Contact
Department of Design Tech
921 University Avenue
129 Sibley Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
designtech@cornell.edu
M.S. Design TechnologyCurriculum and Requirements
During the admissions process, students select one of two tracks in the program: 1. A thesis research track based in Ithaca (year two), or, 2. A studio professional track based at Cornell Tech (year two). During the first year, students will take core studios and courses to develop foundational skills in design and technology. In addition to core studios and required courses, electives are carefully selected in consultation with the student's primary advisor to support their research and project interests. At the end of the first year, students who elect to do a research thesis will be required to produce a comprehensive research plan with supporting materials and an outline of their approach to their thesis. Students in the thesis track must also have a full (two-person) special committee in place no later than the end of the first year. Students electing to pursue the studio professional track will spend their second year at Cornell Tech taking the required studio sequence and related courses.
Please note that the current admissions cycle is set for the 2024 academic year.
First Year
| Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGN 6151 Design and Making Across Disciplines I | 6 |
| DESIGN 6397 Design for Physical Interaction I | 3 |
| DESIGN 6297 Coding for Design I | 3 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGN 6152 Design and Making Across Disciplines II | 6 |
| DESIGN 6198 Design for Physical Interaction II | 3 |
| DESIGN 6298 Coding for Design II | 3 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Summer
Students will be strongly encouraged to work in faculty labs or on faculty research programs during the summer between their first and second year of study.
| Summer Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| GRAD 9016 Thesis Research (Optional) | 6 |
| Total | 6 |
Second Year
In the second year of the program, students will pursue one of two tracks, a thesis-centered design research program (Ithaca-based) or a studio professional track (Cornell Tech-based). Students in the studio professional track at Cornell Tech will take the studio sequence, which includes Product Studio in the fall and either Startup, BigCo, or PiTech studio in the spring. In this track, students will develop a collaborative specialization project in teams. Students in both tracks work closely with their special committee, take electives in support of their research during the fall term as necessary, and complete a capstone project in the spring semester.
Thesis Research Track (Ithaca)
| Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGN 8151 Design Topic Research I | 9 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
| Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGN 8905 Independent Design Thesis | 9 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
Studio Professional Track (Cornell Tech)
| Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGN 8131 Specialization Project I | 3 |
| TECH 5900 Product Studio | 4 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Total | 13 |
| Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGN 8935 Specialization Project II | 6 |
| TECH 5910 Startup Studio (or) | 3 |
| TECH 5920 BigCo Studio (or) | 3 |
| TECH 5930 PiTech Studio | 3 |
| Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| Studio Elective* | 1 |
| Total | 13 |
*A studio elective is required for graduation.
