MS in Graphic Information Technology

Application Deadlines

September 15 Spring semester (January)
March 1 Summer semester (May)
April 1 Fall semester (August)

These are priority deadlines. Applications received after this date may still be considered.

Why Graphic Information Technology?

MS in Graphic Information Technology (GIT) provides students with the opportunity to study within the various areas of graphics and cross-media design.

GIT prepares graduates for management positions in the diverse graphic technology industries, such as:

  • Internet and Web development
  • usability and user experience
  • social media
  • planning and evaluation of cross media content creation and output
  • digital media production
  • digital asset management
  • pre-media, digital printing and publishing
  • motion graphics

Degree Options

The degree program has two campus options: ASU Online or Polytechnic campus. It is recommended that applicants inquire about differences in the two campus options prior to application. Applicants choose the campus when completing the online Graduate Admissions Application; the campus cannot be changed once selected.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MS GIT must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Minimum of an earned U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country in graphic design, web design and development, videography, motion graphics and visual effects, user experience design, or a similar field.
  • Minimum of 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00=A) in their first bachelor’s degree program, or in the last 60 hours of a student’s first bachelor’s degree program.
  • Minimum of 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00=A) in a minimum of nine semester hours of graduate work from a U.S institution; or a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00=A) from an applicable conferred master’s degree program in a regionally accredited college or university, if applicable.
  • 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 post baccalaureate education will be considered.
  • A completed online Graduate Admissions Application
  • Official transcript from each college or university attended. Applicants may upload legible unofficial transcripts as part of the online application; if admitted official transcripts are then required.
  • No GRE requirement
  • Professional resume
  • Personal statement and writing sample.
    *The personal statement should address your interest in the degree, as well as any related professional experience and your short-term and long-term goals for your career. This statement is strongly regarded during the admittance process. More details can be found in the online application.
  • International applicants must also meet the English proficiency requirements, as defined by Graduate Admissions. Please be sure to review the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score requirements, as your application will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency.
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Degree requirements

Degree Requirements

The M.S. GIT requires a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours in related coursework selected at the direction of a faculty advisor. Students must complete a program of study, or iPOS, with the listed coursework within the first semester of admission.

Culminating Experience
Required Credits
Focus Area Credits
Elective Credits
Culminating Experience Credits
Total Credits
Portfolio6159030
Applied Project6156330
Thesis6153630

The coursework must include the following:

  • 30 credit hours and a thesis, including the required thesis courses, or
  • 30 credit hours and an applied project, including the required applied project course, or
  • 30 credit hours and a portfolio

Most students in this program elect to complete an applied project rather than a thesis. The applied project generally allows the student to thoroughly explore a graphics or cross-media problem and demonstrate knowledge of the issue, propose solutions and make suggestions for further research.

Students in the ASU Online campus program must select the applied project or portfolio option.

STEM-designated

STEM designation makes students within the program at ASU eligible for STEM specific Scholarships, OPT extension for International Students, and expanded GI benefits for Student Veterans.