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- MDes students collaborate in the MDes Studio at Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation at Jacobs Hall in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, March 1, 2024. (Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)
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- 2023 MDes Thesis Show at UC Berkeleys Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)
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- Technology Design Foundations (DES INV 202) class at UC Berkeley’s Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. (Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)
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- MDes students prepare their final thesis presentations in the MDes Studio at UC Berkeley’s Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, Calif. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)
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- Lecturer Susanne Pierce Maddux leads a critique session in Studio Foundations class (DESINV 210), at UC Berkeley’s Bauer Wurster Hall in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)
Program Overview
The Berkeley Master of Design (Berkeley MDes) is a professional graduate program in design for emerging technologies. Jointly offered by the College of Engineering and College of Environmental Design, the MDes emphasizes a critical approach to design and social practice to address the new realities of emerging technologies in the 21st century.
The program addresses the ever-changing landscape of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, sensing, and spatial computing. Such technologies have great potential to reshape communities, industries, and environments, yet also raise questions about their often unforeseen impacts. Today’s engineers, designers, and industry leaders developing creative technologies need to be equipped with thoughtful new approaches and design tool kits to respond to these dynamics.
The MDes prepares students for these roles by connecting technical rigor, design theory and social practice. Over three semesters, students develop core skills in design process, prototyping, and communication, as well as a critical lens on technology and design. Graduates leave the program as engaged and responsive social practitioners with a deep understanding of the foundations of design and emerging technology and an informed awareness of people, contextual needs and societal impacts.
Program Components
Over a fast-paced 16 months (August through the following December), students rapidly acquire new skills that effectively prepare you for your next career move, whether a launch, advancement or pivot. During the summer term, students explore a new position or industry prior to graduation, through a professional internship.
Technical Methods
Our courses build fluency in emerging technologies, giving you the technical fluency to experiment, innovate, and play. Through electives and hands-on learning, you’ll develop the skills to engage with cutting-edge tools, supported by Berkeley’s expert faculty.
Theory and Impact
The Berkeley MDes educates designers with a deep understanding of the foundations of emerging technologies as well as their social implications. As an MDes student, you will understand the details that make something work as well as the broader context that makes something matter. You’ll learn to reflect on the broader context of your work, ensuring your designs are thoughtful and socially aware.
Design Practice
Design at Berkeley MDes is about more than creating solutions—it’s about crafting meaningful interactions and experiences that resonate across various scales, from individuals to entire ecosystems. You’ll gain the design mindset necessary to adapt and innovate in a constantly evolving technological landscape.