Programs and applications

Master of Design (MDes)

The Master of Design program is a two-year full-time degree that teaches advanced design methods and how to apply them to communications, products, interaction, services, systems, and design planning.  Students receive extensive training in user research, business strategy, systems design, concept visualization, and other key skills. Those students with no prior experience in design are required to take a foundation year prior to starting the main program.  The average entering age is 28.

Master of Design Methods (MDM)

The Master of Design Methods (MDM) is a two-year, weekend-only executive master's degree, with the opportunity to take courses in the full-time program.  This program is for exceptional design, management, engineering, and other professionals who wish to acquire robust design methods and frameworks and apply design thinking to the development of products, communications, services, and systems. Applicants must have a proven track record of leading innovation initiatives.  The average entering age is 37.

Master of Design / MBA

The MDes + MBA is a five-semester dual-degree program conducted in partnership with IIT's Stuart School of Business. Graduates emerge from the program with a combined design and business skill set, prepared to manage innovation in organizations.

PhD

The Institute of Design established the first doctoral program in design in the United States. The program is dedicated to the development and dissemination of new theories and knowledge about design practice and design-related activities.

For more information, please contact Rachel Dean, director of graduate admission and retention, using our contact form or 312.595.4906.