The M.A. in Design focused on Health program at The University of Texas at Austin focuses on person-centered design methodologies to innovate for the health care system of the future. In this program, you’ll apply strategic design thinking to understand the needs of people seeking health services, receiving care, and delivering care. You’ll engage in research and practice ideation techniques for generating new approaches to solving real-world health and wellness challenges. The coursework and mentorship from leading practitioners in the field will equip you with the knowledge to turn working prototypes into viable solutions and the skills to craft compelling stories that drive groundbreaking change across the healthcare industry.
Program Focus
Industry-Focused Cohort
The program attracts applicants from various backgrounds, along with UT Dell Medical students, who share an interest in using design thinking to devise solutions for real-world health and wellness challenges.
Leading-Edge Partners
Learn from healthcare and design leaders at innovative companies such as Ascension, Baylor Scott & White, AT&T, Dell Medical, and more who work with us as advisors, instructors, mentors, and guest speakers to provide invaluable student engagement opportunities.
Tier-One Research University
Apply primary and secondary research methods taught by leading experts in the field to gain a holistic understanding of the audience's needs and objectives for more impactful solutions.
Design-based Experiential Learning
Develop creative practices and critical thinking skills through collaborative project work with peers and industry partners for a career-ready portfolio.
Degree Plan
M.A. Design Focused on Health
- 10 months of Study (Starting in Summer)
- 40 credit hours total over 3 Semesters
- 6 hours of design skills acquisition
- 18 hours of advanced coursework in design and health
- 16 hours of integrated design in health courses + capstone
Typical 10-month course schedule for M.A. in Design focused on Health | 40 Total Hours
| Summer | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
|
Full Term Sketching for Communication 3-D Prototyping Design Research Methods = 6 credit hours |
Full Term Anthropology and Design* Session 1 Fieldwork in Design Session 2 Service Design = 16 credit hours |
Full Term Session 1 Final Project in Design Core Lab - Design Futures* Session 2 Storytelling for Presentation* Health Care Law and Policy = 18 credit hours |
Note: Exact courses, sequencing, and credit hours are subject to change. Courses waived for Dell Medical School students are denoted with an asterisk.*
M.A. Design Student Handbook
Ready for a deeper dive into the M.A. in Design focused on Health program? Our student handbook covers curriculum and coursework, graduation requirements, policies, and more.