The best product design master’s degrees will help advance your career in the product development, industrial engineering, or innovative design research fields. Thus, it’s important to make an informed decision about your choice of university and program. Our list of top Master’s Degree in Product Design can help with that.
If you want to further your career in product design, read on to find out more about the best computer science master’s degree programs, curricula, and admissions requirements. This comprehensive guide will also cover the best product design master’s degree jobs you can pursue after you complete your graduate program.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
You can get a Master’s Degree in Product Design from numerous accredited universities including Arizona State University, Drexel University, and Syracuse University. Some of the top product design master’s degrees are also offered by Boston University’s College of Engineering and Rochester Institute of Technology’s Department of Engineering.
What Schools Offer the Best Product Design Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Boston University
- Drexel University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Syracuse University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Product Design are a bachelor’s degree in a design-related field, official post-secondary transcripts, and a design portfolio. Some schools also require a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
Other requirements include a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume indicating design experience, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. International students will need to provide proof of English proficiency if they want to be admitted to a product design graduate program.
Product Design Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- Resume/CV
- Portfolio with design projects
- Statement of purpose or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency for international students
How to Get a Product Design Master’s Degree
You can get a product design master’s degree by fulfilling all of the program’s graduation requirements. The specific requirements will vary from one master’s program to another but will generally entail core and upper-level courses, maintaining a minimum GPA, and completing a capstone or thesis. Below are the common requirements you need to fulfill to get a product design master’s degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
You need between 30 and 60 credits for a Master’s Degree in Product Design. The credit hours will be categorized into general education, core, and elective courses. The curriculum also includes a thesis or a capstone applied research requirement. Some also require students to complete an internship or assistantship before graduating.
Product Design Degree Requirements
- 30 to 60 credit hours
- Completion of general education, elective, and core courses
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Thesis or capstone project
- Internship or assistantship
Best Online Product Design Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Design – Industrial Design Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University | Master of Science in Product Design and Manufacture | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Design Research | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Industrial Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Northwestern University | Master of Product Design and Development Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| The Ohio State University | Master of Fine Arts in Design Research and Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Product Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Syracuse University | Master of Fine Arts in Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Pennsylvania | Master of Integrated Product Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Wichita State University | Master of Innovation Design | Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
Best Schools for Product Design: Top Online Product Design Master’s Degree Programs
In this section, you’ll find the best product design master’s degrees from top accredited universities. We also provide details on the programs and their tuition rates, admissions requirements, and application processes. You may refer to this list when choosing a product design master’s degree that suits your learning, financial, and school preferences.
What Is a Product Design Master’s Degree?
A product design master’s degree is a two-year advanced education program that covers integrated, industrial, and research design. Its common courses include innovative design, product development, and human-centered design concepts.
This master’s degree also entails a capstone project or thesis where students can demonstrate an advanced understanding of the field. This graduate degree program can help you land higher-paying jobs and more senior positions as compared to a bachelor’s degree holder.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
A Master’s Degree in Product Design is very important, as you can land more lucrative design jobs with this graduate degree than a bachelor’s degree. It will help you directly qualify for senior design roles and land management positions with higher pay. This degree pathway is also good for students looking to specialize in the field and polish their design and technical skills.
What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Product Design?
You can get several types of Master’s Degrees in Product Design including a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and a Master of Science (MS). You can also get a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Integrated Design (MID).
Each type of product design master’s degree has a specific field specialization and leads to different career outcomes. For instance, an MID focuses on a more holistic research, design, and development approach in the field, while an MBA emphasizes the management areas of product design.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Fine Arts in Product Design?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Product Design if you want to become a UX researcher, industrial designer, or product developer. An MS covers design research, product quality, and industrial processes topics. Getting this type of degree will help you land more quality assurance and manufacturing-based design high-paying jobs.
However, it’s better to get a Master of Fine Arts in Product Design if you want to pursue a creative-based product design profession. You can use this degree to enter graphics, interactive, or human-centered design jobs.
What Is the Difference Between a Product Design Master’s Degree and a Product Design Certificate?
The difference between a degree and a certificate in product design includes program length and depth of education. A master’s degree is a long-term and highly respected advanced qualification that displays your overall product design expertise.
A certificate is only short-term and showcases your capabilities in only a specific product design topic. Your chances of landing senior roles will be higher with a master’s degree vs a product design certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
The average tuition for a Master’s Degree in Product Design is $11,391, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This tuition cost is only an estimate, and it may still vary depending on if you attend a private or public institution. You might also need to consider accommodation, travel, and miscellaneous fees in your cost of attendance.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Product Design Master’s Degree?
It takes two years to get a product design master’s degree. However, your program duration can last up to three years. It can also be shortened to one year, depending on your transfer credits and schedule pace. The degree’s duration also depends on how long it takes for you to get a capstone project or thesis approval.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
It’s very hard to get a Master’s Degree in Product Design, as it’s a multifaceted field that incorporates arts, business, management, engineering, and research and development. These fields, paired with design research and critical thinking, make this degree a difficult one. You’ll also need to display dynamic skills and a deep understanding of design practice and product design tools.
Why Should You Get a Product Design Master’s Degree?
You should get a product design master’s degree to gain advanced design research skills and product manufacturing abilities. Senior roles including industrial designers, UX researchers, and product managers highly value these skills. The multifaceted nature of this degree program will also help prepare you for an array of careers across business, design, or technology fields.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Product Design?
