Master of Design for Human-Computer Interaction and Emerging Technology
Design the future of technology.
The two-year, STEM-designated Master of Design for Human-Computer Interaction and Emerging Technology (MDes) at WashU offers an innovative approach to digital product design, prioritizing societal issues, ethical and moral concerns, and the larger implications of technology.
Situated within a tier-one research institution, students collaborate with faculty from across campus to explore emerging technology’s impact while advancing team-building and leadership capabilities.
Graduates will be positioned to take their career to the next level as a senior UX designer or product designer, an entrepreneur, part of a startup team, or an academic — ready to tackle the societal challenges that matter most.
Chair, MDes for HCI and Emerging Technology | Associate Professor
STEM-Designated, Two-Year, Full-Residency Graduate Program
MDes Program at a Glance
Curriculum Emphasis
- Interaction, Innovation, Impact studio
- Design, engineering, and technology studios
- History, ethics, and leadership
Program Length
- 2 years
- 60 credits
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Full and partial tuition scholarships
- Fellowships
- Paid assistantships
- Loans
Facilities and Shops
- Digital fabrication lab
- Wood shops
- Metal shop
- Ceramics shop
- and more
Master of Design for HCI and Emerging Technology Curriculum
The two-year, accredited MDes program balances technical design and engineering studios with courses in critical methods, history, leadership, and entrepreneurship, all built around a centralized research studio that runs throughout the four semesters.
Each semester, students create individual and team-based work, including research, digital and physical prototypes, and qualitative and quantitative usability evaluations.
Faculty from across WashU in the Sam Fox School, McKelvey School of Engineering, and College of Arts & Sciences lead the design labs and core curriculum. All have robust, rigorous research agendas integrating technology, design, and social impact. Core faculty — in addition to industry sponsors and content experts — mentor individual and collaborative projects throughout the two-year program.
WashU Partners and Socially Engaged Practice
Design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We build active partnerships within and beyond campus in technology, healthcare, and community to address some of the most challenging problems of our time.
Office for Socially Engaged Practice
MDes students can participate in a wide variety of courses, fellowships, workshops, projects, and programming offered through the Sam Fox School’s Office for Socially Engaged Practice during the academic year and summer months that meaningfully engage in community-driven work.
Preparing Students for Industry
The MDes program is designed with your professional practice in mind from industry-inspired projects and career advising to mentorship from alumni and industry advisors.
Alumni and professionals from across design, technology, engineering, and related fields serve as MDes advisors, bringing broad expertise and deep familiarity with industry practice by joining design critiques, mentoring projects, and offering career insights.
“By leveraging multiple schools across campus, graduates of the MDes program will gain a depth and breadth of experiences in tactics, strategy and societal context, a combination unrivaled in the current academic landscape.
This program isn’t for those who want to fit a mold. It’s for those looking to forge their own paths to redefine what design can do for the world.”
MDes Scholarships & Financial Aid
MDes Admissions Requirements
Students with a bachelor’s degree in any major are welcome to apply. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores for admission to our graduate programs. Connect with a graduate recruitment specialist for any questions about applying.
MDes Application
Application opens
September 1
Application fee starts
December 15
Application due
January 10
Materials required
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Personal essay
- Portfolio
- References
- Demonstration of English proficiency (international students only)
- Application fee (free through December 14)
Graduate Recruitment Specialist, Art
Preparing your MDes Portfolio
Students are asked to submit a digital portfolio demonstrating your potential for accomplishment in further creative and innovation study. For more information about putting together your portfolio, visit the admissions page, attend an upcoming virtual event, or reach out to us.