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.
Course Guide
Design Science Courses (DESCI)
Contact
Departmental Questions:
[email protected]
Degree Programs
3200 SI-North, 1075 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2112
Phone: (734)-763-0480
Department Contacts
Faculty Director: Professor Kathleen Sienko
3200 SI-North, 1075 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2112
Enrollment and Graduation Data
The University Registrar publishes the number of students enrolled annually in this program.
Degree Programs
- Master of Science in Design Science
- Doctoral Program in Design Science
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 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 practice.
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 Design Science website.