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    University of Massachusetts-Amherst

    Design (MDes)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Amherst, USMDesIn-person2 years
    $71,452.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    67%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    11
    Cohort
    students
    36
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a 36-credit, 2-year, in-person MDes program based in Amherst, US. Tuition is $71,452.

    About the program

    Advanced interdisciplinary study in architecture and design, focusing on specialized areas such as historic preservation or design studies. Includes coursework in history, technology, practice or research methods, studios, and electives, with students developing a research focus across disciplines.

    Focus: both

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    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Oct 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min For tests taken prior to January 2026, a minimum combined score of 80
    IELTS
    required
    Min Minimum combined score of 6.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $28,915.00
    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 Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is $71,452 across 36 required credits.
    Is Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst online or in-person?
    Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is offered in-person.
    How long does Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst take to complete?
    Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is structured around 2 years and 36 credits.
    What GPA is required for Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
    Per the program's published guidance: 2.75/4.0
    How competitive is Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
    Design (MDes) at University of Massachusetts-Amherst reports an acceptance rate of approximately 67%.