Executive Masters Of Business Administration
The Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) at RIT is desi...
M.S. in Product Development
Rochester
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Product Development at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with the skills needed to innovate and lead in the fast-paced field of product development. The program combines engineering, business, design, and manufacturing principles to give students a comprehensive understanding of the entire product development lifecycle—from concept and design to prototyping, testing, and commercialization. Students engage in hands-on projects and work closely with industry partners, equipping them with practical knowledge that can be immediately applied in real-world settings. Graduates of the program are prepared to take on leadership roles in various sectors, including consumer products, industrial design, technology, and manufacturing.
STEM-designated: The M.S. in Product Development at RIT is a STEM-designated program, emphasizing a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This designation ensures that the program is focused on developing analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential in the field of product development. Additionally, the STEM designation provides international students with the benefit of an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, allowing them to gain more hands-on experience in the U.S. after completing their studies. This is particularly valuable for students seeking to build a career in innovation and product development within the United States.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Product Development program at RIT is designed to offer a well-rounded education, blending core engineering concepts with advanced business and design strategies. The program includes courses in product design, materials science, manufacturing processes, project management, and entrepreneurship, allowing students to develop a robust skill set that covers both the technical and strategic aspects of product development. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as digital manufacturing, sustainable product design, and prototyping technologies. A key feature of the curriculum is the capstone project, where students work on real-world product development challenges in collaboration with industry partners, gaining valuable practical experience.
Research Focus: RIT’s M.S. in Product Development program emphasizes applied research, where students engage in projects that explore new materials, manufacturing technologies, and innovative design processes. Research areas focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of product development while ensuring that products meet consumer needs and business goals. Students have access to RIT’s state-of-the-art labs and facilities, where they can conduct research in areas such as additive manufacturing, sustainable product design, and advanced prototyping techniques. Faculty members, who are experts in various fields of product development, guide students in conducting cutting-edge research that can drive innovation within the industry.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Product Development at RIT has strong ties to the industry, ensuring that students are exposed to real-world challenges and have ample opportunities to work with leading companies. The program incorporates industry-sponsored projects, internships, and co-op experiences, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build a professional network. Through collaborations with companies in sectors such as automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and energy, students work on product development projects that address current industry needs. These experiences not only enhance students’ skills but also increase their employability upon graduation, as they are equipped with the knowledge and experience that employers are looking for.
Global Perspective: RIT’s M.S. in Product Development program offers a global perspective, reflecting the interconnected nature of today’s product development landscape. Students come from diverse backgrounds, which enriches the learning experience and fosters a global approach to innovation. The program also integrates global trends in sustainability, manufacturing, and digital technologies, preparing students to develop products that can succeed in international markets. Additionally, RIT’s extensive network of international partners and alumni provides students with opportunities for global collaborations, internships, and research projects, ensuring that they are well-prepared to work in an increasingly globalized product development environment.
Location
Rochester
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 54176
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 88 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- GRE Graduate Record Examinations: Overall score of 280 or higher is required.
- GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test: Overall score of 400 or higher is required.
WES Evaluation is required
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students and can be awarded based on academic merit, need, and specific program requirements.
Merit-Based Scholarships: RIT offers several merit-based scholarships for international students that are awarded based on academic achievement. These scholarships are intended to recognize the hard work and dedication of students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees, making education at RIT more affordable for international students. Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process, and no additional application is required.
International Student Scholarships: In addition to merit-based scholarships, RIT offers specific scholarships tailored to international students. These scholarships are designed to make education accessible to students from around the world and help them pursue their studies at a world-class institution. The scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria, and they are awarded based on factors such as academic performance, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic programs at RIT offer program-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships are designed to support students in specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, computer science, and the arts. Each program may have its own criteria for eligibility, and students are encouraged to check with their respective departments for details about available scholarships. Program-specific scholarships often offer additional opportunities for networking, research, and professional development.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: RIT offers graduate scholarships and assistantships to international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and professional achievements. Graduate students may also be eligible for teaching or research assistantships, which provide a stipend and valuable academic experience. Assistantships allow students to work alongside faculty on research projects and gain teaching experience, which can enhance their academic and professional profiles.
Graduates of the M.S. in Product Development program at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) have access to a wide range of career options in various industries, including consumer goods, electronics, automotive, healthcare, and technology. The program’s interdisciplinary approach equips students with a mix of technical expertise, design skills, and business knowledge, making them highly sought after by employers in product development, design engineering, and innovation management.
Product Development Engineer: These professionals are responsible for designing and developing new products, ensuring that they meet both technical specifications and customer needs. They work closely with cross-functional teams to bring ideas from concept to reality, focusing on design, prototyping, and testing.
Design Engineer: Design engineers focus on creating innovative, functional, and aesthetically appealing product designs. They apply their knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and user-centered design principles to develop products that meet market demands.
Project Manager (Product Development): Product development project managers oversee the entire lifecycle of product creation, from initial concept to final production. They manage timelines, budgets, teams, and resources, ensuring that products are developed efficiently and meet quality standards.
Product Manager: Product managers play a critical role in guiding the strategy, design, and development of products from inception to launch. They are involved in market research, user testing, and product performance analysis, working to ensure that products align with business objectives.
R&D Specialist: Research and development specialists in product development focus on innovating new products or improving existing ones by researching new materials, technologies, or design methodologies. These professionals are at the forefront of product innovation and often work in laboratory or development settings.
Manufacturing Engineer: Manufacturing engineers ensure that products are produced efficiently and at scale. They focus on optimizing manufacturing processes, improving production quality, and reducing costs, often implementing advanced technologies like automation or additive manufacturing.
Packaging Engineer: Packaging engineers design and develop packaging solutions that protect products, meet regulatory standards, and appeal to consumers. They often collaborate with product development teams to create innovative packaging that enhances product presentation and sustainability.
Sustainability Consultant: Many graduates of the M.S. in Product Development program go on to become sustainability consultants, helping companies design eco-friendly products and improve production processes to minimize environmental impact.
Entrepreneur or Start-Up Founder: With a solid foundation in product development, design, and business, some graduates choose to start their own companies, launching new products or services in various markets.
Innovation Strategist: Innovation strategists focus on identifying new opportunities for product development and market growth. They combine creativity with strategic planning to drive product innovation and business success.
Consultant in Product Development: Many graduates choose to work as consultants, offering their expertise to organizations looking to improve or innovate their product development processes.
