Program Overview
The Master of Science in Design with a concentration in design of health care and healing environments focuses on the science and experiences behind the built environment's real and perceived impacts on health and wellness. It emphasizes the intersection of evidence-based research and practice, transdisciplinary studies, best practices, and innovation in supporting and advancing the design of healthy environments, products, and processes. Students explore and synthesize principles from various disciplines to understand the critical issues facing the healthcare industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Design (MSD) with a concentration in design of health care and healing environments
focuses on the science and experiences behind the built environment's real and perceived impacts on health and wellness. It emphasizes the intersection of evidence-based research and practice, transdisciplinary studies, best practices, and innovation in supporting and advancing the design of healthy environments, products, and processes. Students explore and synthesize principles from various disciplines, including innovation, architecture, design, communication, human behavior, policy, and quality and performance improvement, to understand the critical issues facing the healthcare industry.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to design healthcare and healing environments that promote well-being and support positive health outcomes.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges in healthcare design.
- Develop strong research and communication abilities to contribute to the field of healthcare design.
- Cultivate leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams in healthcare settings.
Program Description:
The MSD program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical, hands-on experiences. Students engage in:
- Communication with forward-thinking healthcare research centers: Collaborate with researchers and stay informed about the latest advancements in healthcare design.
- Direct engagement with real clients: Work on real-world projects and gain valuable experience in addressing client needs.
- Interaction with prominent healthcare organizations: Network with industry leaders and gain exposure to diverse healthcare settings.
- Participation in industry conferences: Stay connected with the latest trends and developments in healthcare design.
- An application fee is required.
- Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native English speakers.
- Students may choose to complete the program with a thesis or an applied project.
- The program is selective, and admission cannot be deferred.
- Personal interviews are not required, but candidates are welcome to visit the school by contacting the department.
- Teaching or research assistantship opportunities are available.
- International teaching or research assistants must be certified in their English language abilities.
Entry Requirements:
General Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design, industrial design, interior design, or a related design discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program or the applicable master's degree program.
- Official transcripts
- Portfolio
- Letter of intent
- Proof of English proficiency (minimum TOEFL iBT® score of 80) for non-native English speakers
- All international teaching or graduate assistants whose primary language is not English are required to be certified in their English language abilities, either through the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit or the Test of Spoken English.
Portfolio Requirements:
The portfolio should showcase the applicant's design skills and experience in the field of healthcare and healing environments. It should include a variety of projects, including sketches, renderings, models, and photographs.
Letter of Intent:
The letter of intent should explain why the applicant is interested in the program and how their skills and experience will contribute to the program.
References:
The applicant should provide contact information for three references who can speak to their academic and professional abilities.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- All applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency, regardless of their current residency.
- Non-native English speakers must achieve a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT®.
- The program is selective and admission is not guaranteed.
- Applicants must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted.
- A personal interview is not required, but applicants are welcome to visit the school and should contact the department to schedule an appointment.
- Applicants interested in teaching or research assistantships should submit an additional statement outlining their relevant experience.
