Design
MDES
Why study Design?
Housed in the Ullman School of Design at the University of Cincinnati’s College of DAAP, the MDes program emphasizes evidence-based approaches to addressing complex sociocultural, environmental, and technological challenges through design. Students investigate and communicate ideas through writing, visualization, and prototyping—engaging design as a creative and critical practice for strategic inquiry and collaboration.
Through our project-based curriculum, students bridge design theory and practice by developing design interventions that critically reflect on process and impact, reframe complex challenges, and foster dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders to imagine new possibilities through design. The program emphasizes:
- Methods: designing understanding
- Strategy: designing innovative paradigms
- Systems Thinking: designing dynamic structures to complex problems
- Evidence: designing interventions guided by research and informed insight
- Empathy: designing for social impact through collaborative engagement
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundation & Project Development
- Core courses in design research methods, strategy, and discourse
- Thesis topic identification and development
- Exploration of primary, secondary, and applied research through design
- Visual communication of research and design strategy
Year 2: Specialization & Thesis Delivery
- Faculty-guided, student-led thesis work
- Domain-specific design exploration (e.g., health, education, aging, sustainability)
- Prototyping, stakeholder engagement, and critical reflection
- Final thesis defense and public exhibition at DAAPWorks
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline
January 10th is the priority deadline for Fall admission and full consideration for university-funded scholarships and assistantships. Separate scholarship applications are not required unless applying for external awards. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed based on remaining program availability.
Click to begin the application process.
Academic Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in design or a related discipline from an accredited institution. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected.
Application Materials
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Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended.
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing educational background, work experience, design projects, awards, relevant skills, and publications (if any).
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Professional experience: evidence of engagement in design practice, teach or equivalent fields. This can include internships, freelance or collaborative projects, and research-related work that demonstrates an understanding of design practice.
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Letter of intent (1 – 2 pages):
- A summary statement of your academic and career interests and goals, how your background has prepared you for this path, and why this program is a good fit. Outline what you intend to explore through design, its potential value or impact, and how you envision developing it through coursework or collaboration with faculty in our program and across other departments at UC.
- To align your interests with available resources, review faculty profiles in the School of Design graduate faculty directory, as well as relevant research labs and departments across campus. In your statement, clearly articulate how your interests connect with specific faculty expertise or initiatives. Do your research—and communicate those insights clearly and concisely!
5. Portfolio (12 – 15 works)
- Demonstrate a range of design skills, problem-solving ability, conceptual depth, and aesthetic sensibility. Organize works consistently and coherently.
- The portfolio should reinforce themes and interests stated in the letter of intent.
- Submit as one digital document (PDF preferred) or a link to a portfolio site.
6. Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential.
7. English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must submit English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL: 570 (paper), 230 (computer), or 88 (internet)
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
- Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110
Most design graduates work in one of the three disciplines within the Master of Design Program — Communication Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design. Design graduates frame inquiries at strategic levels and develop solutions to complex design problems through rigorous research protocols and utilize research methods for exploration and validation in the design process. Opportunities are found within large corporations with design departments. Design firms and design consultancies provide collaborate services in trans-disciplinary settings integrating research and design theories into practice. In addition, the Master of Design is considered a terminal degree and qualifies graduates for tenure track positions in academia.
- Art directors
- Design Instructors and Professors
- Graphic, Industrial, and Service Designers
- Leads in Business and Nonprofit Startups
- Project Management Specialists
- UX Designers and Researchers
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Web Developers
MDes Graduate Program Director:
Heekyoung Jung
junghg@ucmail.uc.edu
513-556-2056
The Master of Design program has the approved CIP code 11.0105: Human-Centered Technology Design, which makes the program a recognized STEM degree program. STEM designation makes our students eligible for STEM specific Scholarships, 24-month OPT extension for International Students, and expanded GI benefits for Student Veterans.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Ullman School of Design
This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
Contact Information
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Program Code: 23MAS-DSGN-MDES