M.S. Design Technology Curriculum and Requirements
During the admissions process, students select one of two program tracks: 1.) A research thesis track based in Ithaca (years one and two), or, 2.) A studio professional track based at Cornell Tech in New York City (year two).
In their first year, all students 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 on the research thesis track 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 pursuing 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 2026 academic year.
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 6398: Design for Physical Interaction II
3
DESIGN 6298: Coding for Design II
3
Minor or Open Elective
3
Total
15
Summer
Students are strongly encouraged to pursue summer internships, or to work in faculty labs or on faculty research programs during the summer between their first and second year of study. Career Services offers support for job placement.
Summer Semester
Credits
GRAD 9016: Thesis Research (optional)
6
Total
6
Second Year
In the second year of the program, students 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 and complete a capstone project in the spring semester.
