Integrative Design Master of science degree
Integrative Design
Master of science degree
Overview
Further your understanding of the design process as you prepare to work with creative development teams.
The integrative design program enables students with artistic, technical, engineering, and management backgrounds to study and successfully engage with creative development teams. This one-year design master’s degree develops your understanding of the theories, methods, processes of design, and their application in product and service development.
The MS in integrative design establishes a variety of creative design thinking techniques in areas such as systems thinking, brainstorming, immersions, contextual relevance, and empathy–all of which will be used to develop an in-depth understanding of the design process, the product/service life cycle, product/service feasibility, and the integration of social responsibility in product/service design. The program enables students with artistic, technical, engineering, and management backgrounds to study and successfully engage within creative development teams.
Industries
Curriculum
Integrative Design, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| INGD-721 |
Elements and Methods
An introductory experience building the visual, verbal and cognitive understanding of three-dimensional design elements and principles. Projects focus on the design processes through the study of abstraction and developing the ability to see, organize, and manipulate (explore) elements to achieve the desired sensory responses.
|
3 |
| INGD-722 |
Emotion and Implementation
This course builds from the Elements and Methods course and introduces emotional design as a means of creating, understanding and implementing the relationship between the object, the user and the desired sensory response. Concepts of material selection, production processes, and sustainability are explored. Through projects students develop the tools and technical skills necessary for hands-on problem solving and three-dimensional communication of design intent.
|
3 |
| INGD-726 |
Visualization I: Development
This course is an introduction to drawing objects and three-dimensional space as a means of developing and communicating design concepts. Students will understand and use the basics of perspective sketching, mechanical perspective, grids and orthogonal views to communicate design concepts.
|
3 |
| INGD-727 |
Visualization II: Communication
This course continues developing more advanced visualization techniques, while expanding on visual communication skills: such as storytelling, graphic layout and presentations. Exercises will introduce students to various types of analog and digital visual communication techniques.
|
3 |
| INGD-731 |
Design Studio I: Concepts
Theoretical and pragmatic approaches to responsible design practices are developed through processes of iteration, divergent/convergent thinking and critical analysis. Projects focus on human-centered approaches and the contextual relevance of products, service and systems.
|
3 |
| INGD-732 |
Design Studio II: Capstone
This course will focus on the application of design methods and processes, design thinking, problem solving, concept development. Students will work with faculty and advisors in establishing a design project. Emphasis will be placed on collaborating with multidisciplinary partners and external resources such as clients or project sponsors. The course culminates with a public presentation of the design project.
|
3 |
Free Electives |
12 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS in integrative design program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete a graduate application.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Submit three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- Submit a personal statement of purpose (300-500 words) detailing the attributes you bring to graduate study, including professional goals you wish to achieve.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
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