Design + Innovation MS

Master of Science in Design + Innovation

UW-Madison professor and student talk in the Makerspace.

Is this program right for you?

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Master of Science in Design + Innovation is an interdisciplinary and collaborative program created to teach students to understand multiple perspectives of design to find new and creative solutions to real-life issues.

This on-campus program follows an accelerated 12-month schedule
Our specialized learning tracks provide students with depth in areas of application such as Product Design, UI/UX Design, Communication Design, and Design Strategy
Graduate with cross-disciplinary skills applicable to a range of creative design career opportunities

Education that works for you

The collaborative Master of Science in Design + Innovation integrates aspects of design techniques and tools from multiple perspectives, including engineering, design thinking, business, visualization, social science, art and more.

Program type

Master’s degree

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Master of Science in Design + Innovation

Commitment

1 year

Tuition

$1,600 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Face-to-face

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall term

Offered by

College of Engineering

STEM opt eligible

Supports F-1 Visa

Yes

Learn more

Application deadlines

Fall 2026

Deadline: February 1, 2026

Fall 2027

Deadline: February 1, 2027

View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Name(Required)

Email(Required)

When do you plan to enroll?(Required)

Phone

Would you like to receive information via text?

Yes, I’d like to receive personalized messages from my enrollment coach.*

Yes, I’d like to receive texts about upcoming deadlines and other program information.**

*Data and message rates may apply. View privacy statement for more details. Note: We use WhatsApp for International communications.

**By selecting “Yes” you agree to receive text messages from UW–Madison about our programs related to your application or study or interest in the University and its services. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 43177 for help or STOP to 43177 to stop. Data and message rates may apply. View the privacy statement and terms and conditions for more details. By opting in, you authorize UW–Madison to deliver messages using an automatic telephone dialing system, and you understand you are not required to opt in as a condition of admission or enrollment.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from UW–Madison. Read our privacy policy. We value your privacy and will never sell your email or information about you.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Please add me to your e-mailing list.

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The MDI program helped me build a portfolio of projects and provided applied experience working collaboratively with a client on an exciting capstone project. The program prepared me to be an innovative design professional equipped to take on a wide array of problems through user research and an iterative design process.

Jordan Stombaugh UX designer/researcher, Infosec

Admissions and events

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

March 5, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Pathways: College of Engineering Accelerated Programs

Learn about the College of Engineering accelerated master’s programs, curriculum, and potential post-graduation career paths.

April 16, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Application Assistance: Online Engineering Degree and Capstone Certificate Programs

Join program staff to learn about the online engineering master’s and capstone certificate programs and application best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully apply.

Results that work for you

Design + Innovation MS

Job titles

Insight analyst
UX design
Programmer
Product manager
Strategy and operations
Junior experience designer
UX/UI designer
Product developer
Customer experience strategist

→

Top industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Manufacturing; finance and insurance
Healthcare and social assistance
Retail trade

→

Top employers

Doblin
Infosys
Renaissance Learning
Microsoft
Oliver Space
Publicis Sapient
China Southern Power Grid
Black Diamond Equipment
Landor & Fitch

→

8.5%

Projected job growth from 2020-2030. Source: Lightcast™ 2022

What you’ll learn

Become an innovative leader with the Design + Innovation MS program. Through a blend of theory, hands-on projects, and courses, you’ll master advanced design thinking methodologies to bring innovative ideas to life.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →