Master of Design

The Master of Design (MDes) program offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary curriculum that blends design theory, practice, and research. Develop your voice as a practice-based design researcher while honing your technical skills in design and strategic problem-solving. You’ll be mentored by our distinguished faculty, which includes renowned designers, researchers, innovators, and scholars in the field. This program will equip you with the expertise to create impactful designs, analyze complex challenges, and lead in the ever-evolving design industry.
Degree
Master of Design (MDes)
Duration
1- 2 years
Credit Hours
60
Modality
online
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Residency
1 Week In-Person

Program Highlights

Interdisciplinary Approach with Social Impact

Comprehensive Design Research Training

Caribbean Design Immersion & Residency

Flexibility for Working Students

Blend interdisciplinary design skills with a focus on social design to create designs that promote positive social change.
Learn to conduct practice-based design research projects by completing a guided capstone project in your area of design practice.
Explore global design perspectives within the context of the Caribbean and bond with your peers during a one-week, in-person residency in Curacao. 
Enjoy the freedom to study full-time or part-time, online from anywhere in the world.

Curriculum

The MDes program curriculum helps learners develop an interdisciplinary design practice that is grounded in critical design theory and discourse. Learners complete a self-directed culminating Capstone project that synthesizes their work and learning for the degree program.

Practice
(Complete 30 Credits)

Dialogue
(Complete 12 Credits)

Inquiry
(Complete 18 Credits)

Featured Course & Faculty

“The Communications Design course prepares students to acquire skills at the intersection of design and social change. By applying theoretical concepts into practice, students will explore how visual design affects society, work with multidisciplinary teams, and effectively present their innovative solutions. By participating in real-life projects, students will be equipped to critically evaluate the role of visual design in society, foster collaboration on social design initiatives, and improve their ability to effectively communicate their ideas.” 
Rossy Ramos, Lecturer of Design Studies
Instructor for MDes Course PRA300: Communications Design

In-Person Residency

The MDes program is a low-residency program where all studies can be completed online, in addition to required attendance to one, week-long residency seminar in Willemstad, Curaçao. The MDes residency week explores global perspectives in shaping contemporary design practices by critically examining Carribbean design.

The annual on-site residency leverages the local content and culture of Curaçao to shape course topics, and students will examine how designers engage with diverse cultural influences. In addition to coursework, the residency week will have seminars and social events that allow students to build community with each other. Learn more about upcoming in-person Residency programming.

Upcoming Residencies

2026 MDes & DDes Joint Program Residency
Willemstad, Curaçao
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Jul 9
-
Jul 12, 2026
2027 MDes Program Residency
Willemstad, Curaçao
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Jul 8
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Jul 11, 2027

Career Paths

Graduates of the Master of Design program will be prepared to embark on diverse and exciting career paths in design across the globe. Graduates will be able to consider careers in product and industrial design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, service design and innovation, design strategy and management, sustainable and social impact design, design research and education, and digital and interactive media design.

Graduates will be prepared to lead design teams at major corporations, launch innovative design consultancies, create impactful solutions for non-profit organizations, pursue doctoral studies and academic careers in design, or establish themselves as independent designers and artists. The interdisciplinary nature of the MDes program prepares graduates to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of design.
Apply now