A master’s degree in integrated design is a good fit for those who want to lead the industry by creating original and advanced solutions to problems that may be years old, decades old, and even centuries old.
Integrated design integrates various disciplines from the artistic to the scientific to achieve solutions for the betterment of humanity.
The field is for those who enjoy thinking outside the box and don’t believe how things are now are the way they should be forever.
What is Integrated Design?
In short, integrated design is the practice of increasing a project’s overall success by rethinking design principles that may be holding it back and coming up with new alternatives.
Integrated design can involve multiple project teams working together from start to finish with the singular goal of achieving maximum efficiency, lowered costs, and better performance in everything from building skyscrapers to designing new technology.
Interactive design can have two major definitions:
First, the conventional definition describes the practice of the entire team working together through the development and progression of the project.
The enhanced definition of integrated design also includes the collaboration of what these teams are working through, such as design, use, climate, systems, and other factors.
In many instances, the combination of both definitions ensures a project is planned and executed to its maximum potential.
The Best Master’s in Integrated Design Programs for 2024
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Program: Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI)
Tuition: $218,800
Cost per credit: $2,145
Credits: 102
Delivery Method: Campus
GMAT Required: Required
Learn more: Program detailsNew York University
New York, New YorkProgram: Interactive Telecommunications Program Master of Professional Studies (ITP MPS)
Tuition: $147,396
Cost per credit: $2,457
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsDePaul University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction
Tuition: $46,800
Cost per credit: $900
Credits: 52
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Miami (Department of Cinema and Interactive Media)
Coral Gables, FloridaProgram: Master of Fine Arts, Interactive Media
Tuition: $103,950
Cost per credit: $2,310
Credits: 45
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: M.A. in Interaction Design (IxD)
Tuition: $81,900
Cost per credit: $1,950
Credits: 42
Delivery Method: Campus
GMAT Required: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsCalifornia College of Arts
San Francisco, CaliforniaProgram: MDes in Interaction Design
Tuition: $72,216
Cost per credit: $2,006
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsRice University
Houston, TexasProgram: Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors (MHCIHF)
Tuition: $120,240
Cost per credit: $3,006
Credits: 40
Delivery Method: Campus
GMAT Required: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Baltimore
Baltimore, MarylandProgram: MS in Interaction Design and Information Architecture
Tuition: $45,180
Cost per credit: $887 in-state | $1,255 out of state
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GeorgiaProgram: Human-Computer Interaction
Tuition: $53,136
Cost per credit: $670 in-state | $1,476 out of state
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus
GMAT Required: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsIndiana University
Bloomington, IndianaProgram: Masters of Science [HCI]
Tuition: $63,375
Cost per credit: $490 in-state | $1,625 out of state
Credits: 39
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details
What to Expect
In many cases, a career in integrated design requires a graduate degree. A master’s in integrated design is often the degree of choice for these professionals. Students learn to think creatively and critically by intersecting art, design, business, technology, science, and much more.
The degree develops high-level problem-solving across a broad spectrum of specialties, fields, and industries, and the dedication to lifelong learning as technology improves and regulations change.
Graduates develop new ways of learning, collaborating, working, and improving communities through positive change for the environment and society.
A master’s degree in integrated design can be earned online or in person. The program itself can be completed anywhere from approximately 16 to 24 months. Specialties can include a master’s in integrated business design, technology design, graphic design, mechanical design, or any combination.
The degree can require additional items such as thesis statements, projects, and in-person residencies. This is where students work as teams on real-world challenges by collaborating with non-profits or other organizations to solve problems in real time.
Master’s Degree in Integrated Design Curriculum
Students must first select an institution that meets their demands in location, learning options, degrees offered, reputation, graduate success, etc. Applicants are generally required to have an undergraduate degree in a related field such as business, design, technology, or other.
A minimum GPA may be required and is usually 3.0 or higher. Your prospective school will also ask for other information such as your resume, school transcripts, an entry essay, a portfolio of your work, and other necessary items.
Integrated design courses
A master’s degree in integrated design covers subjects such as:
- Understanding business and technological challenges
- Conceiving and developing solutions to design issues
- Utilizing research and data to create solutions to problems
- Using technology to design models of solutions or solutions themselves
- Implementing these solutions on a practical and cautious basis
- Testing on and improving solutions
- How to manage and adapt to uncertainty
- How to improve on this existing design
A few of the courses and curricula you may experience include:
Residential integrative practices
An intro to ID program concepts, theories, themes, and processes. Students learn to build integrated design skills for residential purposes and team building.
Integrated projects
Students demonstrate individual and team skills within cross-functional, cross-disciplinary teams across several fields. Projects can take on a wide variety of industries.
