Program Overview

Design & Technology Innovation Program Overview

The Design & Technology Innovation program is designed to lead innovation, even as design and technology evolve. This program combines lab-based technical classes and studio-based project classes, focusing on real-world innovation projects throughout. The curriculum is portfolio- and perspective-first, allowing students to plan their career and portfolio from the beginning.

Master Innovation Design Methods

This program teaches students to lead innovation by boosting both technical prototyping and problem-solving skills while growing their design mindset and practice. The program includes a blend of lab-based technical classes and studio-based project classes, with a focus on real-world innovation projects.

A Leading Innovation Ecosystem

Duke University provides a world-class innovation ecosystem, allowing students to connect across campus with renowned programs in engineering, medicine, business, law, public policy, the environment, humanities, and many more disciplines. The North Carolina Triangle is a top innovation hub, with leading firms like IBM and Cisco, as well as dynamic health startups like Grail.

Students Lead in Design & Innovation

As a Duke master's student, you'll participate, learn, and lead a wide range of design and innovation projects. The program includes a range of student organizations and clubs, such as the Generative AI Hackathon, which is co-sponsored by two Duke professional engineering master's programs.

Learn from Expert Faculty

The program is led by expert faculty, including:

• Eric Brubaker, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Engineering Graduate and Professional Programs
• Jeff Glass, Hogg Family Director of Engineering Management & Entrepreneurship, Professor of ECE
• Vivek Rao, Associate Dean for Master’s & Professional Programs; Executive Director, Design & Technology Innovation Master’s Program
• Adam Schwartz, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Engineering Graduate and Professional Programs
• Amanda Stockwell, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Engineering Graduate and Professional Programs

Career Paths

The program prepares students for a range of career paths, including:

Design Innovation-Focused Careers

• Design Strategist
• Design Researcher
• Human-Centered Designer
• Product Designer
• UI/UX/Content Designer

Technology & Engineering-Focused Careers

• Product Design Engineer
• Prototyping Design Engineer
• New Product Development Engineer
• R&D Engineer
• Creative Technologist

Business & Impact-Focused Careers

• Product Manager
• Product Strategist
• Technology Strategist
• Emerging Technologies Analyst
• Social Innovation Lead

The program is designed to prepare students for not only today's work but also the careers of tomorrow.