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Design Engineering
The Master of Arts in Design Engineering at Brown University is an intensive 11-month, full-time on-campus program that combines creative design thinking with advanced principles of industrial and systems engineering. Geared toward professionals and recent graduates from design, engineering, or architecture backgrounds, the program emphasizes human-centered innovation, rapid prototyping, and the integration of functionality with aesthetics. Students learn how to develop end-to-end solutions for real-world challenges, blending technical feasibility with user desirability and market viability. From sustainable product design to systems optimization, the curriculum encourages holistic problem-solving informed by both engineering analysis and design intuition.
Collaboration is central to the learning experience. Students work in interdisciplinary teams and engage directly with industry partners, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Faculty from Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design contribute to a rich academic environment that merges theory with applied experimentation. Emphasis is placed on agile development, systems integration, and strategic innovation. With a curriculum that includes hands-on studio work, field research, and design critique, graduates leave equipped with the tools to drive innovation across industries. Whether designing physical products, digital services, or organizational systems, students develop the mindset and skills to lead transformative design processes in a global context.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Design Engineering
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 11 months
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Design and Systems Thinking
- Introduction to Design Methodologies
- Human-Centered Systems Engineering
- Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainability
- Innovation Studio I: Research and Ideation
Semester 2 – Applied Practice and Execution
- Integrated Product Development
- Computational Design and Prototyping
- Innovation Studio II: Prototyping and Delivery
- Elective: UX Strategy, Design Ethics, or Tech Entrepreneurship
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are uniquely positioned to fill roles at the intersection of design, technology, and business innovation. Common career paths include product designer, systems engineer, design strategist, and innovation lead. These professionals are in high demand across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive design, healthcare technology, sustainable manufacturing, and software development. Many alumni join design consultancies or R&D departments in global firms, where they help bridge the gap between user needs and technical implementation. Others pursue opportunities in startups or social enterprises, applying their skills to create impact-driven solutions. The program’s strong focus on collaboration, real-world application, and prototyping ensures graduates are comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex development cycles. They emerge not just as designers or engineers, but as creative systems thinkers who can influence every stage of the innovation process—from concept to market.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a powerful fusion of design methodology, engineering precision, and strategic innovation, all within a compact and focused academic year. Its collaborative studio model allows students to engage with real clients, test prototypes, and iterate on design challenges with immediate feedback. The cross-disciplinary nature of the curriculum provides access to both artistic and technical resources, drawing from the strengths of Brown and RISD. Students gain not only design and engineering capabilities but also learn to frame problems, communicate ideas effectively, and lead innovation initiatives. The program's strong industry connections, mentorship opportunities, and project-based learning model create a launchpad for career growth. For individuals who want to shape the future of products, services, and systems through human-centered, purpose-driven design, this program delivers both the mindset and skillset to thrive.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
