Dec 08, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Design and Innovation, M.A.


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Created in the Lyle School of Engineering and first offered in 2015, the multidisciplinary Master of Arts in Design and Innovation (MADI) degree program is now a joint program of the Lyle School and the Meadows School of the Arts, and as such, it is housed in and administered by both schools. Students in this program earn one degree that is supported by both schools.

This project-based program focuses on Human-Centered Design skills and processes of creative thinking and problem-solving in a multidisciplinary and applied setting. The degree is grounded in the methodologies of Human-Centered Design, including Design Research, Design Thinking, problem definition frameworks, idea generation and rapid prototyping. The program involves coursework in theories of design, 2D and 3D tools, innovation processes, and project-based design studios focused on real-world design challenges. Additionally, the degree allows for coursework in electives outside of the Lyle and Meadows Schools to build cross-disciplinary experiences and knowledge. This degree is for students seeking to become more versatile thinkers regardless of their disciplinary background, a design background is not required for admission. Students who earn this degree are well-suited for future careers in the public and private sector focused on Design Research Strategy, Design and Innovation Consulting, Design Research and Experiential Design practices among other areas.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the Lyle School of Engineering degree requirements, candidates are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution of standard collegiate rank recognized by the accrediting agencies in whose jurisdiction the college is located or to be in the final year of an accredited bachelor’s degree program. Students must submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement to fulfill the admission process.

Degree Requirements


In addition to meeting the Lyle School of Engineering admission requirements, candidates must meet the following degree requirement: satisfactory completion of the following courses with an overall graduate GPA of at least 3.000. Only a few of the advanced elective courses have prerequisites, ensuring that students are able to fulfill program requirements on a reasonable timeline. Students wishing to choose any of the electives below will need to have met all course requirements and prerequisites. Enrollment in open electives will be at the discretion of the academic department where the course is offered and the course instructor. Open electives are designed to allow students to gain specialized skills in the field that they may go on to practice or to pursue a personal passion or interest that will complement their future work.

Total: 26 Credit Hours


Suggested Elective Courses


Two (2) courses or up to six (6) credit hours of electives must be completed with a satisfactory grade in order to fulfill the Masters of Arts in design and innovation degree. The following is a list of highly recommended courses, but students are allowed to take courses from across the University to complete the degree. Some courses will require approval for enrollment. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this approval in conjunction with approval from their program advisor. All electives need to be taken at the 6000 level or higher.

Two three-credit hour courses or up to six credit hours from the following list or any other course approved by academic adviser:

Total: 5-6 Credit Hours


Total: 31-32 Credit Hours


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