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

International eligibility

Yes

Application deadlines

Fall 2025

Deadline: February 1, 2025

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!

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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 →

January 15, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Career Outcomes: Design + Innovation MS

Join program staff to learn about where program graduates went, and how the professional readiness series and resources in the Design + Innovation MS program can support your career development goals.

January 22, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Virtual Office Hours: Design + Innovation

Join Enrollment Coach Anna Denucci during virtual office hours to ask your questions about the MS in Design + Innovation.

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.

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 →