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Design + Innovation MS

Master of Science in Design + Innovation

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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

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Master of Science in Design + Innovation

Commitment

1 year

Tuition

$1,600 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall term

STEM opt eligible

No

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!

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

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of degree
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Creative brief
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation

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

December 12, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Statement of Purpose Q&A: College of Engineering Accelerated Programs

Learn about the College of Engineering Accelerated Master’s programs and statement of purpose best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully craft a strong statement of purpose for your application.

Register now →

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.

Register now →

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.

Register now →

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.

Register now →

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 →
  • Advanced design thinking
  • Managing by design
  • Data visualization
  • Product design
  • UX Design
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