Master of Design (MDes)

The Master of Design (MDes) program is a two-year, 54-credit-hour degree program intended for those seeking professional mastery at the highest level in the planning and design of new communications, products, services, environments and systems. The degree terminates with a project demonstrating the application of new theories and processes to contemporary and developing design problems in a variety of areas.

The program does not require the formal selection of a concentration area or track. Students may construct their own curriculum after taking a core of methods courses focused on observing and understanding users in specific contexts, analyzing complex information, developing and exploring alternative solutions, and prototyping future innovations and scenarios. Examples of individual courses of study include communication design, product design, strategic planning, user research, design methods research, and systems design.

In addition to experienced designers, the school encourages students who enter the program with no formal design training, and offers a one-year "foundation" program of introductory courses providing prerequisite skills and experience.

MDes statistics, 2008-09 incoming class
Average age: 27
Average GPA: 3.34/4.0
Average GRE score: 1233/1600
Average TOEFL: 110/120
Male 40% / Female 60%
International 30%
Undergrad degree: Design 43% / Non-design 57%