The MADI program is one of the few graduate degree-granting programs in the Southern region that teaches Human-Centered Design. In a time where design is so broadly defined and applied, we differentiate ourselves by mastering the operation and application of qualitative research methods that lead to evidence-based design decisions. We also place a strong emphasis on hyper-local community engagement, where the majority of our classes have real-life working clients from the private and public sectors within the DFW area. Our students come from a wide range of academia and professional backgrounds and range in ages from 24 to 64. Our faculty provide specific expertise in applying a diverse set of design, architecture, business, community engagement, fabrication, and management skillsets in unexpected ways. We are a highly collaborative department that places the students’ experience and success at the center of what we do. Upon graduation, our alumni successfully transition into design roles such as Design Strategist, UX Researcher, Program Manager, Design Lead, and Design Researcher in large and small, for-profit and non-profit companies. We award a MA degree in Human-Centered Design and plan to grow our degree offerings in the years to come. We work directly with corporate partners and outlets that bring great design conversation and community. The primary outlet for this is through our SMU Design Council and our MADI Designer-in-Residence program. To find out more details about the program, visit us at http://smu.edu/madi