Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Design Program

The Master of Design (MDes) program at the University of Cincinnati's College of DAAP is housed in the Ullman School of Design. This program emphasizes evidence-based approaches to addressing complex sociocultural, environmental, and technological challenges through design. Students investigate and communicate ideas through writing, visualization, and prototyping, engaging design as a creative and critical practice for strategic inquiry and collaboration.

Program Structure

The MDes program is structured over two years, with a total of 60 credits required for completion. The program emphasizes:

• Methods: designing understanding
• Strategy: designing innovative paradigms
• Systems Thinking: designing dynamic structures to complex problems
• Evidence: designing interventions guided by research and informed insight
• Empathy: designing for social impact through collaborative engagement

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is divided into two years:

• Year 1: Foundation & Project Development
  • Core courses in design research methods, strategy, and discourse
  • Thesis topic identification and development
  • Exploration of primary, secondary, and applied research through design
  • Visual communication of research and design strategy
• Year 2: Specialization & Thesis Delivery
  • Faculty-guided, student-led thesis work
  • Domain-specific design exploration (e.g., health, education, aging, sustainability)
  • Prototyping, stakeholder engagement, and critical reflection
  • Final thesis defense and public exhibition at DAAPWorks

Career Opportunities

Most design graduates work in one of the three disciplines within the Master of Design Program — Communication Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design. Design graduates frame inquiries at strategic levels and develop solutions to complex design problems through rigorous research protocols and utilize research methods for exploration and validation in the design process. Opportunities are found within large corporations with design departments, design firms, and design consultancies. The Master of Design is considered a terminal degree and qualifies graduates for tenure track positions in academia.

Possible career paths include:

• Art directors
• Design Instructors and Professors
• Graphic, Industrial, and Service Designers
• Leads in Business and Nonprofit Startups
• Project Management Specialists
• UX Designers and Researchers
• Web and Digital Interface Designers
• Web Developers

Admission Requirements

• Application Deadline: January 10th is the priority deadline for Fall admission and full consideration for university-funded scholarships and assistantships.
• Academic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in design or a related discipline from an accredited institution. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected.
• Application Materials:
  1. Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended.
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing educational background, work experience, design projects, awards, relevant skills, and publications (if any).
  3. Professional experience: evidence of engagement in design practice, teaching, or equivalent fields.
  4. Letter of intent (1 – 2 pages): outlining academic and career interests and goals, background preparation, why the program is a good fit, and what you intend to explore through design.
  5. Portfolio (12 – 15 works): demonstrating a range of design skills, problem-solving ability, conceptual depth, and aesthetic sensibility.
  6. Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
  7. English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must submit English language proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Master of Design program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). The program has the approved CIP code 11.0105: Human-Centered Technology Design, making it a recognized STEM degree program. This designation makes students eligible for STEM-specific scholarships, a 24-month OPT extension for international students, and expanded GI benefits for student veterans.