Design + Innovation MS

Master of Science in Design + Innovation

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Is this program right for you?

The MS in Design + Innovation integrates a range of diverse design practices (life-centered, speculative, partnership-based) and tools from multiple perspectives, including engineering, business, visualization, social science, art and more. Our program is focused not only on what is but what could be, as we consider the implications and outcomes of our collective work in this program, in our communities and into our careers.

  • This on-campus program is a one-year, immersive deep dive into life-centered design practice
  • Work on team-based projects in collaboration with community and industry partners throughout the degree, a parallel to real-life practice that allows you to network and collaborate with peers in your field
  • Specialized learning tracks provide depth in areas of application such as product design, UI/UX design, communication design and design strategy

Education that works for you

The collaborative Master of Science in Design + Innovation integrates 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

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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

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

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 →

There are no upcoming events at this time.

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

We believe that a rigorous and applied practice of life-centered design, solutions-focused innovation and speculative futures gives us a circular view of the vast ecological and economic possibilities that exist right here in Wisconsin. Our program immerses students within collaborative design teams in partnership with community, industry and ecology. Using life-centered design, we work within a systems-based design thinking and regenerative design approach to solving enduring regional challenges.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Life-centered, design-thinking and systems focused practice
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Partnership-focused design practice with real-world applications
  • Applied imagination in alignment with emerging AI technologies
  • Product design, UX design, communication design and design strategy
A man in his living room working on his laptop.

Connect with an enrollment coach

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:

  • Explore your program options
  • Review courses and outcomes
  • Check eligibility requirements
  • Get help with your application
  • Learn about financial aid
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Frequently asked questions