The courses you need to take in a Master’s Degree in Product Design include product development, design research, and quality control. You will also learn product design through design thinking and product management. The other core courses you need to take will vary depending on your design concentration options.
Design Thinking
A design thinking course covers a human-centered and user experience-focused design approach. You will learn design thinking through prototyping, product testing, and design launch processes in this course.
Design Research
A design research and methodology graduate course helps you perfect your statistical, analytics, and user experience design skills. It will cover various types of research design, user interface variables, and data analytics.
Product Development
A product development course covers product design, brand management, development processes, and product marketing topics. It will also include ideation, research, conceptualization, and launch steps.
Quality Control
A quality control course will teach you the industry standards and practices pertaining to a product’s design and development process. It will cover quality assurance, product testing units, and quality maintenance.
Product Management
A product management course helps you understand business administration, supply chain, quality control, and task delegation. You will learn management principles, operations, development cycle, and financial management.
Continuing Education Paths for Product Design Master’s Degree Graduates
Continuing education paths for product design master’s degree graduates include PhD and industry certifications. You can get a PhD in UX/UI design, Product Management, or Design Research to advance your career in academia or research-based roles. You can also choose a short-term commitment and enhance your portfolio through design industry certifications.
Related Product Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Product Design Master’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best product design master’s degree programs are graduation rates, school ranking, and curricular content. Concentration options and program schedule are also other factors you can consider. We discuss each of these factors in detail below.
Tuition Rates
Universities offer graduate assistance or funding opportunities to their graduate students. Some offer scholarships or connect you with private organizations that provide scholarships. You should choose a school whose tuition rates and financial aid options match your financial needs.
Reputation
Enrolling in a highly reputable design school increases your chances of job placement by enhancing your portfolio. Opt for colleges that are well recognized for their design curriculum and research opportunities.
Program Schedule
The program schedule is an essential element to consider if you have a job or other personal obligations. Schools offer part-time, full-time, or flexible master’s programs apt for busy professionals. Enroll in a program that suits your learning pace and schedule preferences.
Curricular Content
The curriculum of a product design master’s program can differ significantly among schools. If you prefer to specialize in design research, then opt for a degree that focuses on capstone or applied projects. Similarly, if you want to go on the design publication route, then choose a program with an extensive focus on a design thesis.
Concentration Options
Product design is a broad field covering business management, software development, UX/UI design, and industrial engineering topics. You should choose a master’s program that offers concentration opportunities in fields that you are passionate about. You should also consider how your concentration choice can advance your career goals.
What Is the Most Affordable Product Design Master’s Degree?
The most affordable product design master’s degree is offered by Wichita State University at $308 per credit hour for in-state students. This means its 30-credit program’s tuition costs only $9,240. However, if you’re an out-of-state student, you’ll need to pay more than double at $22,680 for the full program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Product Design Master’s Degree Graduates
A product design master’s degree opens up career prospects across an array of technological and non-technological fields. The salary and job outlook for this profession is relatively high. Keep reading to find the types of product design master’s degree jobs, their average salaries, and job outlook rates.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Product Design Master’s Degree?
It’s not very hard to get a job with a product design master’s degree, as this program equips you with the advanced design skills and expertise needed to land lucrative jobs. Your thesis or capstone project also equips you with advanced design research and process skills. Schools also provide career preparation training, resume critique, and placement training to help students land their dream jobs.
What’s the Average Product Design Master’s Degree Salary?
The average product design master’s degree salary is $89,000, according to PayScale. However, your salary rates will vary by job designation, industry, and experience level.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Product Design Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a product design master’s degree are UX/UI designer, graphic designer, or product designer. You can also become an industrial designer, product developer, or product manager.
Product Design Degree Jobs
- Product Developer
- Product Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- UX Researcher
- Industrial Designer
Potential Careers With a Product Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Product Design?
You can make between $71,000 to $100,000 per year with a Master’s Degree in Product Design. This salary range can vary depending on your industry certification and job designations. You can get higher salaries if you land a management or chief position in the product design field.
Highest-Paying Product Design Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Product Design Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Product Manager | $100,475 |
| UX Researcher | $88,594 |
| Product Development Manager | $85,757 |
| UX Designer | $75,803 |
| Product Design Engineer | $71,688 |
Best Jobs for Product Design Master’s Degree Grads
Below are the best product design master’s degree jobs that span across the technology, design, business, and engineering sectors. There are many jobs available to those with a Master’s Degree in Product Design.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Product Design Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Product Design is worth it for everyone looking to expand their opportunities in design research, industrial design, product development, or UX design. It equips you with advanced design research and thinking skills. It also qualifies you for an array of high-paying jobs across the technological, engineering, and business sectors.
Additional Reading About Product Design
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Product Design Master’s Degree FAQ
You can base your product design master’s capstone or thesis topic on several design subject areas, including UX research, innovative design solutions, sustainable design, or design strategy.
The skills a product designer needs include design research, design tools, project management, UX design, and quality assurance skills. They also need to practice and master business, technical, and creative design skills.
You can choose concentration areas in industrial design, UX research, innovation design, graphics design, or product development in a product design master’s degree. You can choose from a wide range of concentrations as you pursue a product design master’s degree, although the concentrations will vary from school to school.
An integrated product design master’s degree provides a design education focused on product sales, development, operations, and management. You will polish sustainable design, supply chain management, and innovative solutions throughout the program timeline.
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