The best online degree product design master’s degrees have made it possible for many to work and study simultaneously. Online graduate programs offer an excellent way to study for an advanced degree while working in the field of design.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were over seven million distance learners in 2019. The value of online courses is increasing, and working professionals can now study an online Master’s Degree in Product Design from various educational institutions.
Product designers with a bachelor’s degree already working in design firms may want to pursue an online learning program for a master’s program. This guide features the best online product design master’s degrees, including admission requirements and tuition. We also list product design master’s degree jobs with career path suggestions so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your design education.
Where Can I Get a Product Design Master’s Degree Online?
Some of the schools where you can get your product design master’s degree online include Arizona State University, Florida State University, Northwestern University, Oregon State University, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California.
There are many more online product design master’s degrees offered to prospective students. These campus programs take real-world problems in biomedical engineering and teach students to become creative problem solvers.
What Schools Offer the Best Product Design Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Boston University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Florida State University
- Northwestern University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Product Design Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online product design master’s degree are an official transcript, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a statement of purpose, and a letter of recommendation.
Before starting the application process for any program, you should look into each school’s admission requirements to confirm. You can find more information about the online Master’s Degree in Product Design requirements on the school’s website.
Online Product Design Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA, GMAT, or GRE score
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
How to Get a Product Design Master’s Degree Online
You can get a product design master’s degree online by meeting all the program’s graduation requirements. Institutions require potential graduates to complete a particular number of academic credits, courses, and projects. They also require a minimum GPA score for learners to qualify for graduation from an online Master’s Degree in Product Design.
Product Design Degree Requirements
- GPA of 3.0
- Capstone project
- General courses
- Elective courses
- Full tuition payment
Best Online Product Design Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master’s in Industrial Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University | Master of Science in Product Design and Manufacture | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Science in Product Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Florida State University |
Master of Arts in Product Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Full Sail University | Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Northwestern University | Master of Science in Product Design & Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Oregon State University | Master of Science in Sports Product Design | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Product Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Stanford University | Master of Science in Engineering, Product Design | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of Southern California | Master of Science in Product Development Engineering | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
Best Schools for Product Design: Top Online Product Design Master’s Degree Programs
The best online schools for a Master’s in Product Design are excellent to help build advanced skills in the industry. You will find more details of the universities’ degree offerings below before you begin the enrollment process.
What Is an Online Product Design Master’s Degree?
An online product design master’s degree is an advanced education program that offers students in-depth theoretical and practical experience in the product design industry. The degree program requires prospective learners to have an undergraduate degree.
Four-year undergraduate programs build a solid foundation for an advanced degree and give you many career options in product design. Design schools equip you with the development skills needed to help your professional goals in your design career. A Master’s Degree in Product Design usually requires between 30 and 40 credits.
Online vs In-Person Product Design Degrees
Weighing online vs in-person master’s in product design degree benefits will help you select the best learning format. Below you will find a series of advantages of both learning formats to help you determine the most suitable learning path.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Product Design
- International networking opportunities. Joining an online master’s degree program will put you in an excellent position to build international professional networks. Online programs attract students from different parts of the globe.
- More affordable. Since you will not be using the school’s facilities, you pay fewer tuition fees than in-person students.
- Easily accessible. Most online degree programs provide learners with easy access to video lectures. You can use your mobile, laptop, or tablet to join the online program from anywhere in the world.
- Less time-consuming. You will not spend much going to class compared to in-person students. In addition, some of the online master’s degree programs take less time to complete.
- Character development. You can rely on online degree programs to help you develop self-discipline. The online classes require commitment and consistency for one to graduate.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Product Design
- Access to facilities. In-person master’s degree students use laboratories and libraries to add to their knowledge.
- Interactive classes. You will have more interactive sessions in an in-person product design class.
- University networking events. One of the most significant benefits of in-person master’s degree programs is networking events connecting professionals and companies to students.
- More collaborative projects. The classes feature multiple collaborative projects that will enhance your team workability.
- Access to support staff. The two-year degree programs provide an easier time for in-person students to access the support staff.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Product Design?
You can get the following types of Master’s Degrees for Product Design:
- Master of Science in Product Design
- Master of Arts in Product Design
Both the two-year degree programs are an excellent learning experience that enhances one’s skills and career. You can rely on either to open up well-paying job opportunities. Either type of Master’s Degree in Product Design can be earned entirely online.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Masters of Arts in Product Design?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Product Design if you want a curriculum that focuses on scientific and technical expertise. Learners who pursue an online Master of Arts in Product Design have a curriculum that features humanities and theoretical concepts.
You should choose a degree program depending on your education or career goals. Once you examine the curriculum, you will have an easier time establishing whether a program will meet your objectives. Either type of Master’s Degree in Product Design is better than attempting to study product design through free online classes.
How Much Does a Product Design Master’s Degree Cost?
A product design master’s degree costs $19,314, according to the National Center for National Statistics. The tuition cost can be higher or lower depending on the institution or the program credits. If you want to reduce the tuition cost, you should seek financial aid from the campus. Attending a public school can help lower your online Master’s in Product Design cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Product Design Master’s Degree Online?
