DESIGN-MS - Design (MS)

The DESIGN-MS bulletin page outlines all 2025-2026 degree requirements for students pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Design from the School of Engineering.  This master's degree is only offered to active students admitted into this program via Graduate Admissions. The degree is administered by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (the Stanford d.school).  

Master of Science (MS) Design students will develop a strong practice in human-centered design abilities, making, creativity, and applied project work in their chosen domain.  The first year foregrounds a structured design practice that pushes students to stretch intellectually and grow their skills as makers across mediums.  Students will advance in focus through choosing one method and identifying a domain focus.  A Method will allow students to gain a depth of practice in a select set of mediums.  The Domain area will allow exploring challenges in different disciplines where designers can have an impact, and where there are increasing academic and professional opportunities.

Completion of all requirements within this masters engineering program leads to conferring the Master of Science degree in Design (DESIGN-MS). This degree prepares students for further study in design, design careers in public or private sector institutions, entrepreneurial endeavors, and even careers that may not yet exist.

Academic Progress:

• Track real time degree progress as a masters student using My Academic Path (MAP).

• Familiarize yourself with university requirements for Graduate Academic Progress.

• Support is offered by our MS program advisors during the academic year in Office Hours.

• Follow key academic dates and deadlines on the Academic Calendar 2025-2026.

Enrollment and Classes:

• Plan classes, calculate units, and mark requirements by filling out a Design Program Sheet.

• Browse for classes and their descriptions during the academic year on Navigator.

• Enroll in classes through Stanford’s new Navigate Enrollment.

• Petition requests need written pre-approval via our Design: Petition form.

• Admissions information posted through Grad Admissions and our d.school Admissions page.

• View our public webpages on the d.school website in the Graduate Degree section.