Take a human-centered approach to graduate study.
The Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI) program is a full-time graduate program that teaches engineers how to address design problems using a human-centered approach. While solving the needs of real people, EDI students are deeply immersed in design thinking — an innovative process of user observation, visualization, rapid prototyping, and iteration. You'll graduate ready to lead cross-functional teams and design groundbreaking new products and services.
The EDI program seeks engineers who thrive on creating new things and are comfortable with problems that are hard to pin
Although most EDI students enter the program with a BS degree in engineering or a related field, students with other academic backgrounds and work experience may be considered.
The EDI program's curriculum includes:
A highly-engaged studio culture is central to how EDI students learn and live during the program.
Thanks to an intentionally small cohort size, EDI students are able to work closely with our faculty members and one another in a living studio. In this collaborative atmosphere, EDI students learn from and support one another.
The EDI student experience is diverse, both inside and outside the classroom. Explore what makes our program unique.
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Design Boot Camp is a pre-term orientation workshop designed to familiarize new students with the people, resources, tools, and activities that will define the EDI Experience.
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Electives allow you to deepen your focus in your Areas of Interest as you journey through the EDI program. They also provide opportunities to work with other Northwestern graduate students in areas such as design, communications, and management.
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Thesis projects allow students to apply methods learned in courses on an extended timeline toward a topic of their choosing. Students work with industry mentors to determine appropriate project topics and scopes and meet weekly to discuss their progress.
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Learn about Northwestern's design ecology, the studio culture of the EDI program, and how you'll define your areas of interest during the program.
As part of Northwestern's robust design ecology, EDI students benefit from engagement with students and faculty within the Segal Design Institute and across campus. Resources at Northwestern include the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, The Garage, and Design for America.
