This project-based program focuses on skills and processes of creative thinking and problem-solving in a multidisciplinary setting. The degree is grounded in the methodologies of human-centered design, including design research, solution frameworks, idea generation and rapid prototyping. The program involves coursework in theories of design, 2D and 3D tools, innovation processes, and project-based design studios focused on real-world design challenges. Additionally, the degree requires coursework in electives outside of the Lyle and Meadows Schools to build cross-disciplinary experiences and knowledge. This degree is for students seeking to become more versatile thinkers regardless of their disciplinary background.
Degree Requirements
In addition to meeting the Lyle School of Engineering degree requirements, candidates must meet the following requirement: satisfactory completion of the following courses with an overall graduate GPA of at least 3.000. Only a few of the advanced elective courses have prerequisites, ensuring that students are able to fulfill program requirements on a reasonable timeline. Students wishing to choose any of the electives below will need to have met all course requirements and prerequisites. Enrollment in open electives will be at the discretion of the academic department where the course is offered and the course instructor. Open electives are designed to allow students to gain specialized skills in the field that they may go on to practice or to pursue a personal passion or interest that will complement their future work.
Core Courses
DSIN 7301 - The Context and Impact of Design
DSIN 7302 - Form and Composition
DSIN 7303 - Human-Centered Design
DSIN 7501 - Design and Innovation Studio I
DSIN 7502 - Design and Innovation Studio II
Suggested Elective Courses (6-8 Credit Hours)
Four (4) electives must be completed with a satisfactory grade in order to fulfill the Masters of Design and Innovation degree. The following is a list of highly recommended courses, but students are allowed to take courses from across the University to complete the degree. Some courses will require approval for enrollment. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this approval in conjunction with approval from their program advisor. All electives need to be taken at the 6000 level or higher.
Free Elective Courses (6 Credit Hours)
Two courses from graduate programs on campus, approved by the student’s adviser.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
Southern Methodist University - Lyle School of Engineering
3101 Dyer Street,
Dallas,
Texas,
75205, United States
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association or completion of an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. Each program has additional information on appropriate academic backgrounds required for admission into that program.
A minimum GPA of 3.000 on a 4.000 scale for all previous undergraduate and graduate studies.
In addition to meeting the Lyle School of Engineering degree requirements, candidates are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution of standard collegiate rank recognized by the accrediting agencies in whose jurisdiction the college is located or to be in the final year of an accredited bachelor’s degree program.
All international students whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from an American university must submit a minimum TOEFL English language proficiency test score before being considered for admission, as follows:
550 – paper-based examination.
213 – computer-based examination.
80– Internet-based examination overall score
A score of 6.5 on the IELTS English language proficiency examination is acceptable in place of the above scores for the TOEFL examination.
Duolingo - 110 out of 160
All international students use the following dates: May 15 for fall admission, and September 1 for spring admission.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Based in Dallas on the Southern Methodist campus, The Lyle School of Engineering has an innovative and practical approach to teaching.
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