Product Development Master of Science Degree

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A product development master’s degree program that integrates engineering and business courses to give you the skills you need to lead product development teams and organizations.

100%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

Overview for Product Development MS

Why Pursue a Master's in Product Development at RIT?

  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
  • Future-Focused Curriculum: Provides a dynamic program designed by academic and industry leaders to integrate formal education with state-of-the-art research and best practices from industry.
  • Flexible Learning: Complete your product development master's entirely online or on-campus.
  • Employer Sponsorship: Benefit from financial support and a well-articulated career development plan working with your sponsoring employer.

RIT's product development degree is a leadership program for experienced engineers and technical specialists who aspire to high-level positions associated with product innovation. The product development program integrates business and engineering management courses, delivering them online or on-campus so you can continue to work while taking classes.

New products and services are the lifeblood of today’s high-technology firms, and companies need more technically grounded leaders to drive the engine for business growth. RIT's product development program integrates business and engineering courses consistent with cross-functional, end-to-end product development and the systems perspective critical to conceive, create, launch, and support today’s complex product portfolios. You will acquire the foundation skills and strategic perspective necessary to become a future leader and senior manager who drives business growth through new products and services. In short, the master's in product development program prepares today’s technical experts for successful careers as project leaders and technically grounded senior managers of their enterprises.

To stay on the cutting edge, the product development program was designed by academic and industry leaders to integrate formal education with state-of-the-art research and best practices from industry. It includes a year-long capstone project that generates significant return on investment for sponsoring organizations. Electives and the capstone project provide flexibility to tailor the program's content to specific learning objectives of students and sponsoring organizations. The master's in product development is offered fully online or as a blend of online and on-campus courses. You may start any term (fall, spring, summer) and complete courses at your own pace.

Sponsorship

Most students are sponsored by an employer who is committed to improving leadership capabilities in product development. Sponsorship includes financial support and a commitment to work with you to provide clear expectations and a well-articulated career development plan that builds upon the program. Candidates are welcome to sponsor themselves. You may contact Financial Aid and Scholarship for more information.

This program is offered on-campus or online.

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Featured Work and Profiles

  • Margot Sandy

    Making a Global Impact in Product Development

    Margot Sandy, an RIT alumna and self-employed product development consultant, travels the world working with inventors and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

    Read More about Making a Global Impact in Product Development
  • Portrait photo of Bob Gerardi on blurry blue and green background

    Bob Gerardi

    Stout Risius Ross - Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer “My eyes have been opened to areas that our company can significantly improve, if we apply new ideas and are willing to change the way we do business. My participation in the MPD program has provided...

    Read More about Bob Gerardi
  • Portrait of Neil Dempsey on white background

    Neil Dempsey

    Panasonic Solutions Division – Director of Engineering & QA “My MPD experience equipped me with necessary tools to handle broader aspects of product development, the importance of engineering and manufacturing to the health of the firm, and the challenges that...

    Read More about Neil Dempsey
  • Portrait of Joseph Hancock on blue background

    Joseph Hancock

    ARCA (Bollengo, Italy) – Chief Technology Officer “I don’t think a month has gone by since I graduated that I have not considered and leveraged the knowledge and experience that I gained in the MPD program.”

    Read More about Joseph Hancock
  • Portrait of Scott with grayish-blue background

    Scott Latona

    Branson Ultrasonics - Vice President of Global Operations and Supply Chain “As Vice President of Global Operations, I continue to put my RIT MPD education to work. Being able to effectively communicate and interface with marketing, business development, product engineering...

    Read More about Scott Latona
  • Portrait of Charles Gardiner on brown background

    Charles Gardiner

    Xerox - Vice President of Distributed Development “I have seen several of the program participants we have sponsored ‘step-up’ to the next level. Some are now tackling the complexity of international product development partnerships and some are...

    Read More about Charles Gardiner
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Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Product Development MS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Educational Objective

To develop a leadership perspective and knowledge base of the total life cycle product development system, integrating management and (systems) engineering elements. To establish the foundation for the systems approach needed to conceive, create, launch, and support products and platforms. The program considers new product development in a larger framework: how a company’s business strategy, vision, and core capabilities coupled with the voice of the customer combine to determine product strategy and create best-in-class product portfolios.

