Lead, Create, & Innovate: University of Michigan’s Master of Design Program
The Stamps MDes program builds curious designers interested in interdisciplinary problem-solving, community engagement, and critical making.
The University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design is currently accepting applications for its Master of Design (MDes) program, set to begin in Fall 2027. This innovative program, spearheaded by Program Director Sara Dean, fosters future-oriented, rigorous experimentation.
Students engage with a diverse array of disciplines and media, spanning print and physical prototypes to digital experiences and immersive environments. The faculty, comprising over 40 esteemed scholars, designers, artists, and makers, are dedicated to guiding and challenging students throughout the two-year program. Additionally, students benefit from insights provided by scholars, visiting artists, designers, and critics from across the University of Michigan and beyond.
The program culminates in a year-long thesis project, during which graduates articulate their values, curiosities, and preferred formats. They also develop new methodologies and prepare for opportunities in various professional realms. The MDes program is STEM-designated, cultivating strategic leaders, visionary designers, researchers, and educators capable of addressing contemporary challenges and devising forward-thinking interventions for the future.
Design serves as a powerful tool to scrutinize global challenges and inspire equitable, resilient solutions. Through research, experimentation with materials, and interdisciplinary approaches, students acquire a versatile toolkit for crafting impactful, thought-provoking design work. Whether aspiring to careers in industry, social advocacy, academia, or entrepreneurship, this program empowers students to cultivate a distinctive practice and perspective to navigate their professional journeys.
For further details, visit the Stamps website, explore upcoming events including Graduate National Portfolio Days and virtual open houses on October 13 and November 16, 2026, or contact stamps.umich.edu/mdes. Applications are due by January 10, 2027.
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