Mechanical Engineering
Master in Design Engineering
Harvard UniversityA two-year interdisciplinary master's combining engineering, design, systems thinking and innovation to solve complex real-world technical and societal challenges.
Related pathways
Study Level
Master's Degree
Study Mode
On Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Programme Overview
Harvard University's Master in Design Engineering is a two-year interdisciplinary graduate programme jointly offered by the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
The programme combines engineering analysis, design methodology, systems thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Students work on complex challenges that can involve products, mechanical systems, functional materials, electronic systems, organisations, infrastructure and broader social or environmental systems.
MDE is designed for experienced applicants who want to develop the ability to move between technical analysis, design, strategy and implementation. The programme emphasises collaboration, innovation and the development of real-world solutions to complex problems.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a recognised undergraduate degree and are required to have two years of full-time work experience after college by the beginning of the fall semester.
Applicants should demonstrate technical literacy through their academic or professional background. Relevant preparation may include calculus, statistics, coding, advanced computer simulation or other engineering and quantitative skills.
The application requires academic transcripts from previous institutions and three letters of recommendation.
Applicants must also provide three to five examples of relevant work, design or research. These examples may include products, mechanical systems, functional materials, electronic systems, organisational systems or other technically informed projects.
Professional experience and demonstrated ability to work across engineering, design and complex problem-solving are important components of the admissions assessment.
English-Language Requirements
International applicants who do not meet Harvard GSD's English-medium education exemption must submit an official TOEFL score.
For 2027 entry, Harvard GSD states that updated minimum and preferred TOEFL requirements for the new 1–6 scoring scale are still to be announced.
Previous guidance under the former TOEFL scale was:
Minimum overall: 92
Preferred overall: 104
Applicants should verify the updated TOEFL score requirements on the official Harvard GSD international applicants page before applying.
Applicants may be exempt if they meet Harvard GSD's published English-medium bachelor's degree criteria.
Career Outcomes
Scholarship Information
Harvard Graduate School of Design offers financial aid and grant support to eligible students. GSD Grant Aid The majority of Harvard GSD grant aid is need-based. These grants do not need to be repaid. Some grants may also consider factors such as academic programme, merit and available funding. Harvard Committee on General Scholarships Harvard's Committee on General Scholarships administers university-wide scholarship funds that may be available to both US and international students. Outside Scholarships MDE students may also use eligible external scholarships and grants to help cover tuition and fees. Financial aid is not automatically guaranteed, and students must complete the applicable Harvard GSD financial-aid process and meet published deadlines.