Master of Design + MBA
Master of Design + MBA
Today’s organizations succeed at the intersection of business, technology, and design-led innovation—and they demand new combinations of human creativity and business acumen. Our unique MDes + MBA program brings together graduate degrees from the Institute of Design (ID) and the Stuart School of Business to develop exactly these capabilities.
At ID, human-centered design meets business strategy in a collaborative environment. Engage with industry partners in your first semester while building your portfolio and professional connections. Graduate prepared to lead collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation initiatives with two degrees earned in two years.
Lead Innovation
Complex organizational challenges require business leaders who can integrate diverse perspectives, prototype solutions, and drive strategic decisions through rigorous analysis.
ID’s MDes—where faculty pioneered human-centered design—combined with MBA training develops the strategic thinking and practical skills that open doors across industries, regardless of market conditions.
Why Did You Come to ID?
“I came to ID during a crossroads in my life where I wanted to figure out how to blend the skills that I’ve learned with the skills that I want.”
—Sai Allena (MDes + MBA 2024)
“There were so many large systemic problems that my background in architecture and structural engineering was not preparing me to solve.”
—Tera Delancy (MDes + MBA 2024)
Why ID?
“I have the opportunity to really dig deep into systems and understand what needs to change and why it needs to change.”
—Faysal Biobaku (MDes 2024)
“If you’re considering design in general, ID is the place to be for thinking broadly and deeply about what design means.”
—Michael George (MDes + MBA 2025)
What Makes ID Special?
“I love the small intimacy you receive at ID.”
—Selena Burke (PhD 2025)
“I’m an international student, but I’ve never been in a room where there’s so many different nationalities, races, backgrounds.”
—Samantha Chandra (MDes 2025)
Curriculum
Designed to See the Previously Impossible
The MDes + MBA is a two-year, 78-credit hour degree program with customizable study. 48 design credits are completed through ID and 30 business credits are completed through the Stuart School of Business. The MDes curriculum is organized across three stages of study: Entry, Core, and Concentration.
With students from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, the program allows you to shape your own educational focus.
Supported by academics and current practitioners, our curriculum constantly evolves to match the needs of today’s leaders. You’ll accelerate your career through hands-on projects and industry collaborations, building your portfolio and leadership skills.
These modules include the Foundation Sequence for students without formal design training, Fundamentals for students with minor educational gaps, and English + Design for those with limited English fluency.
These modules develop your critical competency for nearly any design practice. Core courses equip you to tackle complex challenges, explore creative possibilities, and build impactful solutions.
Concentration modules build application skills for specific design roles, including Design Research and Insight, Product-Service Delivery, and Innovation Strategy.
| yEar 1 | yEar 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring |
| Design Course | Design Course | Business Course | Design Course | Design Course |
| Design Course | Design Course | Business Course | Design Course | Design Course |
| Design Course | Design Course | Internship (Optional) | Design Course | Design Course |
| Design Course | Design Course | Design Course | Design Course | |
| Business Course | Business Course | Business Course | Business Course | |
| Business Course | Business Course | Business Course | Business Course | |
Course Highlights
Coursework
Real Projects, Real Impact
Student work at ID goes beyond the classroom into real organizational challenges.
Through client partnerships and real-world scenarios, you’ll build the skills, connections, and portfolio that are critical in today’s evolving job market—while developing an ethical approach to innovation that considers societal impact alongside business results.
Develop the technological literacy, creative thinking, and adaptability that The World Economic Forum identifies as most valuable to employers.
STUDENT PROJECTS
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Learn from Global Design Leaders
ID’s faculty are global leaders in human-centered design with extensive business and innovation experience.
In addition to teaching, all full-time faculty lead research initiatives where students participate, bridging academic learning with industry innovation.
FACULTY NEWS
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Create What's Next
Organizations need people who can tackle complex problems and create meaningful solutions.
ID’s MDes + MBA graduates do exactly that—they become the strategists, innovators, and leaders who shape how complex enterprises evolve.
Students partner with top organizations starting their first semester—places like Amazon Web Services, UChicago Medicine, and the City of Chicago. You graduate with actual work experience, not just coursework.
Our 2,500+ alumni work at Apple, McKinsey & Company, Ford, Mayo Clinic, and other leading organizations across 32+ countries. These alumni hire ID students. They know the skills we teach and actively recruit from our programs.
Illinois Tech ranks #1 for Earnings in Illinois (Wall Street Journal, 2025) and #16 for Salary Impact in the U.S. (Wall Street Journal, 2024).
Learn more about ID’s Career Services and building Your Future.
Alumni Highlights
Costs
Calculate Your Investment
When you’re weighing graduate programs, look beyond just tuition. Consider the cost of living in each city and how you’ll get around—these factors significantly impact your actual expenses.
ID’s location offers substantial savings, and our fee structure is notably more affordable than most institutions. While many schools charge around $2,000 per semester in fees, ID keeps fees to just $200 per semester.
Financial Assistance
All newly admitted MDes students are automatically considered for fellowships and scholarships, with early admissions considered first.
These merit-based awards are typically announced with your admission decision, eliminating uncertainty about your financial package.
Learn more about ID’s fellowships and scholarships.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2024-2025 rate) | $28,902 (per semester, does not include summer session) |
| Estimated class costs and supplies | $850 (per semester) |
| Estimated living expenses (room & board) | $8,250 (per semester) |
| Estimated health insurance | $2,070 (per year) |
STEM Qualification
The MDes 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’s website for more information.
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Get What You Need
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Get Started on Your Future Now
Spring 2026 Admission
October 24, 2025 (final admission)
Fall 2026 Admission
December 1, 2025 (priority admission)
February 6, 2026 (final general admission)
Admission to the MDes program with the Foundation or English sequence is offered for the fall semester only.