Graphic Information Technology, MS
Become a versatile professional who understands both design and development --- precisely what is needed in today's digital and creative industries. You'll build specialized visual communication skills to address complex challenges at the intersection of design, technology and business.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Science program in graphic information technology is a course-based master's program that provides you with the opportunity to study various areas of graphics and cross-media design. Through the courses offered, you gain a working knowledge of the technology and management required in the diverse graphic industries. Possible course tracks include cross-media design, user experience and user interface, front-end web design and development, and the business of design.
You are prepared to become an industry leader who develops and manages content across numerous communication and distribution modes. You are empowered to think critically, creatively and collaboratively in an environment that promotes project-based learning. You practice building client- and audience-centered design solutions, address client and user needs, and focus on industry outcomes.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours - course-based master's
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives (21 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
GIT 537 Current Issues in Cross Media Production (3)
GIT 540 Cross-Media Design Solutions (3)
GIT 500 Research Methods (3)
Students should see their program advisor for a complete list of approved elective coursework. This course-based, professional graduate degree is structured to allow students an additional elective in place of a culminating experience, providing more hands-on, project-based learning aligned with professional outcomes.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze current cross-media research to determine appropriate standards for application to proposed solutions.
- Build client- and audience-centered design solutions through the synthesis of best practices and research data.
- Conduct industry-relevant research and communicate results effectively to diverse audiences.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must 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, videography, motion graphics and visual effects, or user experience design. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in their first bachelor's degree program or in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program; or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in nine semester hours of graduate coursework from a U.S. institution; or a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable conferred master's degree program from a regionally accredited college or university. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Global Launch at ASU offers an online alternative to standardized testing for international students who are seeking admission to ASU and need proof of English proficiency. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of application. If admitted, applicants must then submit official transcripts to ASU Admission Services. If the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirements, the application may still be considered. In certain cases, demonstrated aptitude through professional experience or additional postbaccalaureate education is considered.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* | |
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* | |
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Creative and comfortable with complex digital technology, graduates are innovative problem-solvers. They are prepared for leading roles and management positions in the rapidly evolving and diverse graphic technology industries. Career opportunities include these positions:
- art director
- creative director
- cross-media designer
- digital asset manager
- digital media artist
- front-end designer or developer
- motion graphics artist
- pre-media, digital printing and publishing designer
- social media content creator
- user experience designer
- UX or UI engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Graphic Information Technology
|
SUTON 240
polygrad@asu.edu
480-727-1874
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

