Overview
The Visual Communication Design programme at Purdue University offers a rigorous curriculum designed to transform students into expert problem seekers and visual strategists. By integrating computer technology with traditional design principles, the university ensures graduates are prepared for the modern professional landscape.
Students within this department master the essential technical skills required for high-level image generation, visual structure, and sophisticated colour composition. The academic framework encourages individuals to conduct deep research, think conceptually, and articulate complex ideas through a refined form-making process.
The learning environment fosters critical evaluation, allowing participants to assess their own creative outputs against industry standards.
Why Visual Communication Design at Purdue University?
Purdue University holds a prestigious reputation in the field, with its design school programmes ranked first in Indiana and seventh nationally for visual communications degrees. These accolades reflect the high standard of teaching and the success of the faculty and students who frequently win international awards.
The institution provides a dynamic atmosphere where students engage with visiting scholars and benefit from extensive leadership and learning opportunities. Facilities and resources are tailored to support experience design, branding, and graphical user interface development, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
Distinctive teaching features include a focus on problem-based visual assignments that challenge students to create impactful social issue posters, ebook designs, and online self-promotions. This practical focus ensures that the theoretical aspects of the curriculum are consistently applied to real-world design challenges.
Tuition Fee Breakdown
- International fee: USD 29194 per year
- National fee: USD 28794 per year
- Local fee: USD 9992 per year
Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.
Syllabus
Modules may include:
- Visual Communication Design
- Typography
- Image Generation
- Visual Structure
- Color Design and Composition
- Branding
- Packaging
- Graphical User Interface Design
- Ebook Design
- Online Self-Promotion
- Experience Design
- Visual Message Design
Careers with Visual Communication Design
Graduates from Purdue University pursue diverse creative roles across the global design industry, often securing positions as Graphic Designers, Art Directors, and Web and Multimedia Designers. The curriculum prepares students for responsibilities in branding design, marketing communications, and packaging design.
Alumni are well-equipped to function as independent design consultants or to take on leadership roles such as Design Managers, Coordinators, and Specialists. The programme's strong emphasis on both technical mastery and strategic thinking allows graduates to excel in various junior and senior positions within established agencies or corporate departments.
The expanding horizons of the design profession mean that graduates also find opportunities in design education and operations. By mastering visual strategy and new media, students are prepared to adapt to various facets of the industry, ensuring long-term career flexibility and professional growth in a competitive market.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Studio In Visual Communication Design
- Visual Communication Design Computing
- Interactive Multimedia Design
- Web Design For Visual Communication
- Advanced Typography
- Advanced Poster Design
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
Prepare for Your English Test
AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.
- Trusted by 300k learners
- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- West Lafayette, United States
Disciplines
Design Digital Media Fine Arts View 454 other Masters in Design in United StatesWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
English requirements
Prepare for Your English Test
AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.
- Trusted by 300k learners
- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Other requirements
General requirements
- Cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree: 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0)
- Minimum of 3 undergraduate hours in Western art or design history
- Field of study: most applicants have majored in either art or design or have equivalent experience in an art or design field. All applicants are expected to present a professional-quality portfolio.
- Transcripts
- Recommendation Letters
- Statement of Purpose
- Visual Portfolio: VCD Design Portfolio (PDF). Include up to 20 recent design projects. Include both final designs as well as samples of the design process. List the title, date, size, medium, and description of the projects. Indicate if the project was designed by a team and explain your contributions in detail. Do not upload videos. Instead, include hyperlinks to your videos online. Provide a resume and hyperlink to your professional website. Compress your file. Optimize for the screen.
- Resume
Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents29194 USD / year≈ 29194 USD / year - Out-of-State28794 USD / year≈ 28794 USD / year
-
Domestic
Applies to youIn-State9992 USD / year≈ 9992 USD / year
Living costs
West Lafayette
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Financing
Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.
Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.
- Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
- Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
- No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
- Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
- 100% online application -- instant conditional offer
- Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program
Funding
Need help with your student visa?
Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.
- Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
- Know exactly what documents you need
- Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation
In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Visual Communication Design.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility