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The M.A. in Design rests on these basic premises

  • Development of the knowledge base guiding the design of physical settings requires systematic, empirical research.
  • Individual and organizational behaviors are affected by the form of the environment.
  • The users of environments are diverse and have different needs. Individual characteristics such as gender, stage in life cycle, family structure, role or task affect our environmental needs. In addition, organizational characteristics such as organizational culture, goals, and structure help shape building form and use.
  • Design should be based on enhancing the human condition. Issues of central importance include how the qualities of the environment (i.e., interior design, building systems, lighting, furnishings, equipment and finishes) affect human behavior, comfort, and well-being.
  • How the goals and ideals of both the individual and the organization are translated into physical form; and what the designer's responsibility is to society.

 

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Concentrations

Design + Health

Learn how the designed environment affects human physical health and mental health, as well as health-related behaviors. 

Focal contexts range from home and community, to schools, workplaces and healthcare settings. Outcomes of interest could include: health-related behaviors such as physical activity and diet; metrics of physical health or recovery from illness; measures of mental health or community cohesion; and cognitive functioning, performance or error rates. 

Graduates will be well-positioned for careers focused on environment-health studies and healthcare design research.

Design for Interaction

Focus on shaping the ways people and the designed environment interact, especially in interior spaces. 

This concentration cultivates designers who strive to improve life, enhance places, and support the experiences of human beings within their physical, natural and digital surroundings. 

Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in a variety of interior design or user experience design research professions within design firms, corporations and tech companies.

Emerging Technology for Design

Learn to develop and use emerging technologies as creative and expressive media — from augmented reality to architectural robotics.

Current study areas include: design computing and cognition, architectural robotics, design process and design visualization using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), advanced visualization technologies for environment-behavior simulation, generative and parametric design and fabrication, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and simulation, and human-computer interaction. 

Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in industry, research institutes and academic settings employing virtual reality, augmented reality and other technologies for UX design.

Sustainable Design Studies

Understand the historical and theoretical aspects of sustainable design and learn how to analyze environmental issues and apply ecological knowledge through design.

We understand “sustainable” to go beyond maintaining the things we have to retrieving the things we have lost. Through this broader, more challenging strategy for design, we can lessen environmental damage related to the built environment — and even reverse it.

Thesis topics have included greening the supply side of furniture production, investigating the impediments to the adoption of a green building rating tool in the Russian Federation, contrasting the hospitality industry’s green certification with the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program, and designing a vertical moss garden.

Students develop an ecological literacy that blends critical thinking with environmental ethics, ecology with economics, and technology with policy. Graduates are prepared to be effective agents for change. They have found positions in such organizations as Leo Daly Architects, DEGW Strategic Design Consultants, the U.S. Green Building Council and Greenstar Australia.

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Curriculum

M.A. candidates must also select a minor from fields throughout the university. Students should identify their minor committee members early in the program to ensure they have time to take the minor's required courses, typically 1-2 courses total. 

A. Required core DEA field courses

  • DEA 6100: Studies in Design Thinking (3 credits)
  • DEA 6200: Studies in Human-Environment Relations (3 credits)
  • DEA 7100: DEA Graduate Pro Seminar (1 credit / semester × 2 semesters = 2 credits)

B. Required foundational courses for concentration

  • DEA 5304: Design Accountability: Evaluation of the Physical Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6055: Hospitality, Health and Design Industry Immersion Seminar (1 credit)
  • DEA 6500: Problem-Seeking through Programming (3 credits)

And one of the following courses:

  • DEA 6550: Healthcare Innovations (3 credits)
  • DEA 6610: Environments and Health (3 credits)

C. Research methods

  • DEA 6560: Research Methods in Social Sciences (4 credits)

D. Statistics

  • One 3-4 credit (5000-level or higher) course such as BTRY 6010, BTRY 7180, ILRST 5100, ILRST 6100, PSYCH 6750 or HD 6750

E. DEA breadth

Choose two of the following courses:

  • DEA 5540: Workplace Strategy Studio (3.5 credits)
  • DEA 5560: Health Impact Assessment (3 credits)
  • DEA 5700: Designing Age Friendly Environments (3 credits)
  • DEA 6520: The Ambient Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6650: Poverty, Children and the Environment (3 credits)
  • PAM 5500: Operations and Planning of Senior Living and Related Facilities (2 credits)

F. Studio course

  • DEA 5305: Health and Healing Studio (4 credits)

G. Thesis courses

  • DEA 8990: Master’s Thesis (typically 8-12 credits; actual credits determined at the discretion of thesis committee)

H. Minor courses

  • 2-3 courses, depending on the minor (6-12 credits)

A. Required core DEA field courses

  • DEA 6100: Studies in Design Thinking (3 credits)
  • DEA 6200: Studies in Human-Environment Relations (3 credits)
  • DEA 7100: DEA Graduate Pro Seminar (1 credit / semester × 2 semesters = 2 credits)

B. Required foundational courses for concentration

  • DEA 6500: Problem-Seeking through Programming (3 credits)

C. Research methods

D. Statistics

  • One 3-4 credit (5000-level or higher) course such as BTRY 6010, BTRY 7180, ILRST 5100, ILRST 6100, PSYCH 6750 or HD 6750

E. DEA breadth

Choose two of the following courses:

  • DEA 5304: Design Accountability: Evaluation of the Physical Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6025: Design for Change: Imagining Decolonial Futures (3 credits)
  • DEA 6040: Future Body Craft (3 credits)
  • DEA 6210: Architectural Robotics (3 credits)
  • DEA 6400: AI, Embodiment, & Design (3 credits)
  • DEA 6510: Human Factors and Inclusive Design (3 credits)
  • DEA 6520: The Ambient Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6610: Environments and Health (3 credits)
  • DEA 6650: Poverty, Children and the Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6800: Ethical Design: Engine of Positive Change (3 credits)

F. Architectural history

  • One 3-4 credit (5000-level or higher) course in architectural or art history or anthropology

G. Studio course

Choose one of the following courses:

  • DEA 5210: Designing Devices for CyberPLAYces (3 credits)
  • DEA 5305: Health and Healing Studio (4 credits)
  • DEA 5540 Workplace Strategy Studio (3.5 credits)
  • DEA 6000 Special Problems for Graduates (3-4 credits)
  • DEA 6406 Generative Design Studio (4 credits)

H. Thesis courses

  • DEA 8990: Master’s Thesis (typically 8-12 credits; actual credits determined at the discretion of thesis committee)

I. Minor courses

  • 2-3 courses, depending on the minor (6-12 credits)

A. Required core DEA field courses

  • DEA 6100: Studies in Design Thinking (3 credits)
  • DEA 6200: Studies in Human-Environment Relations (3 credits)
  • DEA 7100: DEA Graduate Pro Seminar (1 credit / semester × 2 semesters = 2 credits)

B. Required foundational course for concentration

  • DEA 5520: Virtual Experience of Designed Environments (3 credits)

C. Research methods

D. Statistics

  • One 3-4 credit (5000-level or higher) course such as BTRY 6010, BTRY 7180, ILRST 5100, ILRST 6100, PSYCH 6750 or HD 6750

E. DEA breadth

Choose three of the following courses:

  • DEA 5304: Design Accountability: Evaluation of the Physical Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 5305: Health and Healing Studio (4 credits)
  • DEA 5540: Workplace Strategy Studio (3.5 credits)
  • DEA 5560: Health Impact Assessment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6040: Future Body Craft (3 credits)
  • DEA 6400: AI, Embodiment, & Design
  • DEA 6210: Architectural Robotics (3 credits)
  • DEA 6406: Generative Design Studio (4 credits)
  • DEA 6500: Problem-Seeking through Programming (3 credits)
  • DEA 6510: Human Factors and Inclusive Design (3 credits)
  • DEA 6520: The Ambient Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6610: Environments and Health (3 credits)
  • DEA 6650: Poverty, Children and the Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6700: Applied Ergonomic Methods (3 credits)

F. Studio course

  • DEA 5210: Designing Devices for CyberPLAYces (3 credits)

G. Thesis courses

  • DEA 8990: Master’s Thesis (typically 8-12 credits; actual credits determined at the discretion of thesis committee)

H. Minor courses

  • 2-3 courses, depending on the minor (6-12 credits)

A. Required core DEA field courses

  • DEA 6100: Studies in Design Thinking (3 credits)
  • DEA 6200: Studies in Human-Environment Relations (3 credits)
  • DEA 7100: DEA Graduate Pro Seminar (1 credit / semester × 2 semesters = 2 credits)

B. Required foundational courses for concentration

  • DEA 6250: Human Dimensions of Sustainable Building (3 credits)
  • DEA 6500: Problem-Seeking through Programming (3 credits)
  • ILRLR 6300: Advocacy and Debate (3 credits)

C. Research methods

D. Statistics

  • One 3-4 credit (5000-level or higher) course such as BTRY 6010, BTRY 7180, ILRST 5100, ILRST 6100, PSYCH 6750 or HD 6750

E. Behavior and social responsibility courses

Choose one of the following courses:

  • DEA 6025: Design for Change: Imagining Decolonial Futures (3 credits)
  • DEA 6520: The Ambient Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6550: Healthcare Innovations (3 credits)
  • DEA 6610: Environments and Health (3 credits)
  • DEA 6650: Poverty, Children and the Environment (3 credits)
  • DEA 6800: Ethical Design: Engine of Positive Change (3 credits)

F. Architectural history

  • One 3-4 credit (5000-level or higher) course in architectural or art history or anthropology

G. Studio course

Choose one of the following courses:

  • DEA 5210: Designing Devices for CyberPLAYces (3 credits)
  • DEA 5540: Workplace Strategy Studio (3.5 credits)
  • DEA 6000: Special Problems (project-based) (3-4 credits)
  • DEA 6406: Generative Design Studio (4 credits)

H. Thesis courses

  • DEA 8990: Master’s Thesis (typically 8-12 credits; actual credits determined at the discretion of thesis committee)

I. Minor courses

  • 2-3 courses, depending on the minor (6-12 credits)

How to apply

Submit your application for graduate study directly to the Graduate School. A complete application includes:

  • Academic Statement of Purpose (500 words or less)
  • Portfolio
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE 
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement

For additional information on how to apply, visit Graduate School Admissions. Please do not include copies of certificates, passports or other documents.

We will not review your application until it is fully complete, including TOEFL/IELTS test scores. No individual faculty member can offer you admission. A graduate admissions committee will read your application when it is complete and make the decision. 

If you have questions, please contact deagrad [at] cornell.edu (deagrad[at]cornell[dot]edu).

Portfolio guidelines

The portfolio should communicate your design background and abilities in an understandable, organized manner following these guidelines:

  • A digital portfolio is required.
  • Submit your portfolio in the online application system under supplemental materials. Note: there is a file size limit of 20 MB.
  • Design work should be represented by prints and/or photographs accompanied by a statement briefly describing your design projects.
  • Indicate professional work (versus student work).
  • Indicate personal involvement in group projects (professional or student).
  • The demonstration of conceptual sketching ability, analytical sketches and travel sketches are very useful to us in assessing ability.

Application deadlines

The priority deadline for fall admission is January 15. The final deadline is May 1. We do not admit for spring.
 

Tuition and fees

Visit the Office of the Bursar for information on tuition and fees. Funding is not provided for the M.S. degree.

Supplemental financial support

Graduate students in the Department of Human Centered Design can apply to work as a Student Academic Service Assistant (SASA). Many master's students use these positions to earn extra income while gaining valuable experience. Similar to teaching assistants, SASAs typically work 7.5 to 15 hours per week and are paid hourly. These positions are competitive and available based on each semester's teaching needs.

