Program Overview

Master of Product Design and Development Management (mpd²)

The Master of Product Design & Development Management (mpd²) program is designed for professionals who want to master the concepts and tools of product design and development. You will develop expertise in product strategy, user-centered design, agile methodologies, and cross-functional leadership, while gaining knowledge in intellectual property, business modeling, marketing, AI tools, and financial acumen to drive innovative products to market.

Program Overview

The highly-focused curriculum, taught by senior faculty from academic and business, is designed to assure our graduates a pathway to senior leadership.

Quick Facts

• Degree earned: Master of Science in Product Design and Development Management
• Admissions:
  • Round 1 - March 15: Recommended deadline for full-time applicants
  • Round 2 - June 15: Recommended deadline for international applicants who will require a visa or visa status update to enroll
  • Round 3 - August 1: Final deadline, recommended for part-time applicants
• Timing: MPD2 follows Northwestern's 10-week quarter system. New student begin classes in September of the fall quarter, with breaks in December, March, and the summer months, meeting on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Location: Northwestern University’s Evanston campus, with easy access to Chicago’s leading tech and business community

Program Features

Learn alongside fellow industry professionals

The mpd² program includes students who are mid- and senior-level professionals with at least two years of experience in product design and development. As a student, you’ll engage in a collaborative and hands-on curriculum that enhances your knowledge and managerial skills through practical application.

Study on your schedule

We offer full- and part-time master's degree options. As a full-time student, you can earn the mpd² degree in just nine months by attending Friday and Saturday classes on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. Part-time students commit to just one day of class each week and complete their studies in as little as two years.

Enhance your management skills

Our graduates are invaluable to employers. Not only will you master critical skills in design, product development, end-user research, and innovation, you’ll also become a better business leader, gaining skills in marketing, finance, creativity, and project management.

The mpd² Community

Our faculty, alumni, and current students come from some of the most innovative companies in the world. Learn more about the mpd² community and how we master big picture business and leadership skills through our hands-on, team-based learning approach.

Segal Design Institute

We educate the creative explorers of the future, focusing on the interconnectedness of technology, humans, and the natural world. Our students turn ideas into reality, centering people in complex challenges that have societal impact. The Segal Design Institute is where the mpd² program is housed, providing a unique environment for learning and growth.