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.
- Curriculum Requirements
- Elective Courses
Semester 1
- DHH3012 Universal Design*
- DHH3006 Environment and Behavior *
- DHH3017 Advanced Theories in Design for Wellbeing
Semester 2
Semester 3
- DHH3015 Design for Health and Wellbeing Studio*
- DST3011 Thesis Research and Development*
- DHH Advised Elective**
Semester 4
Total Academic Credits: 33
* Courses include onsite intensive component. These courses are offered only in the fall semester.
Students are encouraged to start in the fall semester with the Intensive courses. Students may start, nevertheless, with online courses in the spring: DHH3021 Environmental Psychology and/or an Advised DHH Elective.
**Applicants without a design background will be required to complete 3.0 credits of Design Media (DME) course work in place of the three (3.0) credits of DHH Advised Elective. These credits are to be completed in the first or second semester.
Other approved DME course options are available.
Spring Starts - Semester 1
- DHH3021 Environmental Psychology
- DHH Advised Elective**
- DHH3016 Urban Sociology
- DHH3018 Sacred Design
- DHH3019 Biophilia
- DHH3020 Play in Designed Environments
- DHH3022 Human Conditions
- HTC2250 History Theory Elective
- SSH2150 Effectively Working from Home
- SSH2150 Health in the Hinterlands
- SUS2025 Greening Existing Buildings
- SUS2026 Greening the City
- SUS2029 Green Practice: Energy and Air Quality Principles
- SUS2030 Materials, Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality
- SUS2032 Lighting Design for Sustainability and Health
- SUS2040 Sustainable Design of Healthcare Facilities
- SUS2045 Green Building and Health
- SUS2046 Resilient Design
- SUS2049 Design for Social Resilience
- DME2015 Landscape Representation: Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Design - Introduction*
- DME2016 Landscape Representation: Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Design - Applications*
- DME2073 Visual Communication
*Note: These 2 courses are currently offered onsite at the BAC only.
Not all of the elective courses listed above are offered every semester. Please see Self Service for the elective courses that are being offered for the coming semester.
Please consult with the Program Advisor, Dr. Davis Harte, or the Dean, School of Design Studies, Don Hunsicker, for recommendations regarding selecting electives.
Students may enroll in other electives with the approval of the Dean, School of Design Studies.