Skip to main content
    GradsMatch
    Back to Programs
    Harvard University

    Master in Design Engineering (MDE)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Cambridge, USMDEIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $123,020.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    $90.00
    App fee

    Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University is a 2-year, in-person MDE program based in Cambridge, US. Tuition is $123,020 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program trains students in design and engineering methods to address complex societal challenges through understanding problems, imagining solutions, building prototypes, and an independent design engineering project. It combines GSD's design approaches with SEAS's engineering rigor, supplemented by electives and topics like economics and psychology.

    Focus: both
    US News Engineering #22

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign in to view - it's free

    Deadlines

    Term 2027
    Jan 8, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are optional for MDE applicants. If you have not taken the GRE and have not submitted scores, the weight of other components of your application will be spread across your materials during the review process. Your application will not be disadvantaged if you choose not to submit GRE scores.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min Prior to 1.26.2026: minimum total TOEFL iBT score of 92, with minimum section scores of 23 (reading, speaking, listening, writing). Preferred: 104 total, 26 sections. As of January 26, 2026, TOEFL updated to 1-6 banded scale; GSD requirements TBD (use prior as guideline).
    IELTS
    optional
    Min 6.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $23,076.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    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 in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University is $123,020.
    Is Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University online or in-person?
    Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University take to complete?
    Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University is structured around 2 years.
    Is Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master in Design Engineering (MDE) at Harvard University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)