Overview

The Design - Product Design M.Sc. at the University of Minnesota provides a creative and interdisciplinary environment for students to explore the complex relationships between humans and designed objects. This programme integrates principles from industrial design, engineering, and the humanities to equip graduates with the tools necessary to create functional and marketable products. Students can choose between two distinct degree plans to align with their specific academic or professional objectives.

Why Design - Product Design at University of Minnesota?

The university offers a robust research environment where faculty members lead investigations into diverse areas such as toy design, food systems, and consumer perception. Students benefit from access to high-specification facilities, including fabrication shops, an imaging lab, and the Goldstein Museum of Design. Through research collaborations and dedicated studios, the institution bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice, supported by a faculty of active scholars and designers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16776 per semester
National fee: USD 16776 per semester
Local fee: USD 10632 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around major credits and related-field coursework. Students pursuing Plan A focus on research and a thesis, while Plan C is project-based for career advancement. Modules may include:

Product Design
Industrial Design
Mechanical Engineering
Human Factors
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Research Methods
Thesis Research

Careers with Design - Product Design

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in the design and development of both physical and digital products and services. The programme supports career advancement in industry or preparation for doctoral study and academic research. Students often find opportunities in research and development, design consultancy, and corporate design departments, leveraging the hands-on experience gained through internships and fabrication projects during their studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design Theory

Innovation Theory and Analysis

Aesthetics of Design

User-Centered Design Studio

Visual Communication

Prototyping Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

35 SCH

Plan A: 37 credits

Plan C: 35 credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Industrial Design Design Production and Manufacturing Engineering View 62 other Masters in Industrial Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Students applying to the product design track do not need a product design degree to be considered for the program

At this time, a portfolio is not required as part of your application, but if you have one available we encourage you to submit it. If you do submit a portfolio, it should include examples of your design and creative work with a description of each project and your role in team projects, if applicable

Complete University of Minnesota Graduate School Application

A preferred 3.0 GPA

Personal statement of your academic and professional goals for the degree desired (1–2 pages)

Diversity statement (1–2 pages)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores) are not required for the product design track of the Design Graduate Program, but many scholarships require GRE scores

Three letters of recommendation

All transcripts that demonstrate strong academic record

Application fee of $75

TOEFL or IELTS scores

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

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21264 USD / year

≈ 21264 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 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

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.

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

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

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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