It takes two years to get a product design master’s degree online. However, the duration varies depending on the type of degree and learning format. If you select a part-time learning format for the online program, it will take longer to complete than full-time programs.
Self-paced students usually have the flexibility to determine their own schedule, thereby completing earlier or later than the standard time. However, there is usually a time cap to be eligible for graduation.
Are Online Product Design Degrees Respected?
Yes, online product design degrees are respected. The degree programs offer students an opportunity to acquire in-demand skills to navigate any industry. As long as the providing institution offers accredited programs, you will have an easier time during your job search or networking with other professionals. An accredited online product design degree can definitely help you get a job.
These online degree programs also work as a stepping stone toward continuing education. Most online product design master’s degree graduates can pursue doctoral degree programs or professional certifications.
Is Product Design Hard to Learn Online?
No, product design is not hard to learn online as long as you are willing to learn new concepts in product development. You do not require any programming experience to go through this online program. Learning product design online is a convenient way of acquiring in-demand skills. The degree program will save you costs and time, making studying significantly easier.
Product Design Bootcamp vs Online Product Design Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A product design master’s degree is better because it is more comprehensive and accredited. However, product design bootcamp programs offer many benefits and are ideal solutions for a tight budget if you are looking to start an entry-level job.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Product Design Master’s Degree
- Higher salary prospects. Acquiring a master’s degree will significantly increase your salary prospects. You can use the degree to negotiate a higher salary or promotion in your workplace.
- More career opportunities. If you want to unlock more lucrative career opportunities, you should look into an advanced degree program like a master’s degree. Advanced degrees are research-based and equip you with a sought-after specialization.
- Internship opportunities. You can use these opportunities to develop real-world skills to boost your career path. The best online product design master’s degrees offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities that provide an extensive network.
- Official acknowledgment. Always go for an online master’s degree program offered by an accredited institution. Employers respect accredited institutions.
- Opportunity for continuing studies. A master’s degree is the stepping stone to acquiring a doctoral degree. You can also pursue professional certifications in the industry.
Top 5 Benefits of a Product Design Bootcamp
- More affordable. Compared to an online degree offered by a four-year institution, product design bootcamps are relatively affordable.
- Short immersive courses. Product design bootcamps offer much shorter immersive courses. You can complete the programs in a few weeks or months.
- Career services. Product design bootcamps feature career services. These services provide career coaching and mentorship sessions that get you job-ready for an entry-level position.
- Job search support. You can rely on a bootcamp to help you land a job immediately after graduating. It’s important to check the graduation rate of a product design bootcamp before committing to the course.
- Convenient. You can curate your own product design bootcamp schedule. If you are a working professional, you will have an easier time balancing school and studies.
Why You Should Get a Product Design Master’s Degree Online
You should get a product design master’s degree online because of the convenience. You can access courses easily with a stable Internet connection and a laptop. Some universities also provide mobile support to help students using mobiles to access programs.
A major benefit of getting a product design master’s degree online is that it is a much more affordable way to acquire an advanced degree. Instead of spending extra on accommodation and transport, you can save money by attending an online degree program.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Product Design?
The courses you take in an online master’s degree program in product design are product quality, product development, supply chain strategy, process modeling, and principles of marketing. The innovative program uses real-world projects to give hands-on experience in learning product design. We detail some of the best online Master’s in Product Design classes below.
Product Quality
You must learn how to control or improve the quality of products to succeed in an advanced role in this field. The course will touch on applications that help design quality products and enhance their performance.
Product Development
In an advanced-level product development course, students will learn the entire process of turning ideas into products from scratch. The process involves risk evaluation, impact reviews, and cost of production.
Supply Chain Strategy
You will gain practical skills in applying financial and organizational concepts in case study analysis. The instructor will teach you about competitive analysis, capacity planning, and new technology.
Process Modeling
Process modeling teaches the development and improvement of processes. You will cover system design, modeling techniques, and control structure.
Principles of Marketing
The two-year degree program will also take you through various marketing principles. This essential course will help you design products that address consumer needs.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Product Design Master’s Degree Graduates
The best continuing education paths for online product design master’s degree graduates include getting a PhD or industry certifications. If you enjoy research, the next step should include a doctoral program. Many master’s degree graduates look into getting a PhD. Another education path is to continually update your education with certifications.
Related Online Product Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Product Design Master’s Degree Programs
The best product design master’s degree programs will improve your artistic skills and technical skills. If you are wondering what to look for in an online product design degree program, read our below list of important criteria.
Retention Rate
The retention rate of a university or a program is extremely important. It showcases the value of education provided by the instructors. Many accredited institutions have a high retention rate. It can also show you how effectively the school supports its students.
