Master of Design Methods
Master of Design Methods (MDM)
An executive master’s program for established professionals, Institute of Design’s Master of Design Methods provides a creative alternative to the MBA. Offered primarily online with occasional in-person events, ID’s MDM brings together a cohort of experienced professionals from diverse industries.
As a learner and leader, you’ll become a strategy expert, equipped to propel your organization forward with the latest design methods. And you’ll discover how to use design to see, and build, what’s next.
To learn more about our Master of Design Methods and the potential career opportunities it can provide, email us at admissions@id.iit.edu
Abstract Kaplan image
Professional Experience
Simon Dunne (MDM 2023) at MDM Immersion
Designed to accelerate your career.
Ideal applicants for the MDM program have approximately 10 years (8 minimum) of professional experience, including experience in leadership positions. Most applicants find themselves charged with innovation initiatives, or are looking to build or expand innovation capacity within their organizations.
At ID, you’ll learn from faculty focused on the intersection of design and business. ID faculty are both scholars and business practitioners, and they bring their industry experience into the classroom.
Our part-time remote format allows you to take material from one evening’s class to work the next day. To complete the degree in nine months, a full-time sabbatical format is possible.
Student Work
Curriculum
Advanced curriculum for today’s organizational challenges.
The MDM program and its courses are structured with immediate applicability in mind. Coursework combines theory and hands-on applications to explore emerging innovation methods, market insight, and human-centered design.
Small class sizes create a deeply collaborative environment.
Areas of Study
See All MDM Courses
Courses include:
- Analysis + Synthesis
- Principles & Methods of User Research
- Modes of User Experience
- Evidence-Based Design
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Behavioral Design
Courses include:
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Introduction to Systems Theory
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Business Design
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Innovation Frontiers
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Metrics that Matter
Courses include:
- Adaptive Leadership
- Implementing Innovation
- Strategic Communication
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Shaping Digital Futures
Immersions
Immersions
At the midpoint of your fall and spring semesters, you’ll be invited to MDM Immersions, 3-day in-person events where you’ll connect with peers and design leaders as you explore critical issues.
Recent immersion topics include:
- Design + AI
- Design + The Public Interest
- Design + Climate Change
Alumni
Alumni Kathleen Brandenburg and Vijay Kumar at Fernando Franco talk
A Global Network
ID alumni make up a strong network—a uniquely skilled set of more than 2,400 people across 32+ countries who deal with difficult issues and navigate them with clarity, purpose, and discipline. This vibrant network is invaluable to ID students and graduates.
In the past 15 years, over 175 students have earned the MDM degree and hold positions of influence at prestigious companies and design firms, such as Apple, Mayo Clinic, McKinsey, Steelcase and others.
Alumni Highlights
From Our Students
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)
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)
End of Year Show
At our annual End of Year Show (EOYS), current ID students show off their hard work and invite the whole ID community to explore the state of design, how it’s changing, and where it’s going.
Here’s a snapshot of EOYS 2024. Join us for EOYS 2025, coming May 16!
Timing
| yEar 1 | yEar 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring |
| Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (1.5 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) |
| Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (1.5 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) |
| In-person Immersion (1.5 credits) | In-person Immersion (1.5 credits) | In-person Immersion (1.5 credits) | In-person Immersion (1.5 credits) | |
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2024-2025 rate) | $2,155 (per credit hour) |
| Estimated class costs and supplies | $325 (per semester) |
| Estimated health insurance (can be waived) | $2,070 (per year) |
Deadlines
Spring 2025 Admission
November 1, 2024 (final admission)
Fall 2025 Admission
January 17, 2025 (priority admission)
March 7, 2025 (final general admission)
Request More Information
Please complete the form to request more information or if you have additional questions regarding our application process or requirements.