Key Capabilities of Graduates

  • Leadership expertise of the product development process and of high-performing product development teams and organizations.
  • Improved leadership through structured systems thinking, design, and management.
  • A strategic, enterprise-wide and global perspective.
  • An innovative mindset receptive to changing markets, new technologies, and new opportunities.
  • Decision making in uncertain and fast-paced environments.
  • A market-oriented product development focus – i.e. the ability to transform customer problems, needs, and market opportunities into successful product portfolios.
  • Economic analysis and the application of sound business principles to effective management in the product development domain.
  • Project management: business and technical planning, relationship management and outsourcing, program control, structured decision making and risk management.
  • Enhanced ability to recognize barriers to success early, when corrective actions are less costly.
  • In-depth understanding and application of state-of-the-art tools for design, analysis, and management in the product development domain.

Embedded Engineering Competencies

The product development leader must apply engineering competencies to the development of strategic product architectures that relate to the business value chain of the corporation, to the integration of enabling technologies, and to the creation of realizable design concepts. These capabilities are supported by the abilities to:

  • Assess the merits and risks associated with emerging technologies.
  • Create products with acceptable product liability, life cycle cost, and environmental impact.
  • Create products consistent with manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.
  • Coordinate the product architecture with organizational structure.
  • Select which competencies are core to the business and which can be outsourced.
  • Create and implement an organization’s decision processes.
  • Identify and implement enabling technologies and tools.

Product Development, MS degree

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
DECS-743
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Study of the management of operations and supply chain management. Encompasses both manufacturing and services. Topics include operations and supply chain strategy, ethical behavior, forecasting; work systems, inventory management, capacity and materials planning, lean operation, supply chain design and closed-loop supply chains, global operations, quality management, quality control, and quality improvement, project management; and current issues. (Prerequisites: DECS-782 or MGIS-650 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
ISEE-771
Engineering of Systems I
The engineering of a system is focused on the identification of value and the value chain, requirements management and engineering, understanding the limitations of current systems, the development of the overall concept, and continually improving the robustness of the defined solution. EOS I & II is a 2-semester course sequence focused on the creation of systems that generate value for both the customer and the enterprise. Through systematic analysis and synthesis methods, novel solutions to problems are proposed and selected. This first course in the sequence focuses on the definition of the system requirements by systematic analysis of the existing problems, issues and solutions, to create an improved vision for a new system. Based on this new vision, new high-level solutions will be identified and selected for (hypothetical) further development. The focus is to learn systems engineering through a focus on an actual artifact (This course is restricted to students in ISEE-MS, PRODDEV-MS, MFLEAD-MS, ENGMGT-MS, MIE-PHD, BIME-BS students with a BIMEISEE-U subplan, ISEE-BS students with a ISEEMS-U or ISEEEGMT-U subplan, or those with 5th year standing in ISEE-BS or ISEEDU-BS.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
ISEE-772
Engineering of Systems II
The engineering of a system is focused on the identification of value and the value chain, requirements management and engineering, understanding the limitations of current systems, the development of the overall concept, and continually improving the robustness of the defined solution. EOS I & II is a 2-semester course sequence focused on the creation of systems that create value for both the customer and the enterprise. Through systematic analysis and synthesis methods, novel solutions to problems are proposed and selected. This second course in the sequence revisits the first sequence and views the engineering of a system through a lean perspective, as such the emphasis is on the system development process itself. (Prerequisites: ISEE-771 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
Choose one of the following:
3
   ISEE-750
Systems and Project Management
This course ensures progress toward objectives, proper deployment and conservation of human and financial resources, and achievement of cost and schedule targets. The focus of the course is on the utilization of a diverse set of project management methods and tools. Topics include strategic project management, project and organization learning, chartering, adaptive project management methodologies, structuring of performance measures and metrics, technical teams and project management, risk management, and process control. Course delivery consists of lectures, speakers, case studies, and experience sharing, and reinforces collaborative project-based learning and continuous improvement. (Prerequisites: ISEE-350 or equivalent course or students in ISEE-MS, ENGMGT-MS, PRODDEV-MS, MFLEAD-MS, or MIE-PHD programs or BIME-BS students with a BIMEISEE-U subplan.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
  
