Program Overview

Design Engineering Program Overview

The Brown+RISD master of arts in design engineering is a joint degree program between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. This 11-month, on-campus program allows students to explore the intersection of design creativity and engineering innovation.

Program Structure

The program offers the following degree:

• Master of Arts (A.M.) Students engage in developing effective solutions through iterative making and testing, bringing ideas to life through tangible creations. The program utilizes studios and workshops, featuring a well-equipped, 10,000 sq. ft. maker space for prototyping.

Curriculum

The rigorous curriculum integrates team-based projects, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration skills and fostering a dynamic learning environment. As a MADE student, you'll benefit from the complementary strengths of Brown & RISD, neighboring world-class institutions on Providence's East Side.

Alumni Outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as art directors, creative technologists, design engineers, researchers, and professionals in UX and product design. MADE alumni are affiliated with organizations including Disney, Formlabs, Dassault Systems, Hasbro, Hyundai, Keurig, Walmart, PhD programs, and various design consultancies, finance, health, and consumer tech companies, city governments, and startups.

Application Information

Application Requirements

• GRE Subject: Not Required
• GRE General: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for non-native English speakers who do not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia.
• Official Transcripts: Required
• Letters of Recommendations: Three (3) recommendations required
• Portfolio: Required
• Resume/CV: Required
• Additional Materials: Video Essay

Dates/Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

Tuition and Funding

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates. The MADE program offers need-based assistance in the form of tuition scholarships. These scholarships are evaluated on financial need as a need basis and are determined through the submission of a FAFSA form for US students or a CSS profile for international students.

Completion Requirements

The program curriculum may be accomplished in 11 months. Each school calculates credits somewhat differently. Three RISD credits ‘translate’ to one Brown credit, and the program requires 11 Brown-equivalent credits to graduate.

Leadership

• Dean of Engineering: Tejal Desai
• Program Director: Rich Morales
• Co-Director of Graduate Studies (RISD): Jonathan Knowles
• Director of the Brown Design Workshop: Louise Manfredi

Resources

• Program Faculty
• Graduate School Handbook