About the programme
The M.S. in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI) is run by the Segal Design Institute at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, and the degree is awarded through The Graduate School. It is a full-time, in-person, cohort-based programme in human-centred design. Students come from engineering, other STEM fields, the humanities and the arts.
The programme starts with Camp EDI, a two-to-three-week workshop before fall term. It covers visualisation, 3D modelling, mechatronics and the prototyping shop. Core courses are open only to EDI students and include human-centred design studios in product, interaction and service design, plus design research, design communication, ethics, product management, brand leadership and design strategy. Students also choose electives.
Students are encouraged to do a design internship over the summer between the first and second years, but placement is not guaranteed. The degree ends with a three-unit thesis project in the second fall and winter quarters.
- Format
- Full-time and in person in Evanston, as one cohort. There is no part-time or online option.
- Length
- About 18 months over six quarters, from fall of year one to winter of year two. This includes a summer quarter, often used for an internship.
- Cost
- For 2026-27, The Graduate School charges master's students $23,662 per full-time quarter and $8,418 per unit for part-time quarters. The card total is four full-time quarters. Part-time quarters, Camp EDI, the student health fee and health insurance are extra.
- Admissions
- Fall entry only. The priority deadline for fall 2027 is 15 January 2027, with decisions by 15 March, and later applications are considered on a rolling basis if places remain. You need a portfolio, a one-page 'design journey' map, academic and personal statements, two letters and a resume. No GRE is required.
- Capstone
- A three-unit thesis project in the second fall and winter quarters.
Who it suits
Suits recent graduates or people with one to three years of experience, including engineers, who want hands-on, studio-based product, service and interaction design with physical prototyping. Not a fit if you need part-time or online study, or want a programme focused only on digital UX research.
Checked against Northwestern University’s official programme pages in October 2026.
