波士顿建筑学院

The Master of Design Studies in Design for Human Health is a 4-semester post-professional degree that merges physical and social sciences with spatial design. Students gain specialized knowledge and skills in the growing field of designing for human health and wellness. The unique curriculum teaches students to assess and design public, private, and corporate spaces to respond to human needs, with the goal of complementing and enhancing physical activity, cognitive performance, and psychological wellbeing.

Courses delve into sociology, biomechanics, neurobiology, behavior, and psychology, exploring the ways they intersect with design theory. In hands-on studio-labs, students confront real world problems, brainstorming solutions and developing prototypes of their own designs. The program culminates in a practical thesis project that expands on a specific subject of interest.

Program outcomes

Assess private, public, and community environments based on the human dimensions of physical activity, cognitive performance, and personal wellbeing.

Identify relevant information from biological and social sciences that apply to the successful designs intended to enhance human health.

Develop aesthetically pleasing and functional designs for a specific health concern.

List items used within the construction and selection of finish materials known to promote or detract from optimal physical and cognitive health.

Address through design interventions a given physical or cognitive health issue that has significant ties back to the physical environment.

Articulate through multimedia a cost benefit and return on investment analysis and statistical representation of a given design on human health outcomes.

Classes that fit your schedule

The Master of Design Studies is delivered in an innovative distance format that allows students to work full time while they study. The BAC uses a range of digital tools to support and enhance online learning. Students can study from anywhere in the world on their own schedule.

Students participate in a vital online learning culture, exchanging comments and critiques with colleagues, working together on projects, and supporting each other throughout the program. Students can continue to advance their careers while earning their master's degree, and their professional work informs their studies as their coursework contributes to their professional growth.

In-person intensives bring your coursework to life

In addition to online learning, students come to Boston during the fall semesters to study in residence for 8 days of in-person instruction, field trips, and hands-on experiences. These innovative intensive weeks give students and faculty the opportunity to build strong relationships and establish positive collaborations that carry over to the online environment.

The low-residency/online format of the Master of Design Studies in Design for Human Health (MDS-DHH) has been developed to accommodate the working professional. During the fall low-residency courses, completed in the first and third semesters, students participate in a week-long intensive period in Boston. These courses are complemented with online activities that take place before and after the intensive week.

The program culminates in a thesis completed during the final year of study that connects theory and practice through mentored research and design. The MDS-DHH thesis is grounded in the concept of applying research methods to address practical and real-world issues. The result is an educational experience that will establish a firm foundation to launch a career in the growing profession of designing for physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being.