Graduate Students
MIT Morningside Academy for Design (MAD) is not a degree-granting program, but it offers a rich environment for graduate students interested in design to explore, connect, and expand their practice.
Become a MAD Fellow
Each year, MAD selects a small cohort of graduate students from across MIT schools to join its Design Fellowship. Fellows come together around a shared commitment to addressing complex challenges through design, joining a vibrant, interdisciplinary community that spans engineering, architecture, planning, science, business, and the arts.
Learn about the Design Fellowship
Study Design at MIT
Graduate-Level Courses
Graduate students can pursue design through advanced courses across the Institute—from science and engineering to architecture, management, and media arts.
Browse design-related courses
Take MIT D-Lab Courses
Graduate students can enroll in MIT D-Lab classes marked with a “(G),” gaining skills in participatory design, hands-on making, and critical approaches to development. D-Lab faculty and staff may also supervise graduate student theses.
Explore MIT D-Lab classes
Access Makerspaces
Graduate students have access to MAD-affiliated makerspaces across campus — ranging from machine shops and digital fabrication labs to spaces focused on textiles, or environmental prototyping. These resources support exploration, iteration, and hands-on experimentation at all levels.
The N51 MIT D-Lab shop only supports students taking D-Lab classes or working on international development projects.
Explore MAD Makerspaces
Start a Venture
MAD supports student innovation through MITdesignX, an entrepreneurship accelerator focused on design-driven ventures. Graduate students can apply to join the program with their own project, or collaborate with others to bring bold ideas to life.
Discover entrepreneurship programs
Attend Design Events
Throughout the year, MAD hosts public events that bring leading designers, thinkers, and makers to campus — from keynote lectures and workshops to exhibitions and design provocations. Graduate students are always welcome to attend and participate.
Check out Upcoming Events
Apply for Funding
MAD offers graduate students direct support for their own ideas and initiatives. Students can apply for:
- Call for Events — funding to organize public-facing programs such as talks, workshops, or performances.
- Mini-grants — flexible support for student-led projects and activities aligned with MAD’s mission during the Independent Activities Period (IAP).