UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON · UNITED STATES
Design + Innovation, MS
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 yearProgram Duration
- InterdisciplinaryCollaboration
- Hands-on LearningApproach
- Socially Engaged DesignFocus
- Community & Industry PartnershipsExperience
The Master of Science in Design + Innovation (MD+I) is an intensive, one-year interdisciplinary program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It brings together students and faculty from five different schools and colleges: Engineering, Human Ecology, Business, Art, and the iSchool. The program focuses on equipping students with the skills and mindset to tackle complex real-world challenges through innovative and inclusive design. It emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration, socially engaged innovation aligned with the Wisconsin Idea, and life-centered design that benefits both people and the environment. Students will engage in hands-on learning, working with community and industry partners to develop solutions. The curriculum integrates engineering principles, business strategy, user experience design, and creative problem-solving. The MD+I program aims to foster empathy, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive societal impact, preparing graduates to become leaders in addressing global issues.
Curriculum
The program is an intensive one-year curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of design and innovation.
- Year 1
- Design Foundations
- Innovation Strategies
- Human-Centered Design
- Business of Innovation
- Transdisciplinary Projects
- Thesis/Capstone Project
Careers
Graduates of the Design + Innovation program are prepared for a variety of roles in fields that require innovative problem-solving and design thinking.
- Innovation Consultant
- Product Designer
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- Service Designer
- Design Strategist
- Project Manager
- Entrepreneur
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the MS in Design + Innovation program?
- The MS in Design + Innovation is an intensive, one-year program. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of design and innovation within a single academic year.
- What are the application deadlines for the Design + Innovation MS program?
- Applications for Fall intake typically open approximately one year before the program start date, with a deadline of February 1st. Please refer to the Graduate School's application portal for the most current information.
- What are the entry requirements for the MS in Design + Innovation program?
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet the Graduate School's minimum requirements. The GRE is not required, but two letters of recommendation are necessary. English proficiency scores must also be submitted according to Graduate School policy.
- What documents are needed to apply for the MS in Design + Innovation program?
- You will need to submit an online application, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and English proficiency test scores. A creative brief, including a statement of purpose, design prompt, and work samples, is also required.
- What are the estimated tuition and fees for this program?
- Please refer to the Bursar's Office for detailed tuition and fee information. Students in this program are not eligible for tuition remission from graduate assistantships.
- What kind of career opportunities are available after completing the MS in Design + Innovation?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Innovation Consultant, Product Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Service Designer, and Design Strategist. Other potential roles include Project Manager and Entrepreneur.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA bachelor's degree is required from an accredited institution.
Graduate School Minimum RequirementsRefer to the Graduate School policy for specific English proficiency test score requirements. This program does not allow exceptions.
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program. The GRE is not required. Two letters of recommendation are required.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Refer to the Bursar's Office for detailed tuition and fee information. Students in this program are not eligible for tuition remission from graduate assistantships.
How to apply
1. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the application form via the Graduate School's application portal.
2. Upload Resume or CVProvide your most up-to-date resume or Curriculum Vitae.
3. Submit Creative BriefUpload a multi-page PDF (max 15 pages, 4MB file size) containing:
1. Statement of Purpose (max 500 words): Explain your design origin, motivations, and goals.
2. Design Prompt (max 500 words): Describe what you would redesign and your initial steps.
3. Work Samples (max 10 pages): Showcase 2-3 of your proudest projects with a consistent design approach, noting context, your role in teams, and citing sources for non-original work.
4. Upload Unofficial TranscriptsSubmit copies of transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions.
5. Provide Letters of RecommendationEnter contact information for two recommenders in the online application. They will receive instructions to upload their recommendations.
6. Submit English Proficiency ScoresFulfill the English proficiency requirements as outlined by the Graduate School.
7. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee.
8. Attend Interview (if required)Participate in a personal interview (phone or video chat) if requested by the program.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the MS in Design + Innovation program?
+
The MS in Design + Innovation is an intensive, one-year program. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of design and innovation within a single academic year.
What are the application deadlines for the Design + Innovation MS program?
+
Applications for Fall intake typically open approximately one year before the program start date, with a deadline of February 1st. Please refer to the Graduate School's application portal for the most current information.
What are the entry requirements for the MS in Design + Innovation program?
+
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet the Graduate School's minimum requirements. The GRE is not required, but two letters of recommendation are necessary. English proficiency scores must also be submitted according to Graduate School policy.
What documents are needed to apply for the MS in Design + Innovation program?
+
You will need to submit an online application, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and English proficiency test scores. A creative brief, including a statement of purpose, design prompt, and work samples, is also required.
What are the estimated tuition and fees for this program?
+
Please refer to the Bursar's Office for detailed tuition and fee information. Students in this program are not eligible for tuition remission from graduate assistantships.
What kind of career opportunities are available after completing the MS in Design + Innovation?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Innovation Consultant, Product Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Service Designer, and Design Strategist. Other potential roles include Project Manager and Entrepreneur.