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    Carnegie Mellon University

    Master of Arts in Design (MA)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pittsburgh, USMAIn-person1 year
    STEM-OPT
    $45,000.00
    Tuition
    over 12mo
    40%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    90
    Credits
    $75.00
    App fee

    Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University is a 90-credit, 1-year, in-person MA program based in Pittsburgh, US. Tuition is $45,000 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    One-year program introducing foundational design principles, approaches, theories, and tools for designing for interactions through seminars, studios, and labs. Focuses on developing abilities to see, think, and create as a designer, with opportunities for multidisciplinary research.

    Focus: coursework

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are not required, but you are welcome to submit them
    TOEFL
    required
    Min 102 (minimum 25 in each section)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7.5 (no score lower than 7)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $32,500.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University is $45,000 across 90 required credits.
    Is Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University online or in-person?
    Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University take to complete?
    Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University is structured around 1 year and 90 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University?
    Per the program's published guidance: Strong record of academic achievement
    Is Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Arts in Design (MA) at Carnegie Mellon University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.