Master of Science, Health and Design (MS.HD) at the New York Institute of Technology explores the intersection of design and health, encouraging students to consider the wellbeing of communities.

Design and health are deeply interconnected, requiring a transdisciplinary approach to address the wellbeing of communities, individuals and all living species.

Integrating fields of design, engineering, health sciences, medical and social sciences, we embrace system-based, holistic and embodied perspectives that consider both environmental and human impacts.

Our pedagogical approach encourages students to explore the built environment, ecosystem health, and stakeholder interactions through data-driven and qualitative inquiry.

The mission is to integrate an inclusive design methodology with data-driven decision-making, merging digital tools and maker mindsets to inform sustainable, health-focused solutions.

School: School of Architecture and Design, New York Institute of Technology
Course: Master of Science, Health and Design (MS.HD)
Type: Postgraduate
Location: New York, USA
Course dates: January 2026 to December 2026 (spring intake)
Application deadline: 15 January 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– The mission is to integrate an inclusive design methodology with data-driven decision-making, merging digital tools and maker mindsets to inform sustainable, health-focused solutions

Research tracks concentrations include:

– Behavioural health: students collaborate with communities and healthcare partners to understand habits, challenges and environmental factors affecting wellbeing
– Through interviews and user testing, they map experiences and identify conditions that improve or hinder health
– The track teaches human-centred, inclusive methods that translate lived experience into responsive behavioural health design strategies
– Biogenic materials: this track combines ecological thinking with digital fabrication, focusing on bio-based and earth-derived materials
– Students study supply chains and test materials for performance and circularity, exploring the sensory and structural potential of bio-based 3D printing
– Prototyping across scales shows how biomaterials can shape healthier environments and support a future bio-economy

What are the requirements?

– A degree from an accredited institution in the disciplinary arenas of design (architecture, interiors, furnishing, industrial, product, fashion, etc.) and engineering, healthcare and wellness, biology and chemical fields (with expertise in innovative technologies and bio-materials) or equivalent if applying with a foreign degree from another country
– Minimum GPA of 3.0
– No standardised tests (including GRE) are required, except TOEFL/IELTS for international students
– If an applicant does not meet the admissions criteria, it may be possible, at the discretion of the programme director, to be admitted for a probationary period

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates, research track biogenic materials, gain industry-level competencies, from digital coding, biomaterial science R&D, 3DP machine operation, working fluidly across additive manufacturing technologies in robotics lab, biomaterials lab, reMEDIAlab and full building scale in 3DP XL lab.

Graduates go on to material research fellowships at EDR+, or collaborate in partner institutions at 3dwasp, Ecovative, Geopolymer Institute, Henninglarsen, Mass-Group.

Graduates, research track behavioural health, are trained in integrating inclusive design methodologies with data-driven decision-making, merging digital tools and maker mindsets to inform sustainable, health-focused solutions.

Who teaches this course?

– Christian Pongratz, MS.AUD director

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