Understanding Design Science:
- What is Design Science?
Design Science is an interdisciplinary research field focused on the scientific study and creation of artifacts—such as models, methods, systems, devices, or processes — developed and used by people to solve practical problems of general interest. Design Science is both a mode of inquiry and a mode of creation. Unlike empirical sciences, which aim to describe, explain, and predict the world, Design Science seeks to change and improve the world by introducing innovations that address challenges or opportunities in human practices. A Design Science project produces two intertwined outcomes:
- The artifact itself, which serves as a purposeful solution to a practical problem.
- Generalizable knowledge about the artefact—its functions, structure, use, and effects—situated in relation to existing research and communicated to both practitioners and scholars.
Through rigorous research methods, Design Science connects local solutions to broader contexts, ensuring that the insights gained can inform future designs and advance the global knowledge base.
- What kind of design does Design Science focus on?
Design Science is concerned with purposeful, research-informed design—especially the development of artifacts (which may be systems, processes, software, policies, etc.) that help people perform or improve practices. The focus is on problem analysis, stakeholder needs, and the broader social and technical contexts in which solutions are used.
- How is Design Science different from traditional empirical science?
Empirical science describes and explains the world as it is. In contrast, Design Science aims to change the world by creating artifacts that address practical problems and generate new knowledge about their design, use, and effects. Design scientists don’t just study systems—they build and evaluate solutions that can transform them.
- What kinds of problems does Design Science address?
Design Science often tackles “wicked problems”—challenges that are complex, ambiguous, and lack clear solutions (e.g., climate change, healthcare access, or equitable mobility). These problems require iterative design, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of technical, social, and behavioral perspectives.
- What does it mean to create an “artifact” in Design Science?
An artifact is any object (physical or conceptual) created to solve a practical problem. It might be a framework, a system, a method, a model, a device, or a process. Design Science investigates how artifacts function, how they are used, and how they affect the environments in which they are implemented.
- Is Design Science focused only on technology?
While Design Science has roots in IT and systems design, it is inherently interdisciplinary. Artifacts may span areas such as public health, urban planning, policy, education, and sustainability. What unites these applications is a focus on problem-solving and designing for real-world impact, not a specific domain.
- Is Design Science the same as industrial design or art and design?
No. The Design Science program is not an industrial design or fine arts degree. It does not focus on product styling, visual aesthetics, or studio-based creative work. Rather than teaching how to sketch or build physical prototypes, the program centers on research-based methods to design knowledge-rich solutions that can improve practices and solve complex societal or technical challenges.
- Is Design Science about learning how to use CAD, 3D modeling, or prototyping tools?
No. While some students may choose to explore digital or physical prototyping tools as part of their individual plans of study, the core coursework does not emphasize hands-on making or digital design tools. Students interested in developing these skills should consider programs in engineering design, industrial design, architecture, or art & design.
Admissions & Program Positioning:
- Who should pursue a degree in Design Science?
Students who are drawn to interdisciplinary research, complex problem-solving, and creating meaningful change through design—especially those interested in theory-informed, research-based approaches—will find the program a strong fit. Students primarily interested in hands-on making or artistic design may find better alignment in other programs.
- What type of background do I need to apply to the Design Science program?
- Applicants must have bachelor’s degree in a relevant design field such as engineering, business, psychology, industrial design, architecture, music, computer science, information, etc.
- A DESCI Master’s student is expected to have strong mathematical skills; it is likely (but not necessary) that the typical student will have a BS in either engineering, in the physical/ mathematical sciences or business with a strong mathematical background. Non-engineering students will be admitted to the program with a record of appropriate math studies, such as statistics, probability or calculus, in their undergraduate degree in order to pursue the scientific methods taught in this Master’s program. If there is an otherwise strong candidate without the appropriate mathematical record, they may be advised that they need to take the appropriate course(s).
- GRE is not required but strongly encouraged, especially for students in non-engineering or non-science-related bachelor degrees to demonstrate their mathematical skills.
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.5/4.0, but applications are subject to a holistic review.
- What will it say on my diploma when I graduate?
Example: “…upon the recommendation of The Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, The Regents of the University of Michigan have conferred upon XXX in recognition of the satisfactory fulfillment of the prescribed requirements the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Design Science)…”
- How is the Design Science program positioned within the University of Michigan?
Graduate education at the University of Michigan is a shared enterprise. “The Rackham Graduate School works together with faculty in the schools and colleges of the University to provide more than 180 graduate degree programs and to sustain a dynamic intellectual climate within which graduate students thrive.”
Like nearly all U-M research-based graduate degrees—including engineering MS and PhD programs—Design Science is administered through the Rackham Graduate School. The program is administratively housed in the College of Engineering as a part of their Interdisciplinary Graduate programs under the Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Education. Program staff hold College of Engineering appointments.
