Overview

The Design Engineering programme at Harvard University is a collaborative degree offered by the Graduate School of Design and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This advanced curriculum is specifically engineered to prepare the next generation of leaders to create transformative solutions that improve society. Students engage with complex, unpredictable dilemmas ranging from rapid urbanisation to resource scarcity and climate change.

Why Design Engineering at Harvard University?

This unique partnership between two world-leading schools allows students to operate at the intersection of multiple disciplines. By combining the creative strengths of the Graduate School of Design with the technical expertise of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the institution provides a systems-level understanding of problem architecture. Participants benefit from a rich environment that encourages broad collaboration and strategic thinking to advance novel, real-world solutions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 61510 per year
National fee: USD 61510 per year
Local fee: USD 61510 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on integrating analytical engineering frameworks with creative design processes. Modules may include:

Design Engineering
Systems-level Problem Architecture
Urbanisation Studies
Climate Change Mitigation
Resource Scarcity Solutions
Strategic Leadership
Collaborative Innovation
Analytical Problem Solving

Careers with Design Engineering

Graduates of this programme are equipped to lead change across various sectors, functioning as innovators who can bridge the gap between technical engineering and creative design. The training prepares individuals for high-level roles in industry, government, and non-profit organisations where multi-faceted, scalable solutions are required. Alumni typically pursue careers as design engineers, strategic consultants, and innovation leaders who manage complex projects that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Integrative Frameworks: Technology, Environment and Society

System thinking,

Manufacturing operations,

Business strategy,

Industry architecture,

Government policy regulation,

Intellectual property and patents,

Collaborative Design Engineering Studio

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

104

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Design General Engineering & Technology View 707 other Masters in General Engineering & Technology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

104

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Gather Your Transcripts

Request Three Letters of Recommendation

Have your GRE Scores Sent to the GSD.

Have your TOEFL Scores Sent to the GSD

Edit your Resume

Write Your Essay

Prepare Your Portfolio (when required or optional)

Pay the 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

61510 USD / year

≈ 61510 USD / year
Out-of-State

61510 USD / year

≈ 61510 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61510 USD / year

≈ 61510 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

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

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

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.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

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

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