Overview

The Computational Design programme at Carnegie Mellon University offers a rigorous exploration of the creative and critical intersections between architectural design and advanced computing. Students engage with a curriculum that bridges technical mastery and theoretical depth, preparing them for leadership roles in both industry and academia. The course encourages a deeply interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the university's extensive expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Why Computational Design at Carnegie Mellon University?

The university is a global pioneer in this field, with a history of computational design research dating back to the 1960s. Students benefit from the Computational Design Laboratory (CODe Lab), a dedicated double-height workspace equipped with digital fabrication tools, electronics workbenches, and virtual reality terminals. Beyond the lab, the school provides access to the Design Fabrication Laboratory (dFAB) and the Manufacturing Futures Institute, fostering a vibrant environment for speculative and applied research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 69000 per year
National fee: USD 69000 per year
Local fee: USD 69000 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is built around a sequence of research seminars and selective courses that allow students to tailor their studies to their specific research interests. During the second year, the focus shifts to the development of a substantial research thesis. Modules may include:

Computational Design
Robotic Assembly
Machine Learning
Tangible Interaction
Shape Grammars
Responsive Environments
Digital Heritage
Computational Urban Studies
Design Technologies

Careers with Computational Design

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for their ability to navigate complex sociotechnical landscapes and develop novel design technologies. Recent alumni have secured influential positions at leading global organisations and technology firms. Career destinations for former students include:

Computational Design Lead at Higharc
Research Engineer in Machine Learning at Apple
Multimedia and Graphics Editor at the New York Times
Studio Design Computation Leader at NBBJ
Computational Designer at Samsung Research
Academic roles at the University of Calgary and University of Nebraska

The programme also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further doctoral research in architecture, computer science, or emerging media arts.

Programme Structure

Courses offered:

Paradigms of Research in Architecture

Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science

Principles of Imperative Computation

Research Method in Computational Design

Concepts of Mathematics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-10 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

144 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pittsburgh, United States

Disciplines

Design Computer Sciences Artificial Intelligence View 447 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Review the CD program information;

Contact Education Testing Services to send your GRE scores (and TOEFL scores) directly to our department, using the institution code 2074, GRE department code 4401, and TOEFL department code 12. Or contact the British Council to send your IELTS

Assign three references to your application

Upload the following:

Statement of Purpose (2 pages recommended max)

Copy of unofficial transcript(s)

Copy of GRE (and TOEFL/IELTS) scores

Portfolio (recommended)

Resume/CV

Pay the $75 application fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

69000 USD / year

≈ 69000 USD / year
Out-of-State

69000 USD / year

≈ 69000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

69000 USD / year

≈ 69000 USD / year

Living costs

Pittsburgh

United States

1148 - 1944 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Computational Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Pittsburgh

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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