 

Faculty you'll work with

portrait of a man in a blue button down shirt
Elizabeth Lee Vincent Professor
Focus areas Children's environments (e.g. schools, housing), Environment of childhood poverty, Development of environmental attitudes/behaviors in children
Keith Evan Green headshot
Jean and Douglas McLean Professor
Focus areas Intersection of design + robotics + psychology, Robot “living rooms” interacting/adapting with inhabitants, Robots that improve community, learning and health
woman wearing glasses sitting in a bright blue chair
Professor
Focus areas Practice + approaches to creating optimal work + learning, Research methodology for post-occupancy evaluation (POE), Sustainable and resilience building practices in US + Asia
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Associate Professor
Focus areas Wayfinding + spatial cognition using VR + simulation, Predictive design tools evaluating human responses to design, Human-environment interaction: built and virtual environment
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Associate Professor
Focus areas Wearable technology and on-skin interfaces, Designing skins across scales, Social perceptions towards on-body technologies
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Assistant Professor
Focus areas Accessible interactive technologies, Human-computer interaction, Design innovation – bridging art, technology and UX
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Assistant Professor
Focus areas Design for Indigenous empowerment, Transformational design for societal + environmental change, Intercultural design knowledge
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Evalyn Edwards Milman Assistant Professor in Child Development
Focus areas children's environments, participatory research & design, behavior mapping
Portrait of Anthony Ong
Professor
Focus areas Aging and health, affective dynamics, social connection, resilience and adaptation, biological embedding, lifespan development
man in a blue suit sitting in a bright blue chair
Hazel E. Reed Professor
Professor of Gerontology in Medicine
Focus areas Aging and the life course, Sociology of the family, Intervention research
Jung-hye Shin
Chair
Professor
Focus areas Environmental design, Aging in place
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Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education
Professor
Focus areas Environmental psychology, Effects of the built and natural environment on human health, Environmental design + policy impacts on consumption + reuse
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Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies in Design + Environmental Analysis
Focus areas Experience-driven design, Design for emotion, subjective well-being + behavior change, Product design + development
So-Yeon Yoon headshot
Professor
Focus areas Human-computer interaction in virtual environments, Large-scale interface/interaction design, Interior design

Frequently Asked Questions

The career trajectories of our graduates are diverse. Some work as designers, design researchers, design educators, ergonomists or environmental psychologists. Some pursue Ph.D.s in fields such as design research, psychology, human-computer interaction, architecture and gerontology.

No, you must make a choice before applying.

Yes, a portfolio is required for the M.A. in Design.

The educational background required for admission depends on your chosen concentration. Applicants to the Sustainable Design Studies concentration are encouraged to have a design-related degree, but it is not mandatory. Applicants to all other concentrations must hold an undergraduate studio-based degree in a design discipline, such as interior design, architecture or product design.

If you would like to schedule a visit, you should first make an appointment with DEA’s director of graduate studies. If you would like to meet with our other faculty, you should also schedule meetings with them while you are on campus. The Visit Cornell and Visit Ithaca websites provide additional resources.

All applicants must take the GRE and submit scores. The GRE can be retaken, but scores must be submitted by the application deadline. 
 

We strongly recommend that you take tests early enough to submit scores by the application deadline. However, if your official scores have not arrived by the due date, but your unofficial scores have, we may hold your application if approved by the director of graduate studies. Your scores are automatically reported to Cornell by the testing service (ETS) as soon as they are ready, and the graduate field assistant will automatically add them to your application packet.
 

Cornell’s institutional test code for ETS is 2098. The DEA code is 4499.
 

Letters of recommendation should come from people who can best assess the qualities, characteristics and capabilities of the applicant; they do not need to come from faculty.
 

We recommend a GPA of 3.0 (minimum), but this is not an absolute cutoff.          

Use the self-service tool the check that your application is complete.

Our graduate field assistant may, as a courtesy, send you a reminder if you have missing information when the committee begins to review applications. 

The M.A. in Design is STEM certified.
 

Yes. The M.S. is an in person degree and students are expected to live near campus for the duration. Cornell provides some graduate student housing. The Cornell off-campus housing marketplace is another resource.

Yes, as long as the faculty member is a member of the graduate field you would like to minor in.

Contact us

Graduate Field Assistant

Shane Hutchinson (sah49 [at] cornell.edu (sah49[at]cornell[dot]edu))

Director of Graduate Studies

Jay Yoon (jy846 [at] cornell.edu (jy846[at]cornell[dot]edu))