Design Science

Degree Programs

  • Master of Science in Design Science
  • Doctoral Program in Design Science

The emerging field of Design Science demands an innovative paradigm for research, education, and practice. The Design Science Program at the University of Michigan engages in the systematic pursuit of design knowledge across all fields.

Our program is a unique interdisciplinary approach requiring students to integrate two or more traditional disciplines to tackle modern, complex design problems. The U-M Design Science Program challenges students to create, study, apply, and teach design principles using quantitative, qualitative, and analytical methods and processes.

Students choose from courses in engineering, business, medicine, information, social sciences, and the arts: the program leverages a multitude of top-ten departments across schools and colleges at the University of Michigan.

Launching Fall 2022, Integrative Systems + Design has introduced a new integrative curriculum designed to better meet today’s industry demands and offer improved depth and breadth within specializations – all while leveraging U-M excellence across many disciplines. The curriculum is comprised of 4 segments:

  • Integrative Science (6-9 credits): students integrate disciplines together by taking advantage of the breadth of U-M courses, including required ISD courses.
  • Program Core (6-9 credits): these courses offer the core knowledge students need to excel in their chosen specialty by choosing courses across key foundational areas, each with their own set of key competencies.
  • Career Pathways(9 credits): these courses are designed to help students gain expert knowledge in one specific knowledge area, strategically crafted by leading industry and government experts with an eye to their career trajectory.
  • Immersive Practice (3-6 credits): students put their experience and education to work in a real-world environment by taking part in a culminating project in industry, research in cutting-edge labs, field-work with meaningful non-profits, and a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures.

Master of Science in Design Science

The Master of Science in Design Science is the program for students who want to expand their career paths by meeting the growing need for the interdisciplinary design of complex products, devices, and systems. The program provides each student flexibility in exploring across multiple disciplines to learn in-depth rigorous design methods and theories that drive the design process. Each student defines a custom program of study tailored to their background and design interests in consultation with a program advisor. This path integrates disciplines from top programs at the University of Michigan to balance rigorous coursework, trend-setting research and practica.

Doctoral Program in Design Science

The Design Science Ph.D. program leverages our novel integrative culture to produce unique leaders in design research, practice, and teaching.

Design Science is an interdisciplinary doctoral program. Design Science students must pursue an appropriate course of study with the right mix of disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary breadth. Each student defines a custom program of study tailored to their background and interests in consultation with faculty advisors and the program committee.

An individual student’s curriculum is structured so that knowledge from at least two disciplines permeates their program of study. This is the guiding principle for the DESCI program requirements. This path integrates disciplines from top programs at the University of Michigan to balance rigorous coursework, trend-setting research and practicum.

For more information about both degree programs, please visit the ISD Design Science website.