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Master of Design + MBA

Master of Design + MBA Program Overview

The IIT Institute of Design (ID) Master of Design + Master of Business Administration (MDes + MBA) program combines a user-centered, method-based approach with core management education. That makes this program ideal for professionals who aspire to lead collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation initiatives within global organizations. In this unique program, MDes + MBA students pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously, one with ID and one with IIT Stuart School of Business.

Founded on the belief that design connects and enhances every aspect of life, ID is dedicated to preparing students to effectively address dynamic and complex business, civic, and social challenges with rigor, depth, and imagination. Our MDes + MBA program curriculum gives students the real-world skills needed to integrate, interconnect, and innovate beyond the current practices of design.

ID students are taught to shape compelling opportunities through actively developing insight from multiple perspectives, exploring options through aggressive prototyping and critique, and identifying valuable directions that prompt action and support resilient change. Students learn through hands-on projects and real-world challenges, both individually and in team collaborations.

Program Extensions

Students with no formal design training are also encouraged to apply, as our Foundation program provides prerequisite skills and experience.

STEM Qualification for International Students

The MDes + MBA degree qualifies as a STEM degree which allows international students to apply for a 24-month extension to the typical 12-month optional practical training (OPT) period. This means students completing this degree may be eligible for up to three years of work in the US. Please see the US government website for more information.

Curriculum + Courses

  • The MDes + MBA is a two-year, 78-credit-hour degree program.
  • Customizable study: Over 80 percent of the courses in the MDes program are electives (seminars and workshops).
  • Core course modules include Insight Development, Human Advocacy, Prototyping, Critique, Systems Thinking, and Adaptive Leadership.
  • Concentration modules include Stakeholder Research, Communication Design, Design Futures, Policy Systems, Interaction Design, Service Design, Product Design, Systems Thinking, Business Innovation, Design Management, and Collaborative Design.

See the MDes curriculum overview or the full list of courses for more information.

Timing

Master of Design + MBA Degree Credits

  • 4 semesters, including summer sessions, depending on MBA scheduling (one semester additional with the Foundation program, the MBA can be taken in parallel).
  • 48 credit hours for Institute of Design (15 credit hours additional if the student is required to take the Foundation program).
  • 30 credit hours for IIT Stuart School of Business.
  • Full-time residency is required.

Costs

Below are the main costs associated with the MDes + MBA program. Download the estimated cost spreadsheet and financial aid guide for a more detailed breakdown and links to financial aid resources.

Tuition (2021-2022 rate) $29,675* per semester
Miscellaneous class costs and supplies $650* per semester
Living expenses (estimated rental costs) $6,750* per semester
Health insurance $1,896* per year

*estimated

Life + Career After ID

ID graduates have a greater than 90 percent placement rate and report high job satisfaction.

Our career services include structured programs like recruitID and careerID, as well as an active and engaged alumni network and robust events and programming, including our annual Design Intersections conference.

Our partnerships with organizations across Chicago and beyond give ID students a range of experience, building their resumes even before graduation.

ID graduates hold positions of influence in companies and design firms such as:
Amazon / Apple / BCG / Doblin / EY / Fjord / Google / IDEO / INSITUM / Logitech / McDonald’s / McKinsey / Motorola / Microsoft / Salesforce / SapientRazorfish / SC Johnson / Steelcase / Verizon

Organizations hire ID graduates for a wide range of roles:
Design Planner / Design Strategist / Senior Innovation Strategist / Director of Product Development / Director of Innovation Methods / Director of User Research / Brand Strategist / Director of Interaction Design / Senior Information Architect / Director of Strategy and New Business Development / Digital Enterprise Strategist / Director of Experience Design / Senior UX Researcher and Strategist

 

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Join our Graduate Program

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Application Deadlines

Spring 2023 admission
October 26, 2022
 
Fall 2023 admission
January 20, 2023 (early round)
March 3, 2023 (final round)
 
Admission to the MDes program with Foundation is offered for the fall semester only. You will receive an email confirmation when all of your materials have been received. Admission decisions will be communicated roughly four weeks after this confirmation.

Student Projects

Explore projects and discover recent student work in the End of Year Show.

Have a Question?

Visit our FAQ page for more information. If you have additional questions regarding our application process or requirements, please send an email to admissions@id.iit.edu or call us at 312-595-4900.

IIT Stuart School of Business

If you have additional questions about the MBA portion of this program, please contact Justine Grant or Dr. Krishna Erramilli.