Master of Design (M.Des) is generally a two-year master's degree program, which prepares students in all aspects and fields of design. This program is also offered online by some of the top online universities, and pursuing this Master of Design degree comes with a lot of benefits, as some online institutes offer this program for 1 year only, which includes only relevant topics and focuses on practical exposure. Other benefits of online degrees are flexibility, convenience, online exams, self-paced learning, multiple learning resources, etc.

M.Des is also popular among design professionals because it offers diverse career paths; students have the option to choose from multiple specializations such as UI/UX, fashion design, etc. After completing the program, students can choose the field of design to work in as per their interests and career goals. Moreover, because of the flexibility offered, interested students can fulfill other professional or personal commitments with the online degree program and move ahead in their professional design careers.

Additionally, because the mode of degree is online, many students get confused about the validity and acceptance of the degree. To clear the confusion, it is already stated by the UGC (University Grants Commission) that all modes of degree—regular, distance, and online—are equivalent. However, it is important to validate the university before taking admission, as only recognized universities' or institutes' degrees are valid everywhere. After completing the online M.Des from a recognized institution, students experience immense career growth in their respective fields and work in the top designer roles in the top global companies.

Why Pursue a Master of Design (M.Des.)?

A Master of Design degree can help you achieve your career goal of becoming the best designer in your chosen field. Moreover, the online degree of M.Des does the same but with more flexibility and features.

• Career Advancement—Pursuing this program and completing it will enhance your knowledge of the field and open doors for top roles in reputable organizations. An online degree of M.Des helps you to earn this degree without quitting your job.
• Specializations—There are multiple specialization options in this degree, which provides diverse career options to students. The most demanded specializations are UI/UX, fashion design, graphic design, etc. However, students are trained in basic designing in any chosen specialization.
• Global Perspective—The Online M.Des program trains students with a curriculum that is designed from a global perspective and prepares job-ready students who can work in India as well as abroad. Many universities include workshops in the online program so that students also gain hands-on experience as well.

Who Should Pursue a Master of Design?

Master of Design (M.Des) is best suited for design professionals; however, anybody with a bachelor’s degree in any field can pursue this program. Here are some cohorts of students who can pursue this design degree.

• Working professionals who are interested in designing and want to upgrade their skills—this master's degree would be perfect for them.
• Career Switcher—professionals who are working in some other field and have an interest in designing can choose from various specializations of Master of Design (M.Des) and flexibly switch to designing without quitting their existing jobs.
• For a design enthusiast who works as a freelancer or runs their own business and wants to stay ahead with new design trends and skills, the M.Des online course would be a perfect choice.
• Homemakers—women who didn’t continue their education after their bachelor’s because of other responsibilities—have the option to pursue an online M.Des and achieve a master's degree in design and follow their passion.

When should I do an M.Des.?

There are two scenarios when you should do a Master of Design (M.Des.). Pursuing this program right after completing your bachelor’s degree would be ideal, as you will be in a continuous learning stage, and after completing your master's, you can kickstart your career with top positions and good salaries. However, if you are working professionally and choose to pursue this course, the online program provides you with full flexibility and allows you to achieve the master’s degree in a shorter duration and with industry-relevant course material.

Top Universities Offering Master of Design