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Overview

Intensive program. Dynamic experience.

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Why mpd²?

We want to help you become a senior leader in creating advanced and ground-breaking new products with the Master of Product Design and Development Management at Northwestern (mpd²). Join other high-achieving professionals for a collaborative and rigorous academic program that will prepare you to successfully manage creativity, execute design, and lead product development. The MPD2 Program is a STEM degree.

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Program Benefits

INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM

Our coursework focuses on the following categories:

  • Framework for Product Design & Development Leaders
  • Management Essentials
  • Managing & Refining the Process
  • Refining the Process
  • Product Development Essentials
Curriculum & Schedule

Student Body

The mpd² program has a unique and diverse student body. Our students typically enter the program with three to 30 years of experience in positions that range from engineer to designer to manager to CEO, in industries from food to medical devices to military equipment to consulting, and have come from companies including Microsoft, Baxter International, General Electric, Harley-Davidson, and Wrigley, as well as a variety of smaller and/or private companies.
Where we Work

Learn from the Experts

A program guided by industry

As a student you’ll engage in a collaborative and hands-on curriculum led by experts in the industry.

Meet the Faculty

Learn by Experience

Our goal is a truly human-centered design — attuned to human abilities, desires, and needs as well as the practical realities of technology and organizations — that leads to innovation and profitable products.

Nightingale Flight™

Most people have forgotten to take their medication at some point.

The Nightingale Flight™ is a one-button, easy-to-program wristband that provides a discreet, vibrating reminder to the wearer.

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PrimaVita™

There is currently no complete electronic systems solution for infant-feeding.

The PrimaVita™ is a compact and user-friendly infant formula feeding solution appliance that is able to be positioned with other small appliances in the kitchen, or use via a cordless option that runs on rechargeable batteries.

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build, The Reading Skill Kit

Students of all ages often encounter difficulties when learning how to read.

The BUILD team studied learners in action to develop this new learning ecosystem consisting of sets of modular magnetic wood blocks that progressively build on reading skills.

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Study Options

Students can complete the mpd² program in nine months on a full-time basis or in two years on a part-time basis. Please note that over the duration of their respective programs, both groups have the same course curriculum.

Part-time Program (Two Years)

The part-time program is ideal for students who wish to earn a degree while continuing their current employment. For two years, classes are held on alternating Fridays and Saturdays in the fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Full-Time Program (Nine Months)

Students who are willing to leave their workplace in exchange for accelerating their studies and moving to their next professional step more quickly will prefer the full-time program. For nine months, classes for the above program will be held on both Fridays and Saturdays in the fall, winter, and spring quarters.

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