   PROF-710
 Project Management
This course addresses project management from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering the fundamental nature of and techniques for managing a broad range of projects. Topics cover the Project Management Life Cycle from Planning to Termination. It also addresses the behavioral and quantitative facets of project management, as well as the use of methods, tools and techniques for the initiation, planning, and execution of projects. Introduces the standard framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Bachelors degree or minimum of 5 years of work experience in a project related business environment. Recommended education or work experience in organizational behavior, mathematics and basic accounting. *Note: BUSI-510 may not be substituted for BUSI-710 in a graduate concentration or the advanced certificate in project management. Additionally, a student may not register for and receive credit for both BUSI-510 and BUSI-710, whether taken as an undergraduate or graduate student. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
  
   PROF-714
 Agile Project Management
Business agility allows organizations to quickly adapt to new markets. In a fast paced ever changing world of highly competitive products and services, organizations need to be able to deliver solutions to market quickly in an uncertain environment. Agile Project Management provides an iterative and incremental framework to explore and deliver high risk solutions efficiently in a rapid response timeframe. We will explore Agile Project Management practices across multiple industries including Agile project roles following the Project Management Institute® Agile Practice Guide. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking graduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
  
Choose one of the following:
3
   ISEE-751
 Decision and Risk Benefit Analysis
This course addresses decision making in the face of risk and uncertainty. Various methodologies will be introduced that are useful in describing and making decisions about risks, with particular emphasis on those associated with the design of products. Students will be exposed to issues related to balancing risks and benefits in situations involving human safety, product liability, environmental impact, and financial uncertainty. Presentations will be made of risk assessment studies, public decision processes, and methods for describing and making decisions about the societal risks associated with engineering projects. Topics include probabilistic risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis, reliability and hazard analysis, decision analysis, portfolio analysis, and project risk management. (This course is restricted to students in MFLEAD-MS and PRODDEV-MS .) Lecture 3 (Spring).
  
   ISEE-752
 Decision Analysis
This course presents the primary concepts of decision analysis. Topics important to the practical assessment of probability and preference information needed to implement decision analysis are considered. Decision models represented by a sequence of interrelated decisions, stochastic processes, and multiple criteria are also addressed. We cover EMV and Non-EMV decision-making concepts. Finally, the organizational use of decision analysis and its application in real-world case studies is presented. (Srerequisites: ISEE-325 or MATH-251 or MATH-252 or STAT-205 or MCEE-205 or equivalent course or students in ISEE-MS, ENGMGT-ME, or MIE-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
  
Choose one of the following:
3
   ISEE-781
 Excellence in New Product Development
Success in today's competitive global economy depends substantially on a firm's ability to define, develop, and introduce outstanding new products more efficiently and effectively than its competitors. This course introduces students to best practices and attributes of world-class product development leaders and organizations. Critical success factors and inhibitors to the commercialization of complex products and systems are discussed, along with state-of-the-art methodologies, processes, and tools. Emphasis is placed on the role of the product development manager in leading product strategy, high performing product development teams, and transformational initiatives essential to competitiveness. (This course is restricted to students in MFLEAD-MS and PRODDEV-MS .) Lecture 3 (Fall).
  
   MGMT-740
 Leading Teams in Organizations
This course examines why people behave as they do in organizations and what managers can do to improve organizational performance by influencing people's behavior. Students will learn a number of frameworks for diagnosing and dealing with managerial challenges dynamics at the individual, group and organizational level. Topics include leadership, motivation, team building, conflict, organizational change, cultures, decision making, and ethical leadership. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
  
SecondYear
MKTG-761
Marketing Concepts and Commercialization
An introduction to contemporary principles and practices of marketing. The course is structured around the process of marketing planning leading to the development of successful marketing strategies, including the commercialization of products and services in domestic and international environments. Focus is on environmental scanning techniques, setting and evaluating measurable objectives, innovating and controlling the interrelated components of product/service offering, planning and executing the marketing mix (channels of distribution, price, and promotion), and enhancing customer relationships through the delivery of customer value. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
 
Engineering or Business Elective
 3
Choose one of the following:
3
   ACCT-603
 Accounting for Decision Makers
A graduate-level introduction to the use of accounting information by decision makers. The focus of the course is on two subject areas: (1) financial reporting concepts/issues and the use of general-purpose financial statements by internal and external decision makers and (2) the development and use of special-purpose financial information intended to assist managers in planning and controlling an organization's activities. Generally accepted accounting principles and issues related to International Financial Reporting Standards are considered while studying the first subject area and ethical issues impacting accounting are considered throughout. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
  
