Program Statistics
Visit Master's Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.
Engineering Design Innovation
Degree Types: MS
The Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI) at the Segal Design Institute is an 18-month, full-time design innovation graduate program that teaches students from a variety of backgrounds how to address complex design problems using an equity-centered approach to human-centered design.
EDI students practice user observation, ideation, rapid prototyping, and iteration in a project-based studio environment. They work with multiple stakeholders, students, faculty, industry partners, and practicing professionals to tackle real problems in context.
After completing EDI, graduates take on roles such as product managers, design researchers, product designer engineers, experience and service designers and are ready to design new products and services that responsibly consider the needs of multiple stakeholders in complex ecosystems.
Typically those applying for the EDI program are recent graduates or have one to three years industry experience. We admit applicants with a variety of academic degrees across disciplines in STEM, humanities, and the arts. One of the strengths of our cohort model is the diversity of expertise our students have across various fields.
Contact the EDI program at edi@northwestern.edu.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact Cate Herscher
Project Coordinator
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
Master's
Total Units Required: 18
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | |
| DSGN 401-1 | Human-Centered Design Studio 1 |
| DSGN 401-2 | Human-Centered Design Studio 2 |
| DSGN 401-3 | Human-Centered Design Studio 3 |
| DSGN 410-0 | Design Research |
| DSGN 420-1 | |
| DSGN 420-2 | Design Communications: Ethics and Identity in Design |
| DSGN 430-0 | Product Management for Technology Companies: An Entrepreneurial Perspective |
| DSGN 450-0 | Differentiation by Design |
| DSGN 455-0 | Design Strategy |
| DSGN 474-0 | Brand and Design Leadership |
| DSGN 499-0 | Independent Research Project (taken for 1 unit in the second fall quarter and 2 units in the second winter quarter) |
| Electives | |
Breadth electives (6 units) | |
Other MS Degree Requirements
- Two-week, pre-term orientation (Camp EDI)