The following are the current foundational core courses for Design Science. Students also choose electives from throughout the University’s curriculum portfolio that align with their chosen specializations.
DESCI 501 / MECHENG 455 – Analytical Product Design
This course introduces students to analytical approaches for product design, integrating engineering analysis, market considerations, and decision-making methods. Students apply quantitative tools to evaluate design concepts and optimize product performance, cost, and user value.
DESCI 502 – Design Process Models
An in-depth exploration of models and frameworks that guide engineering and interdisciplinary design processes. Students analyze, compare, and apply different process models to understand their strengths, limitations, and suitability for various design contexts.
MECHENG 557 – Front-End Design
Focuses on the early stages of the design process, including needs finding, problem definition, and concept generation. Students learn user research techniques, opportunity framing, and ideation strategies to develop strong foundations for innovative solutions.
DESCI 599-022 – Foundations of Design Theory
In this course, students explore the core areas of design theory and research, examining how the study of design has evolved and how research informs design practice today. Through readings, discussions, and analysis of design literature, students will gain an understanding of why design is essential to engineering, learn how research has shaped design from its historical roots to emerging applications, and situate their own academic or industry interests within the broader context of design theory and practice.
DESCI 599-001 – Design Science: Fundamentals, Methods, & Applications (New Course)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of design science theory, methods, and real-world applications. Students engage with foundational concepts, interdisciplinary research approaches, and case studies to understand how design science advances knowledge and practice across domains.
DESCI 790 & DESCI 791 – Design Science Seminar
DESCI 790 (Fall) and DESCI 791 (Winter) are graduate-level courses that bring together Design Science students to explore emerging research and practice in the field. Through guest lectures, student presentations, and interactive discussions, participants engage with cutting-edge topics across engineering, social sciences, business, information, and the arts. These seminars foster interdisciplinary exchange, provide a forum for presenting in-progress research, and build community among Design Science scholars at U-M.