**Starting Fall 2022, the Academy WILL NOT be accepting MSPRIN applications. The online MS in Integrated Design, Business and Technology program is currently accepting applications for future terms.**

The USC Iovine and Young Academy’s Master of Science in Product Innovation (MSPRIN) offers a revolutionary new degree for advanced students wishing to pursue product design for the 21st century. Reimagining the traditional concept of a product to encompass not just physical objects but also virtual, multi-dimensional and cross-platform devices, environments and experiences, this groundbreaking program provides students with an expertise in the development and launch of products that address the needs of a technology enhanced global society. In addition to developing proficiency in collaborative design methodologies, students also learn to work within existing product ecosystems to take ideas from concept through prototyping, funding, manufacturing, marketing and distribution, and to envision new models for product-driven businesses. 

Unique to the Academy’s degree is the integration of four core disciplines, deemed “new literacies” for the 21st century. Interweaving design, technology, business and communication, Academy coursework prepares students to adapt quickly to changing work environments and consumer or user needs. Utilizing the Academy’s signature cohort model, students from diverse backgrounds and areas of practice including design, engineering, computer science, architecture, and visual and interactive media combine knowledge and experience to ideate bold solutions to society’s problems, and products that will define the next century of consumer- and user-based industries. As is standard with all Academy programs, students have unprecedented ability to tailor their degree path to specific career needs and outcomes, and to set their own course for inventing the future. 

In addition to the traditional two-year course of study for applicants holding a qualified bachelor’s degree, the MS in Product Innovation also offers a progressive option for select USC undergraduates who wish to begin work on the master’s degree while simultaneously completing their USC bachelor’s degree (see requirements below). 

In-depth exploration of the mindsets, personalities and social, cultural and political factors that led to the world’s greatest breakthroughs. (Units: 2)

PRIN 502 History and Theory of Product Innovation 

Covers milestones of product design, including game-changing concepts and processes that led to disruptive innovations and new enterprise opportunities.  (Units: 2)

PRIN 503 Principles of Human-Centered Design

Advanced methods and techniques for applying human-centered design to the development and launch of products and enterprises. Includes workshop design and facilitation, co-creation and synthesis. (Units: 2)

In-depth look at what shapes our aesthetic values. Students gain facility in critical dialog, recognition and practice of aesthetic decisions across physical and virtual product platforms. (Units: 4)

Through case studies and applied learning students gain advanced knowledge in consumer desirability and the functional aspects of virtual and physical form and aesthetic design. (Units: 4)

An intensive look at the process of bringing a product from concept to market. Includes theory and applied techniques for both physical and virtual products. (Units: 4)

Advanced visualization concepts, techniques and tools used to communicate ideas, solve problems and enhance collaboration for product design and development. (Units: 4)

Advanced explorations of digital design tools, including industry standard software. (Units: 2)

Research, ideation, design, development and fabrication of products; applied principles of human centered design, blue ocean strategies and product desirability, feasibility and viability. (Units: 4)

PRIN 525 Physical Maker Lab (Making and Fabrication of Physical Products)

Fabrication of physical products; includes explorations of soft goods, hard goods and products suitable for hybrid or unique applications. (Units: 2)

PRIN 526 Virtual Maker (Web Frontend Production)

Making and execution of virtual products; includes explorations of digital and interactive systems and experiences, and products suitable for hybrid or unique applications. (Units: 2)

PRIN 530 Business Essentials for Product Innovators

Foundational concepts, methodologies and techniques for developing and launching products and enterprises; product road-mapping, supply chain, market research and user/consumer insight. (Units: 4) 

PRIN 531 Product Venture Design and Foresight 

What if doing business was re-framed as a medium for design? Students uncover their ability to see and activate groundbreaking opportunities in new product development. (Units: 4)

Advanced concepts, methodologies and techniques for developing and launching products and enterprises; organizational structure and culture, finance and sustainable growth. (Units: 4)

PRIN 535 Entrepreneur Lab (Finance For Disruptive Innovation)

Selected topics covering development of products for new enterprises; product viability, enterprise models, talent acquisition and management and legal considerations. (Units: 2)

Practicum through which student teams serve as design strategists for industry collaborators, and learn advanced methods and processes to solve problems in collaborative, field-specific environments. (Units: 2)

Product Innovation capstone leading to innovative outcomes, including advanced research artifacts, operational prototypes and breakthrough enterprises across multiple fields and industries. (Units: 2)

Continuation of PRIN 575a. Students refine and perfect outcomes, leading to a pitch/presentation to faculty and industry experts for funding or validation and critical networking. (Units: 2)

Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. (Units: Vary)

Academy-Approved Electives (Complete 12 units from the following list) 

MSPRIN graduate students must complete a minimum of 64 units, including 52 units in the Core and a minimum of 12 units of Electives. For complete program information, see the USC Catalogue. 

 Graduates of the Master of Science in Product Innovation will gain:  

A foundation in the languages and methodologies of industrial design, technology and the business of products 

An understanding of how these and other disciplines can work synergistically to present unique and potentially groundbreaking product ideas and solutions 

Increased facility and applied skills in industrial, visual and communication design, information technology, business modeling and branding, and management of product-based enterprises 

An ability to both manage and work in creative team environments, take part in and lead cross-disciplinary project teams, and excel in technology-driven business and design environments focused on the development of new and innovative products 

IYA Career Edge

As innovators who are well prepared for an ever-changing global landscape, Academy students are already capturing highly competitive internships, fellowships and full-time positions at a roster of leading global organizations. Startups founded by Academy students or teams have garnered more than $120 million in development funding and acquisition payouts, and won national and international awards for design and impact. Academy student ideas have been supported by leading accelerators, venture capital firms, and foundations, and highlighted in major press and media outlets, including Forbes, Inc., TechCrunch, Business Insider, Fast Company, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. 

M.S. Product Innovation

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