Graphic information technology is the entire network of modern visual design. Graphic information technology addresses elements of the technology and programs used to create graphic designs, as well as the production of the designs, printing and publishing of these visuals.
Most students enter this visual design master’s program with some expertise in creative efforts, such as print and digital design, video production, photography, motion graphics, web design or user experience. This program is ideal for students looking to expand their competencies and professional opportunities to advance their careers.
The skills you’ll learn in this program
You’ll explore various areas of graphics and cross-media design while learning how to administer, manage and distribute digital content across multiple channels. You’ll also build on your skills in digital graphics, print technology, multimedia, web design and user experience to prepare for leading roles in the rapidly evolving graphics industry.
This program provides you the flexibility to create and perform self-initiated investigations within your chosen topics of interest. Graphic information technology faculty advisors are dedicated to supporting your study paths and encouraging interdisciplinary work.
This master’s degree prepares you for more than just a career in the creative arts. It provides the knowledge and skills necessary to manage, lead and own graphic information technology organizations and businesses.
Is this degree similar to a master’s in graphic design?
A master’s in graphic design and a master’s in graphic information technology both utilize visual and graphic design to tell a story. However, a master’s in graphic information technology emphasizes the technical web development side of graphic design, in addition to focusing on the visual aspect of graphic design. This provides you with both technical and creative skills needed to pursue careers in a variety of fields including user experience (UX) design, web design and digital media.

In Arizona State University’s Master of Science in graphic information technology, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how to create visual content for multi-channel distribution. While earning this degree, you’ll blend graphic design abilities with management skills to deliver projects and distribute content.
You’ll take courses that help expand your skills in research, cross-media, digital workflow, new internet technologies and more. At the end of the program, you’ll complete either a culminating portfolio, an applied project or a thesis. Courses may include:
Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:
- National Academy of Engineering members.
- National Academy of Sciences member.
- National Academy of Inventors members.
- National Academy of Construction members.

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment and supporting all students on the paths to their degrees. We’ve received numerous peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field such as graphic design, web design and development, photography and/or video production and motion graphics.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.80 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 2.80 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Professional resume.
- Personal statement and writing sample.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Letter of recommendation (optional).
- Choose an article from the Bepress Digital Commons network within your area of interest.
- Roll your mouse over the red section of the diagram to find topics in web design/development, user experience, graphic design or media.
- You may also use the search feature to find articles in areas not shown in the diagram.
- Provide a properly formatted reference for the article.
- The format may be MLA, Chicago/Turabian or APA.
- You may consult the Purdue Online Writing Lab website for help.
- Include a summary and statement.
- Summary (250–500 words):
- State the main ideas of the article.
- Identify the most important details that support the main ideas.
- Write your summary in your own words. Avoid copying phrases and sentences from the article unless they’re direct quotations. Direct quotations must be cited.
- Express the underlying meaning of the article, not just the superficial details.
- Summary (250–500 words):
- Statement:
- Explain how the article relates to your area of interest and the graphic information technology program.
- An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency. International applicants can find complete information on the English proficiency exams and other required documents on the Graduate Admission Services website.
- Applicants may optionally submit two letters of recommendation.
- Admission to the graduate degree program presupposes an adequate technical preparation in a selected technology at the undergraduate level. The applicant's past work and professional experience are also evaluated and taken into consideration.
- Undergraduate coursework of admitted applicants to this program generally include precalculus and statistics but are not required. Deficiencies for admission to the graduate degree program, if any, are specified at the time of admission and must be completed within the first year of the graduate program while concurrently enrolled in graduate-level coursework.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.