Written Communication
The written word is important to ID when communicating complex ideas and design aspects to team members, clients, etc. This course builds and improves the student’s current writing skills to incorporate an ID mindset.
Graphics
Your degree may have an artistic bent to it. In that case, a graphics course is essential to focus on graphic design and production aspects. Design content may vary, and more than one graphics course can be taken when needed.
Public or private languages
Students examine the specialized languages of various industries such as manufacturing, science, health, education, government, NGOs, etc. They also learn the means to translate these languages for the general public. Courses involve intensive study, reading, and the reproduction of at least one specialized language. Graduates must demonstrate proficiency in adapting the language for public consumption.
Technology essentials
Learn an overview of core information technology concepts to include frameworks and methodologies. Students are required to develop an aptitude for using tools, software, applications, and systems. They also learn basic programming languages and methods.
Decision and solutions
Students create a portfolio of solutions for a given situation. They explore solutions and determine the options and mechanisms for reducing uncertainty and risk. They must demonstrate why they choose a particular solution and its advantages to the others. The course may include quantitative and qualitative techniques.
Design, business, or technology essentials
Your master’s degree in integrated design may require you to choose a specialty such as one of these three. Depending on your preferences and the degree requirements, you may take one or all three.
Electives
It is recommended to take electives that will enhance your degree. These can include certifications in a particular software or practice. These can consist of web design, software engineering, information technology, building practices, etc.
Portfolio creation
This may be given as its course or throughout your academic career. All graduates of an integrated design program must leave with a professional, impressive portfolio to show future and prospective employers.
Student Projects
Many institutions require you to participate in at least one student project for integrated design. They can include anything from a presentation on an actual project, such as the BP oil spill, to participating in a project, such as a neighborhood improvement. You may even view a few actual integrated design projects on Pinterest.
Integrated Design Concepts
Integrated designers have problem-solving skills that organizations and businesses seek for conceptualizing design solutions to complex problems.
An integrated designer uses their skills to propose innovative solutions that are practical, effective, compliant, and inspiring. An integrated designer is required to know any combination of the following:
The knowledge to understand complex design, business, and technological challenges,
- Ability to explain complex situations to all facets of the team, from leadership to administrative
- Ability to collaborate with leading organizations against real-world problems during intensive design strategies
- Knowledge to build and lead teams in a cross-functional manner
- Utilize an extensive knowledge in design, business, technology, communication, and more to propose solutions
- Storytelling techniques for proposed solutions to illustrate the benefits and drawbacks of each
- Leadership in helping clients and supervisors choose the correct course of action for their needs
- Utilization of critical problem-solving and decision-making techniques and tools
- Development of a strong professional network and teams of people from diverse industry backgrounds
- Ability to identify challenges and opportunities before deadlines, within budgets, or before a window closes
Career Outlook
Today’s technology-driven marketplace has led to the growth of careers that require agile thinkers who can work across several disciplines and domains.
Today’s leading companies face many challenges, including regulations, budget restrictions, building codes, best environmental practices, aesthetic challenges, etc. Integrated designers help meet this demand by using their education to overcome them expertly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Integrated designers often help in these general fields:
Design: Integrated designers are needed in graphic design, art direction, advertising, UX/UI design, industrial design, product design, and even video game design.
Business: Integrated designers can work in various departments and firms, such as brand or digital marketing, project management, product marketing, business analytics, and executive leadership.
Communications: Many firms need experts for integrated design in media and entertainment, public relations, social media management, film, and even communications within large organizations.
Technology: IDs are also needed in web design, software engineering, mechanical and civil engineering, systems engineering, user interface development, app development, and virtual reality technologies.
Construction: From architectural to engineering to interior design, an integrated designer can help in all aspects of new or replacement construction. These include residential, commercial, industrial, mega buildings, and more.
In short, industry leaders seek talented individuals with a mindset to create new ideas and outside-the-box thinking that leads to breakthrough solutions that change how their entire industry works.
The Recap
Integrated design is one of the newest and most exciting careers of today. Unfortunately, there are few IDs to look to as mentors.
However, there is less competition and more opportunities for you to be a leader in the field. It is not a standard career, although you may experience the standard path of entry-level, associate, leadership, and further beyond.
Remember that as you go, you should document all challenges and solutions you encounter in your education and career to show to future employers.
If you are a student who is ready to be not just a leader in finding new and unknown solutions but in becoming a thought leader in these aspects, a master’s degree in integrated design may be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
An undergraduate integrated design degree takes as long as a traditional bachelor’s degree, generally about four years. Those with an undergraduate degree may spend 18 to 24 months earning a master’s degree in integrated design.