   ACCT-794
 Cost Management in Technical Organizations
A first course in accounting for students in technical disciplines. Topics include the distinction between external and internal accounting, cost behavior, product costing, profitability analysis, performance evaluation, capital budgeting, and transfer pricing. Emphasis is on issues encountered in technology intensive manufacturing organizations. *Note: This course is not intended for Saunders College of Business students. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
  
Choose one of the following:
3
   ISEE-792
 Engineering Capstone
Students must investigate a discipline-related topic in industrial and systems engineering. The general intent of the engineering capstone is to demonstrate the students' knowledge of the integrative aspects of a particular area. The capstone should draw upon skills and knowledge acquired in the program. (This course is restricted to students in ISEE-MS, ENGMGT-MS, PRODDEV-MS, MFLEAD-MS, BIME-BS students with a BIMEISEE-U subplan, or ISEE-BS students with a ISEEMS-U or ISEEEGMT-U subplan.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
  
   ISEE-798
 Product Development Capstone
For the MS in Product Development (MPD) program. Students in the program must demonstrate intellectual leadership in the field of new product development. The general intent of the Capstone is to demonstrate knowledge of the integrative aspects of new product development in the context of a company-oriented problem solving project. The project should address issues of significance to multiple functions or disciplines and should draw upon skills and knowledge acquired from various courses and experiences in the program Team-based projects are encouraged. Projects must be approved in advance of registration. (This class is restricted to PRODDEV-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
  
Total Semester Credit Hours
30

Elective Courses

An elective course offers students the opportunity to better meet personal and organizational needs. Students may select from a long list of courses. Recommended electives include such offerings as Managing Research and Innovation, Lean Six Sigma Fundamentals, Advanced or International Project Management, Breakthrough Thinking and Creativity, Customer Centricity, and others.

Capstone Project

Students complete a project during the final academic year of the program, based on a real problem often identified in the companies where they work. The corporate-oriented capstone project encompasses the broad integrative aspects of new product development – it synthesizes, increases, and demonstrates the student’s understanding of previous program material and underscores the behaviors essential to product development leadership. The capstone project generates immediate benefits to sponsoring organizations. View our list of capstone projects for examples of projects past students have completed as part of the program.

Related Programs

Visit the Engineering Leadership department for information on related offerings, including the master of science in manufacturing leadership, graduate certificate programs, and non-credit workshops and training programs.

Programs are available online, on-campus, or onsite at your location. Contact us for information about partnerships and customized programs for your organization.

Note for online students

The frequency of required and elective course offerings in the online program will vary, semester by semester, and will not always match the information presented here. Online students are advised to seek guidance from the listed program contact when developing their individual program course schedule.

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Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus or online.

On Campus

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall or Spring Rolling Yes
Part-time Fall or Spring Rolling No

Online

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall or Spring Rolling No
Part-time Fall or Spring Rolling No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Product Development MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
79 6.5 56

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Additional Information

Prerequisites

Have at least two years of experience in product development or a related business environment.

Online Degree Information

The Product Development MS program is designed to be completed part-time (1 or 2 courses per term). Full-time options may be available with Graduate Program Director's approval. Your time to completion will depend on your plan of study, when your courses are offered, what electives you select, and if you choose to/are able to take a class for the summer term. Courses may be synchronous or asynchronous based on the preference of the course instructor. Academic advisors work with students on a study plan after admission to ensure classes fit student availability. Typically students finish this degree in 24-36 months. For specific details about the delivery format and learning experience, contact the Program Contact listed on this page. RIT does not offer student visas for online study.

Online Tuition Eligibility
The online Product Development MS is considered a professional degree that is billed at the standard (on campus) RIT graduate tuition rate. It is not billed at the designated online tuition rate. Scholarship is available off the standard tuition rate for this online program. View the current Graduate tuition rate.

Online Study Restrictions for Some International Students

Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization. Learners from the Crimea region of the Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria may not register for RIT online courses. Nor may individuals on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the United States Commerce Department’s table of Deny Orders. By registering for RIT online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

Faculty

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Related News

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Contact

Admissions Contact
  • Lindsay Lewis
  • Senior Assistant Director
  • Office of Graduate and Part-Time Enrollment Services
  • Enrollment Management
  • 585‑475‑5532
  • lslges@rit.edu
Program Contact
  • Mark Smith
  • Director of Leadership Programs
  • Department of Engineering Leadership
  • Kate Gleason College of Engineering
  • 585‑475‑7102
  • mark.smith@rit.edu
Offered within the
Department of Engineering Leadership