Healthcare Design
The Master of Science in Healthcare Design at the University of Miami is a one-year, full-time graduate program that prepares professionals to design healthcare spaces that promote healing, operational efficiency, and human-centered care. This interdisciplinary program bridges the fields of design, architecture, healthcare operations, and public health, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the built environment directly influences patient outcomes, staff well-being, and organizational effectiveness. Students explore evidence-based design principles, spatial planning, regulatory requirements, and sustainability strategies, all while examining how innovation in design can address the evolving needs of healthcare systems.
Set in a vibrant academic environment with access to industry experts, real-world case studies, and studio-based learning, the program blends theoretical knowledge with applied experience. Students gain hands-on exposure to planning tools, simulation software, and research methodologies used in the design and evaluation of hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. The program’s emphasis on user experience, safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration equips graduates with the insight and skills needed to reimagine healthcare spaces in ways that are not only functional, but empathetic and adaptive. By the end of the year, students are capable of leading or contributing meaningfully to projects that shape the future of healthcare environments.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Healthcare Design
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: University of Miami, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Healthcare Environment Design
• Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Design Principles
• Evidence-Based Design Methods
• Environmental Psychology and Patient-Centered Care
• Studio I: Healthcare Space Planning and Programming
Semester 2 – Innovation and Applied Practice
• Regulations, Codes, and Safety Standards in Healthcare Design
• Sustainable Design for Healthcare Environments
• Studio II: Integrated Project Design
• Capstone Seminar in Healthcare Design
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program find meaningful roles in sectors where design and healthcare intersect. Many become healthcare facility planners, architectural designers, design consultants, or project managers within architecture firms, hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofit health organizations. Their training in human-centered design and regulatory compliance enables them to work on renovation or new construction projects for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. The skillset acquired also opens doors in medical planning, interior design, and urban health infrastructure, where strategic space planning improves care delivery and staff performance. With the healthcare industry placing increasing value on healing environments and operational efficiency, graduates of this program are well-positioned to lead innovative, evidence-informed design solutions across the continuum of care.
Why Choose This Program
This program stands out for its interdisciplinary focus, real-world applicability, and studio-driven learning that blends design creativity with healthcare insight. The University of Miami offers students access to a robust academic ecosystem that includes schools of architecture, medicine, and public health, fostering collaboration across disciplines. The one-year format is intensive yet immersive, allowing students to gain specialized expertise within a short period while building a portfolio of projects grounded in actual healthcare needs. With a faculty composed of architects, clinicians, and policy experts, students receive a well-rounded education that emphasizes both design excellence and practical constraints. For those passionate about improving health outcomes through better environments, this program provides the vision, technical skills, and critical thinking needed to make a lasting impact.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 305 284 2000
Email: admissions@miami.edu
Address: University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
