The Master of Arts in Design Engineering (MADE) is an 11-month, on-campus joint degree program between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This program focuses on the intersection of design creativity and engineering innovation, offering a flexible, interdisciplinary approach to help students achieve their career goals. Students will develop solutions through iterative making and testing, bringing ideas to life in well-equipped studios and workshops. The curriculum integrates team-based projects to enhance collaboration skills. By leveraging the combined resources of Brown and RISD, students can explore a wide range of interests, from user experience (UX) design and robotics to health technology and data visualization. This program prepares graduates for careers as art directors, creative technologists, design engineers, researchers, and professionals in UX and product design. Alumni have been affiliated with prominent organizations like Disney, Hasbro, and Hyundai, as well as pursuing PhD programs and joining design consultancies.
The MADE program offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates team-based projects and provides access to extensive studio and workshop facilities, including a 10,000 sq. ft. maker space for prototyping. Students can tailor their education through elective courses at both Brown and RISD.
Graduates of the Design Engineering program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in creative and technical fields. The program's interdisciplinary nature and hands-on approach foster skills sought after by leading companies.
International applicants should ensure they meet any necessary visa and English proficiency requirements, though specific scores are not listed on the program page.
All tuition and financial aid are based on Brown rates. Student account charges are billed per semester, except for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which is billed annually. The RISD Academic & Technology Fee and RISD Orientation Fee are also applicable. For 2026-2027, estimated annual tuition is $74,568, with additional fees for activities, resources, health services, and the Student Health Insurance Plan ($5,283 for 2026-2027).
The Design Engineering (A.M.) program is an 11-month, on-campus joint degree program between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It focuses on the intersection of design creativity and engineering innovation.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated annual tuition is $74,568. Additional fees for activities, resources, health services, and the Student Health Insurance Plan are also applicable.
The Design Engineering (A.M.) program is an 11-month program.
A Bachelor's degree is required. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework is not detailed, and specific English proficiency scores for TOEFL or IELTS are not listed.
Prospective students can express interest by completing an inquiry form. For the dual degree, you must submit separate applications to both Brown University and RISD, then use the Brown University graduate application portal.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Art Directors, Creative Technologists, Design Engineers, Researchers, UX Designers, and Product Designers. Alumni have joined organizations like Disney and Hasbro.