University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Integrated Product Design (MIPD) program at the University of Pennsylvania equips students with the skills to design and develop both physical and digital products through a human-centered and interdisciplinary approach. This program merges coursework across design, engineering, and business, allowing students to create innovative solutions that meet user needs.

What you'll study

The MIPD program combines integrated core courses with elective options, enabling students to tailor their education to their interests while maintaining a strong foundation in product design processes.

Core learning areas

• Design Process: Employing human-centered methods for effective research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration.
• Problem Framing: Identifying the right problems based on user needs, constraints, and opportunity mapping.
• Product Design: Creating product concepts and detailed design specifications for real-world applications.
• Design for Manufacturability: Understanding production constraints, material selection, and implementation requirements.
• Product Engineering Basics: Gaining foundational engineering concepts essential for product development and technical feasibility.
• Final Project: Completing a comprehensive project that showcases the entire product development process and interdisciplinary decision-making.

Electives and depth options

Students can choose from a variety of elective courses that provide advanced training in areas of their interest, including design arts, engineering principles, or business and innovation strategies.

Capstone / culminating work

The Final Project serves as a synthesis of learning across various domains, culminating in a product outcome that is backed by thorough research, prototyping, and evaluation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should prepare to submit an online application through the university’s graduate admissions portal. A portfolio showcasing relevant work is also required. Additionally, standardized tests such as the GRE may be necessary, along with proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or the Duolingo English Test.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Integrated Product Design program are well-prepared to enter a variety of fields, including product management, industrial design, UX/UI design, and engineering roles. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips them with the skills necessary to excel in diverse career paths that demand innovative thinking and effective problem-solving.