As a student in the University of Michigan’s Design Science program, you will learn to bridge technical innovation with human and societal needs. The curriculum emphasizes not only how to improve the function and performance of artifacts, but also how to design with long-term impact in mind. You will develop and apply new tools, methods, and theories that help ensure design outcomes are both effective and responsible.
Whether you are interested in medical devices, mobility, digital systems, sustainable products, or socially engaged design, Design Science offers a flexible framework for customizing your studies at the intersection of disciplines. You will collaborate across fields, work on real-world problems, and gain a deeper understanding of the broader context in which design decisions are made.
At Michigan, you will be part of a community that believes design is not just about what we make—but about how and why we make it. Design Science prepares you to become a leader in shaping a more thoughtful, innovative, and equitable future.
Explore what you can do with a Design Science Degree:
Graduates of the DESCI program are uniquely positioned to build bridges between key stakeholders, bringing future employers in advanced industries, government, and other settings the skills needed to meet the challenges of innovation in today’s workplace.
DESCI Master of Science Degree
The Master of Science in Design Science will help students to expand their career paths by meeting the growing need for the interdisciplinary design of complex products, devices, and systems.
DESCI Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The Design Science PhD program leverages our novel integrative culture to produce unique leaders in design research, practice, and teaching. Each student defines a custom program of study tailored to his or her background and interests in consultation with faculty advisors and the program committee.