Master’s in design and innovation

Students with an M.A. in design and innovation are well-suited for future careers in the public and private sector focused on design research strategy, design and innovation consulting, design research, user research and experiential design practices, among other areas.

Skilled designers are in high demand as the world responds to challenges and advancements in technology, operations, media, user experiences and societal structures. A master’s in design and innovation can help accelerate your career by providing technical specializations, leadership skills and industry connections. Graduates of SMU’s design and innovation master’s program had an average starting salary of $137,000 (2024).

Graduates with an M.A. in design and innovation are hired into industries including advertising, tech, software development, consulting, architecture, engineering, retail and consumer experience, social services, public policy, media and entertainment, education, and many others in the private and public sector.

Unique among master of design programs, the Master of Arts in design and innovation (MADI) degree program is a joint program of the Lyle School of Engineering and the Meadows School of the Arts. The multidisciplinary nature of the program equips students with both creative insights and technical expertise through a socially conscious lens, preparing them to become leaders with diverse skillsets across a range of industries.

Students create a meaningful portfolio of work and have the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners, which have included Southwest Airlines, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Raymond, Dallas’ Pegasus Park, AT&T Discovery District and many others.

Students can also pursue a graduate certificate in design and innovation at SMU, which includes the core curriculum of the MADI program.

Human-centered design is a well-established process and set of methods aimed at devising solutions based on people’s needs. MADI applies human-centered design principles by encouraging design that is informed by research practices including interviews, observations, and adapted ethnographic methods. The curriculum fosters active learning environments that prioritize hands-on projects and group work.

The MADI program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing a desire to learn design and effect change. No design degree is required for admission.

Students in the MADI program gain skills in 2D and 3D design programs, training on tools in the Deason Innovation Gym, as well as an advanced mastery of design processes and human-centered design principles directed toward product design, business and social impact. MADI design students can customize their degree by taking electives across a range of topics including AI, advertising, marketing, anthropology, economics, sustainability and others.

In addition to meeting the Lyle School of Engineering degree requirements, applicants to the MADI program must also submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The GRE is optional.