Graduate Admissions
A traditional design degree isn't required for Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design graduate programs. All educational backgrounds can bring interesting insights and gain greatly from an evidence-based design education. Successful candidates for our graduate programs are able to show how they think and how their background can help shape the future of people and technology. Placement into each program is determined on an individual basis during the application process.
MID and Certificate
The Master of Industrial Design (MID) program takes Georgia Tech's idea of technology used for real-world impact to an advanced, research-driven level. Graduates move into roles from positions in UX/UI design and research, to strategy and consulting, prepared as tech-savvy and data-driven user-first advocates. Newcomers to design may start with a certificate year, where students will develop design skills in preparation for the rest of the program.
The strongest applicants submit a focused portfolio of no more than 15 pages. It should show each project's journey from problem identification to solution, including research, analysis, and iterations, along with transferable skills and work that blends their earlier field with design. As the guidelines note, the articulation of your thought process holds significant value. The application also requires Three Letters of Recommendation Essay Questions Portfolio: Electronically uploaded PDF format. Resume Video Introduction (1-2 minutes). The deadline for Fall 2027 is January 15, 2027.
MS-HCI (Industrial Design)
The Master of Science in Human Computer Interface (MS-HCI) program is offered collaboratively by four separate schools at Georgia Tech: Interactive Computing; Literature, Media and Communication (LMC); Psychology; and Industrial Design. Students enter the program through one of the four participating schools, the choice of which reflects that student's intended area of specialization and background.
Prospective students for the Industrial Design track of Georgia Tech's MS-HCI are designers and makers who want to shape how people interact with technology, from interactive products and healthcare tools to accessible, human-centered experiences. A required portfolio should show how the prospective student thinks through problems, and that they're ready for a four-semester program that combines design studio work with computing, psychology and media, a summer internship, and a master's project that prepares them to lead in UX and interaction design.