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    University of California-Berkeley

    Master of Design (M.Des.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Berkeley, USMDesIn-person16 months
    STEM-OPT
    $82,251.00
    Tuition
    over 16mo
    39
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley is a 39-credit, 16-month, in-person MDes program based in Berkeley, US. Tuition is $82,251 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Three-semester professional program preparing students for creative and technical roles in designing products, services, and environments enabled by emerging technologies. Interdisciplinary curriculum connects technical rigor, design theory, social practice, studio-based coursework, electives, and culminates in a team-based Thesis Studio.

    Focus: both

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    Admissions

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    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.

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    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Tests taken from June 1, 2024 to January 20, 2026: 90 minimum total score; Tests taken on or after January 21, 2026: 4.5 minimum total score (Graduate Division)
    IELTS
    optional

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $110,233.00
    Avg starting salary
    $33,600.00
    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 Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley is $82,251 across 39 required credits.
    Is Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley online or in-person?
    Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley take to complete?
    Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley is structured around 16 months and 39 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley?
    Per the program's published guidance: minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
    Is Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Design (M.Des.) at University of California-Berkeley is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.