, and fine arts.

As you are finishing your bachelor's degree, begin looking for schools that offer a Master of Design program for students. Many universities offer this type of curriculum, and some prestigious art schools may also have an advanced program in design. Schools may require that you already have a background in design and a portfolio of your work, while others simply allow such students to take an advanced track through their learning. For example, graduate schools might allow you to receive a Master of Design degree in only two years of work if you have a bachelor's in this subject, while they may require three years of study from students who majored in other disciplines.

Once you are in graduate school, you typically need to complete various courses and projects to receive you Master of Design degree. You may also be able to focus on a particular aspect of design, such as new product development, advertising, or industrial design applications for interior and exterior architecture. Many schools require that you create a portfolio of your work as you complete your degree, which shows your best creations. You typically use this as you look for employment after you receive your Master of Design degree, so its creation may be vital to your success.