Tailor Your Master of Science in Design Science to Fit Your Goals
The Master of Science in Design Science at the University of Michigan prepares students to meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary designers of complex products, systems, and services. This flexible, research-driven program supports students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who want to expand their career opportunities by building both depth and breadth in design methods, theory, and application.
Students customize their plan of study in consultation with a program advisor, selecting two areas of specialization drawn from multiple disciplines across U-M’s world-class schools and colleges. This structure supports focused expertise while fostering a broader understanding of how design operates across domains—from engineering and health to education, business, and beyond.
Design Science itself is a rigorous, interdisciplinary field that blends research and creativity to develop purposeful solutions to real-world challenges. Rather than describing or predicting phenomena like traditional science, Design Science is oriented toward action—it generates and evaluates artifacts such as models, methods, and systems that improve how people work, live, and interact. These challenges are often complex or “wicked,” requiring iterative, evidence-based approaches rooted in both theory and practice.
It’s important to note that this is not a degree in industrial design, art and design, or digital product design. The program does not emphasize studio-based learning, CAD tools, or prototyping techniques. Instead, students engage in the study and development of interventions that are research-informed and strategically designed to drive meaningful impact—equipping graduates to lead in academia, industry, policy, and social innovation.
Why Pursue an MS in Design Science at Michigan?
Design Science is not just about solving problems—it’s about creating new possibilities. As we say in our program:
“Traditional science studies the world as we find it. Design science studies the world as we make it.”
Our interdisciplinary Master of Science program trains students to systematically design, build, and evaluate artifacts—whether products, systems, or services—with the goal of addressing complex, real-world challenges in ways that are rigorous, creative, and broadly impactful.
What makes the Michigan Design Science MS unique is its flexibility and interdisciplinary depth. Each student defines two areas of specialization, drawing from disciplines across campus to match their individual interests, career goals, and desired skill sets. For example, students might combine mechanical engineering and public health to design more inclusive healthcare technologies, or computer science and urban planning to explore how data-driven systems can support sustainable cities.
In addition to completing the core Design Science coursework and student-defined specialization coursework, all MS students are required to complete a one-semester capstone experience. This culminating project provides students with the opportunity to apply the methods, tools, and interdisciplinary perspectives developed throughout the program to a real-world design challenge.
Each capstone project is student-identified and self-directed, allowing for a high degree of flexibility based on individual goals and interests. Projects may take place in a variety of settings, including:
Industry internships, where students apply design science frameworks in a professional environment
Academic research labs, collaborating with faculty on interdisciplinary design research
Independent ventures, including projects in the non-profit or startup space led and defined by the student
Regardless of the setting, all capstone projects emphasize the rigorous application of design science principles to complex, interdisciplinary problems. This experience not only reinforces the knowledge gained throughout the program but also prepares students to lead impactful design initiatives in their chosen fields.
Whether you are interested in driving innovation, or shaping the future through design, the Design Science MS program offers the tools and flexibility to turn your ideas into impact.
This degree is only available on-campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
About our Graduates
Our MS graduates lead the design of complex services, products, and systems across a wide range of organizations—from large manufacturers and financial services firms to tech startups and non-profits. Their ability to systematically apply rigorous design methodologies equips them to excel in academia, industry, government research labs, and consulting roles.
What we design matters. There are many people working toward broader visions of design than what it has historically been like. I want to be able to keep learning so I can contribute in this particular way.
Ilka Rodriguez-Calero Design Science Graduate
Ready to Join Us?
If you are interested in applying to our Design Science Master’s program, visit our admissions page.
