Skip to main content

Engineering Design Innovation

Degree Types: MS

The Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI) at the Segal Design Institute is an 18-month, full-time design innovation graduate program that teaches students from a variety of backgrounds how to address complex design problems using an equity-centered approach to human-centered design.

EDI students practice user observation, ideation, rapid prototyping, and iteration in a project-based studio environment. They work with multiple stakeholders, students, faculty, industry partners, and practicing professionals to tackle real problems in context. 

Students graduate from EDI and take on roles as Product Managers, Design Researchers, Product Designer Engineers, Experience and Service Designers ready to design new products and services that responsibly consider the needs of multiple stakeholders in complex ecosystems.

Typically those applying for the EDI program are recent graduates or have one to three years industry experience. We admit applicants with a variety of academic degrees across disciplines in STEM, humanities, and the arts.  One of the strengths of our cohort model is the diversity of expertise our students have across various fields. 

Contact the EDI program at edi@northwestern.edu.

Additional resources:

Program Statistics

Visit Master's Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Master's

Total Units Required: 18

Course Title
Core Courses
DSGN 401-1Human-Centered Design Studio 1
DSGN 401-2Human-Centered Design Studio 2
DSGN 401-3Human-Centered Design Studio 3
DSGN 410-0Design Research
DSGN 420-1Design Communications: Visual Design and Storytelling
DSGN 420-2Design Communications: Ethics and Identity in Design
DSGN 430-0Product Management for Technology Companies: An Entrepreneurial Perspective
DSGN 450-0Differentiation by Design
DSGN 455-0Design Strategy
DSGN 474-0Brand and Design Leadership
DSGN 499-0Independent Research Project (taken for 1 unit in the second fall quarter and 2 units in the second winter quarter)
Electives
Breadth electives (6 units)

Last Updated: September 12, 2023