It can depend on the selected specialty. For example, a student who wants to focus on the design aspects can earn a master of arts or a master’s in fine arts in integrated design. Some programs also offer more technical master of science in integrated design tracks.
Integrated design is a highly competitive industry with many talented people. The good news is that integrated designers can take on many careers that allow them to build and grow their skills in software design, mechanical engineering, architecture, and others.
Jobs for integrated designers can be plentiful if you know what to look for. For example, typing “integrated designer job” into a search engine might not yield much. However, if you look for jobs in your specialty (like integrated design in software engineering, for example), you might find more opportunities.
Integrated Design Master’s Program Listings
California College of Arts
San Francisco, CaliforniaProgram: MDes in Interaction Design
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $75,096
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,086
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsCalifornia State University, East Bay
Hayward, CaliforniaProgram: Master of Arts in Interaction Design and Interactive Art
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $18,216 in-state | $32,472 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $506 in-state | $902 out-of-state
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsCalifornia State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CaliforniaProgram: Master of Arts, Human Experience Design Interactions (HXDI)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $15,213 in-state | $29,073 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $461 in-state | $881 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsCarnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaProgram: Master of Human-Computer Interaction
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $109,620
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $3,654
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsDePaul University
Chicago, IllinoisProgram: M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $49,660
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $955
Credits: 52
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsGeorge Washington University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: M.A. in Interaction Design (IxD)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $89,460
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,130
Credits: 42
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GeorgiaProgram: MS Program in Human-Computer Interaction
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $42,624
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,184
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsIndiana University
Bloomington, IndianaProgram: Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCI/d)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $24,297 in-state | $83,772 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $623 in-state | $2,148 out-of-state
Credits: 39
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsIndiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IndianaProgram: Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $14,904 in-state | $41,580 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $414 in-state | $1,155 out-of-state
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsIowa State University
Ames, IowaProgram: M.S. in Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $22,968 in-state | $58,212 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,044 in-state | $2,646 out-of-state
Credits: 22
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsMichigan State University
East Lansing, MichiganProgram: Master in Media and Information with focus in Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $26,790 in-state | $51,900 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $893 in-state | $1,730 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Rolla, MissouriProgram: MS in Information Science with HCI
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $23,190 in-state | $39,840 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $773 in-state | $1,328 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsNew York University
New York, New YorkProgram: Integrated Design & Media, M.S.
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $72,840
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,428
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania State University
University Park, PennsylvaniaProgram: M.S. in Informatics with concentration in Human-Centered Design (IST)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $33,900 in-state | $58,500 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,130 in-state | $1,950 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsRice University
Houston, TexasProgram: Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors (MHCIHF)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $70,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,750
Credits: 40
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsRochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New YorkProgram: MS in Human-Computer Interaction
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $118,200
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $3,940
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsSchool of Visual Arts
New York, New YorkProgram: M.F.A. in Interaction Design (IxD)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $114,720
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,912
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsState University of New York at Oswego
Oswego, New YorkProgram: M.A. in Human-computer interaction
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $15,543 in-state | $33,033 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $471 in-state | $1,001 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Baltimore
Baltimore, MarylandProgram: M.A. in Integrated Design
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $29,520 in-state | $43,308 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $820 in-state | $1,203 out-of-state
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of California, Irvine
Irvine, CaliforniaProgram: Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,536 in-state | $55,728 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $532 in-state | $1,161 out-of-state
Credits: 48
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Idaho
Moscow, IdahoProgram: M.S. Integrated Architecture and Design
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $24,510 in-state | $62,970 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $817 in-state | $2,099 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Miami (Department of Cinema and Interactive Media)
Coral Gables, FloridaProgram: Master of Fine Arts, Interactive Media
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $113,850
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,530
Credits: 45
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of North Texas
Frisco, TexasProgram: M.A. in Interaction Design (IxD)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $52,260 in-state | $67,380 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,742 in-state | $2,246 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaProgram: Master of Integrated Product Design
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $122,040
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $4,068
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Southern California
Los Angeles, CaliforniaProgram: Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $89,452
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,354
Credits: 38
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Texas at Austin
Austin, TexasProgram: M.S. in Information Studies with the concentration of Interaction Design (MSIS)
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $52,884 in-state | $74,952 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,469 in-state | $2,082 out-of-state
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Washington
Seattle, WashingtonProgram: Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,944 in-state | $86,434 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $564 in-state | $1,879 out-of-state
Credits: 46
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsVirginia Tech
Blacksburg, VirginiaProgram: MS in Human-Computer Interaction
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $31,530 in-state | $63,390 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,051 in-state | $2,113 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program details