Being housed in the College of Engineering does not make Design Science an engineering degree. The program is fully interdisciplinary, drawing on courses, faculty, and research opportunities from across the University, while maintaining the same Rackham graduate standards and recognition as other research-based programs.
For more information see:
- Programs of Study
- Graduate and Professional Degree Programs Not Administered by Rackham
- Is Design Science an engineering program/degree?
No, the Design Science program is a STEM-designated Rackham Graduate Program administratively housed in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan.
- How do I find faculty advisors for my PhD?
Design Science is an interdisciplinary program and does not have its own departmental faculty. Instead, students are advised by faculty from across the University of Michigan’s schools and colleges. As part of your application, we encourage you to identify and list potential faculty advisors from at least two different academic units (e.g., engineering, information, art & design, public health, etc.). Your application should include a brief explanation of how each faculty member’s expertise aligns with your research interests and goals. If you are admitted to the program, the Design Science leadership team will support you in formalizing advisor commitments and finding the best interdisciplinary match based on your background and proposed area of study. Successful advisor matching is an important part of building a strong foundation for your doctoral work.
- Is there funding available?
All admitted doctoral students in the Design Science program are funded through Rackham’s fully funded model, which includes tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. This funding is typically provided through research or teaching assistantships arranged in collaboration with faculty advisors.
At this time, there are no program-specific scholarships for master’s students. However, MS students are encouraged to explore external fellowship opportunities such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and other national or international funding sources. Some MS students also independently secure research assistantships or part-time employment on campus to help support their studies.
Academic Experience & Opportunities:
- Does Design Science provide internships to students?
The Design Science program does not directly place students in internships or assign specific projects for the DESCI 503 capstone course. However, students have access to a wide range of resources such as through the Engineering Career Resource Center and the University Career Center, both of which offer support for finding internships, research opportunities, and industry connections.
For the DESCI 503 capstone, students are encouraged to take an active role in identifying and shaping their own experience. We strongly recommend that students meet early and regularly with the DESCI 503 course director to discuss potential capstone opportunities that align with their interests and goals. These meetings can help connect students with relevant partners, projects, or mentors across campus and beyond.
- What are the program requirements, and how should I plan my coursework?
All program requirements are outlined in the student handbook and on our website, including core courses (e.g., DESCI 790/791, and 503 for master’s students) and requirements for specialization (“depth/breadth”) courses. We strongly recommend that students meet with the program graduate coordinator early to create and approve a personalized course plan aligned with their academic interests and career goals. - How does the program support my career development?
While Design Science does not lead to a single career pathway, our graduates enter diverse fields including product design, UX research, engineering management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and academia. Students have access to many resources such as the University Career Center and Engineering Career Resource Center, which include career exploration advising, alumni networking opportunities, resume and interview skills training, and internship and job postings. - How much guidance will I receive in choosing my courses and shaping my program of study?
The Design Science program is intentionally interdisciplinary and highly customized — each student designs their own path by selecting Group B courses that align with their individual interests and career goals. Unlike many traditional MS programs with fixed curricula, you’ll take an active role in identifying courses from across the University that support your self-defined specializations and be prepared to explain the rationale behind your choices. While this requires initiative and independent planning, you won’t be on your own. Resources include a course-planning worksheet, a database of prior courses taken by Design Science students, and guidance from the graduate coordinator and program director.
- What does a typical capstone project look like for Master’s students? How much support will I receive in finding and completing my capstone project?
About half of our Master’s students pursue capstone projects with an external company that aligns with their interests, while the other half conduct their projects within a self-identified research laboratory on campus. Additionally, a small number of students design entrepreneurial ventures or community-based projects as their capstone experience.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with the capstone coordinator during their first semester to receive guidance on identifying and refining project topics. For projects conducted outside the university, students are also required to secure a faculty mentor to provide academic oversight.
While the capstone coordinator provides support and advice throughout the process, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to identify suitable opportunities and develop their project topic. All projects require submission of a formal proposal, which must be approved by both the capstone coordinator and the Design Science program before moving forward.
Community and Communication:
- How can I connect with other students, alumni, and faculty?
The program fosters community through the DESCI 790/791 courses, student-led events, and program-led events. Incoming students participate in an orientation session before the program begins and work with peer mentors as resources. The Program Director and staff are also available resources at any time. - How does the program communicate updates and important information?
- The program shares important updates and announcements primarily via email to your U-M assigned email address. Important program information is also available in the Canvas Design Science Student Center, and students also receive regular news, event highlights, and opportunities through the Design Brief newsletter.