Master of Science in Design

Class Profile

Class Size

20

Average Age

26

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

New York:

12%

Texas:

9%

Others:

32%

Illinois:

7%

Florida:

6%

California:

34%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Graduation Rate

95%

Top recruiters

JPMorgan Chase

Autodesk

Snapchat

JP Morgan Chase

Chanel

Buro Happold

Meta

Mercedes-Benz

Hapag-Lloyd

Design Council

Desjardins

Pearson

Royal Shakespeare Company

Pentagram

Urban Designer

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$48,000 / year

Overall Cost

$64,000 / year

FAQs

• What qualities does the Stanford MS Design Program admissions committee look for in an applicant?

  

  We are looking for someone who is a good fit with our program and its philosophy, and someone who will make an impact in the world through design and design thinking. The ideal candidate believes that understanding people and what they value can lead to innovation and significant breakthroughs. Ideally, the candidate combines design and technical skills and business understanding with a desire to build upon the human-centered design process that we teach. They have the potential to develop their creative confidence and understanding over the course of the program. And finally, the Committee will select candidates whose outlook and areas of expertise complement those of the other students admitted to the program for that particular year.

• Do you have a GPA and/or GRE requirement for admissions?

  

  GRE scores are not required by the Stanford Design Program for the current 2023-24 Grad Admissions cycle (students entering Fall of 2024). Stanford is a highly selective university and we expect that all graduate students will be able to demonstrate academic excellence prior to admission. We do not have a specific GPA requirement for admission, and during the admissions process, the committee casts a wide net, considering your overall academic preparedness; your career and life experience.

• Can I apply for the Stanford MS Design Program if I do not have an engineering background?

  

  Our program results in a Master of Science in Design, so having an undergraduate science or engineering degree of any kind would be the most straightforward and desired preparation for our program. However, we consider for admission any students who apply with a B.S. degree. The program no longer accepts students with a background in Art. We do not have the resources necessary to respond to inquiries that ask if a particular degree is equivalent to a B.S. degree. To answer this question yourself, please consult with the institution that granted the degree and attach official documentation from the institution supporting that your degree is a B.S. equivalent under the Supplemental Materials section of your online application.

• What is the difference between Stanford’s MS Design Impact program and MS Design program?

  

  To meet the evolution of design, our Master’s program has transformed over our 50+ year history. We recently broadened the program requirements from being a product design program, with a focus on physical design, and into a program with focuses around physical, digital, and human behavioral design. We currently have two degrees active in this transition: MS Design Impact currently has enrolled students who began their studies prior to academic year 2023-2024. This program will conclude with the last cohort graduating in June 2024. MS Design began in the academic year 2022-2023. Current enrolled students could choose this program or stay with MS Design Impact. All new cohorts beginning in the academic year 2023-2024 will be required to take MS Design.