Master of Science in Industrial Design
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Industrial Design is a two-year (potentially three years for non-ID background students) curriculum committed to design research, innovation, and commercialization. Forged by connections to the medical, energy, aerospace, and entertainment industries in the context of Houston and the State of Texas, our graduate program advocates for a new form of design knowledge, merging theory with practice, and providing a new perspective on creativity, product and system development, services, and the environment with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.
Degree Plan: Personalized Program of Study
Each graduate student develops their personalized curriculum in consultation with the co-directors of the industrial design program based on the student’s needs, interests, background, and specific area of study. An interdisciplinary study plan of 36 credit hours (15 required, 9 ID electives, and 12 general electives) needs to be completed for graduation. Elective courses may be taken in other departments and colleges at the University of Houston, as needed.
The MS degree offers two certificate options with internationally recognized programs at the University of Houston:
- Entrepreneurship Certificate with the UH Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship (ranked #1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the US by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur’s list of Top 50 Best Programs)
- Foresight Certificate with the UH Foresight Graduate Program to explore the future, as well as anticipate and prepare for change.
Candidates without an undergraduate degree in industrial design are advised to complete an additional up to 17 credits to develop fundamental design thinking and visualization skills. The co-directors and faculty of the ID program will advise and approve appropriate courses, including undergraduate ID studios.
View the Degree Plan Apply Now
Research Areas
Healthcare Design
It is paramount to conduct thorough research to gain insights into prevailing challenges and engage in collaborative efforts with community experts to devise tailored solutions. Healthcare design constitutes a specialized realm wherein designers, engineers, and community stakeholders converge to deliberate on pertinent issues facing both patients and providers. Through a process of ideation, development, and implementation, innovative solutions are crafted to effectively address these concerns and enhance healthcare delivery. Visit the program page.
Faculty:
Elham Morshedzadeh, Ph.D.
Jeff Feng, Co-Director of Industrial Design
System Design and UX/UI Integration
Systems design is an approach extending beyond designing individual products to focus on the interconnectedness of products within larger systems. It integrates principles of systems theory into the traditional ID curriculum to help students think about design more holistically and interconnectedly. The aim is to equip students with the ability to design innovative, user-friendly, scalable, sustainable, and integrated solutions within larger ecosystems. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are critical components in shaping digital interactions, influencing how users engage with products in various contexts. UX design emphasizes understanding user behaviors to create seamless experiences, while UI design focuses on crafting intuitive interfaces for effortless navigation. Together, they enhance usability and satisfaction across diverse platforms, extending their impact beyond the digital realm to enrich user interactions in environmental contexts.
Faculty:
Min Kang
Sustainability
In the field of sustainability design, designers employ available resources to devise solutions while considering the broader implications of their creations. Every stage of product development, from conception to user utilization, carries environmental consequences. Thus, conscientious material selection and manufacturing methods are paramount to mitigate adverse impacts. The sustainability of a solution hinges on its product lifecycle, underscoring the importance of thoughtful decision-making throughout the prototyping process. By prioritizing sustainable materials and methods, designers contribute to minimizing the ecological footprint of their designs and promoting environmental stewardship.
Faculty:
George Chow