MID - Master of Innovation Design
Application Procedures
To be considered for admission, applicants will be required to apply online beginning at the Graduate School application website1. The online application will require uploading copies of official transcripts of all schools previously attended, as well as submitting the nonrefundable application fee.
Applicants are given the opportunity to include in their application any credentials they believe represent their accomplishments and help explain why they wish to join the MID program. Additional application materials will be uploaded through the online application portal, and may include but are not limited to:
- Documentation of prior learning or experience relevant to design;
- Examples of prior design work in whatever format best showcases that work (e.g., a portfolio of artwork);
- A video of a performance;
- Links to software applications;
- Descriptions of products developed;
- Published articles or reports;
- A resume; and
- A personal essay.
A personal interview is scheduled with the admission committee if minimum qualifications are met as determined by Graduate School policy.
An admissions committee consisting of faculty from all of WSU’s existing colleges reviews student applications. In reviewing applications, the admissions committee looks for the student’s level of commitment to completing a master’s degree, interest in learning design thinking skills, and whether there is a fit between the student’s goals and the resources of the MID faculty. If admitted, a faculty advisor is appointed and assists the student in developing a plan of study (see Requirements). Deadlines for applications are as follows:
| Fall admission: | June 1 |
| Spring admission: | September 1 |
| Summer admission: | February 1 |
Questions regarding application procedures should be directed to:
Graduate School
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount
Wichita KS 67260-0004
USA
316-978-3095
Graduate School Website1
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Link opens new window.
Plan of Study Options
The MID degree requires the completion of a plan of study, approved by the student’s advisor, which must be filed within the first 12 credit hours of graduate coursework. Two options are available:
- The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework plus a minimum of 6 credit hours of ID 842 Thesis.
- The directed project option requires a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework plus a minimum of 3 credit hours of ID 841 Project.
Program Requirements
The MID program consists of at least 30 credit hours (for both the thesis and nonthesis options), including the following:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| ID 513 | Design Thinking | 2 |
| ID 752 | Product, Service, and Process Prototyping | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Electives are customized for each student in consultation with the student’s advisors and based on the student’s design goals. Courses are selected from existing WSU graduate courses. 2 | ||
| Select one of the following plan of study options | ||
| Major Project Option 3 | ||
Select a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework | ||
Select a minimum of 3 credit hours of directed project | ||
| Thesis Option 4 | ||
Select a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework | ||
Select a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis | ||
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These courses are required and align with the four design thinking capabilities – creativity, communication, entrepreneurship and prototyping.
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Some existing WSU graduate courses that relate to collaborative design include:
- Special Investigations in Psychology
- Human Factors Psychology
- Professional Practices in Graphic Design
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Completing a major project requires the development of a portfolio, patent application, process or prototype.
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Completing a thesis requires a thesis defense in accordance with WSU Graduate School policies.
Students also complete Professional and Scholarly Integrity Training (PSIT) and satisfy other general graduate degree requirements. An optional 0 credit hour practicum is available to allow students to network with other MID students and faculty. No internship is required.
Applied Learning
Students in the MID – Master of Innovative Design program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by:
- For students completing the thesis option: Completing at least 6 credit hours of ID 842 Thesis.
- For students completing the project option: Completing 3 credit hours of ID 841 Project. A major project requires the development of a portfolio of work, patent application, process, business plan or prototype.