Cost
One of the most important factors to look for in an online Master’s Degree in Product Design is the tuition cost. Often graduates tend to suffer the burden of high student debt by selecting expensive degree programs. If you are adamant about enrolling in a particular program despite its cost, you should look for federal funding or scholarships to lower costs.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcomes are excellent for showcasing the quality of the curriculum. Look at the statistics to determine whether a degree program will help you land a job after graduation. Universities that revise their curriculum to provide in-demand skills will help you land a job soon after graduation.
Faculty Credentials
You need to learn from experts since it’s an advanced degree. Review the instructor’s education background and work experience on the official university website. Check their education, experience, and skill level before committing to a program.
Barriers to Admission
Some university degrees have high admission barriers. It’s essential to look into the admission requirements to determine if you qualify for an online product design master’s degree program.
If a university has a low acceptance rate, you should consider its admission requirements. If too many hurdles make the admission process challenging, you may need to consider other options. This is especially the case for international students.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Product Design Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online product design master’s degree is offered by Florida State University. The university requires a tuition fee of $9,684. Resident students pay a tuition fee of $444 per credit hour for the online product design master’s degree. International students pay a tuition fee of $1,075.
Can I Get a Product Design Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a product design master’s degree online for free. However, most institutions provide tuition financing options to reduce the burden of tuition debt. Online learners can rely on loans, federal grants, and scholarships to reduce tuition costs. While you can’t get a free online Master’s in Product Design degree, you can look into free online training and courses to gauge your interest in the subject matter.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Product Design Master’s Degree Graduates
Before taking on a master’s degree, consider how the program will impact your career and salary. In this section, you will learn the salary and job outlook for online product design master’s degree graduates.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Product Design Master’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an online product design master’s degree. If you attend an accredited university or college, you can acquire in-demand skills to help you navigate the industry. The degree program will equip you with all the resources you need to land job opportunities.
Many colleges and universities provide career services, including career coaching and career mentorship. These sessions are essential for resume building, preparing for interviews, and profile reviews. By the time you complete the two-year degree program, you will have the soft skills you need to sway prospective employers.
What’s the Average Online Product Design Master’s Degree Salary?
The average online product design master’s degree salary is $89,000 annually, according to PayScale. This does not include any additional bonuses or paid time off. One of the highest-paid online product design master’s degree roles is a product marketing manager, earning $133,380.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Product Design Master’s Degree?
Jobs you can get with an online product design master’s degree include a digital designer, manufacturing engineer, industrial engineer, database designer, CAD technician, or product designer. These professionals can work in a wide range of industries, including engineering, technology, marketing, or manufacturing.
Product Design Degree Jobs
- Database designer
- Industrial engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Digital designer
- User experience designer
Potential Careers With an Online Product Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Product Design Master’s Degree?
You can make anywhere between $50,710 and $133,380 per year with an online product design master’s degree. The salary you earn is dependent on the career path, level of experience, level of education, and skills. The company offering the job and the location may also affect your salary as many states pay a significantly higher salary than others.
Professional certifications may also help you command a higher salary. Certifications showcase your technical skills to prospective employers. Overall, most grads find making money with an online product design degree is not very difficult. Below is a table displaying the highest-paying online product design master’s degree jobs and salaries.
Highest-Paying Online Product Design Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Product Design Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Product Marketing Manager | $133,380 |
| Senior Game Designer | $77,200 |
| Industrial Designer | $77,030 |
| CAD technician | $60,290 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 |
Best Jobs for Online Product Design Master’s Degree Grads
Below is a list of the best jobs for online product design master’s degree grads. We’ve listed the annual average salary, job outlook, number of jobs, and the highest-paying states for each job. The best jobs for online master’s degree holders in product design come with strong benefits and salaries.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Product Design Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online product design master’s degree is worth it. Whether you want to upskill or land a job promotion, a master’s degree program will place you in the best position. A master’s degree program equips you with in-demand and advanced skills to navigate the industry. Often professionals acquire the advanced degree to increase their salary and career prospects.
In addition, an online product design master’s degree features affordable tuition. You can substitute an in-person program with an online program to save costs and gain the same value. All of the online degree programs on our list are accredited, offering learners an excellent platform to advance in their careers.
Additional Reading About Product Design
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Online Product Design Master’s Degree FAQ
Yes, there are hybrid product design master’s degree programs. Learners can complete product design master’s degrees online, in-person, or hybrid. Hybrid programs feature online and in-person learning formats.
Yes, you can earn a higher salary without an online product design master’s degree. Many job opportunities only require learners with a bachelor’s degree. This is enough to land a well-paying job in any industry. You can also look into acquiring professional certifications, which are excellent for validating technical skills.
Yes, you can get a remote job with an online product design master’s degree. Depending on your desired career path, you can land a job as a remote graphics designer, game developer, or product marketer after a remote graduate program. More and more employers have hired remote employees since the pandemic started.
The difference between an online product design and a graphic design master’s degree is the curriculum. Graphic design master’s degree programs cover typography, user interface research, page layout techniques, and visual thinking. A Master’s Degree in Product Design covers marketing, product development, or business model design principles.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
