Design (M.Des.)/Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The dual-degree Master of Design (M.Des.)/Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) at the Illinois Institute of Technology is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to lead innovation through a powerful synthesis of user-centered design thinking and strategic business acumen. You will delve into complex challenges across business, civic, and social landscapes, developing the rigorous, imaginative, and interdisciplinary approach essential for driving impactful change. This program is ideal if you aspire to spearhead collaborative innovation initiatives within global organizations, blending deep design insight with robust management education.

You will undertake this intensive, full-time, on-campus program over two years, seamlessly integrating core management education from the Stuart School of Business with the methods-based approach of the Institute of Design. Your learning experience will be hands-on, involving real-world challenges, aggressive prototyping, and critical feedback. You will explore key areas such as user research, strategic communication, systems theory, and financial management, alongside electives to tailor your expertise. You will graduate with the dual qualifications and practical skills to excel in leadership roles, driving resilient change and shaping compelling opportunities in diverse industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This dual-degree program integrates design thinking with business acumen. Students will explore user research, strategic communication, and systems theory alongside strategic management, financial applications, and analytics for decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes understanding human experience, context, and communication systems, preparing graduates for leadership roles that bridge creative innovation and business strategy.

1 Required Courses

Principles and Methods of User Research
Strategic Communication
Introduction to Systems Theory
Modes of Human Experience
Analysis + Synthesis
Building and Understanding Context
Communication Systems
Embodied Design
Digital Media
Strategic Management
Financial Statement Applications
Analytics for Decision Making
Microeconomics and Game Theory
Leadership and Organization Design

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 72,189.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 72,189.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 144,378.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,080.00 - USD 2,995.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Eureka Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

68%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Artificial Intelligence & Machine LearningBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesCustoms, Trade & ComplianceDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringIT Support & Systems AdministrationPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalSoftware Development & EngineeringSupply Chain & Freight ManagementTax & Legal ComplianceTransport Engineering & Infrastructure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

Deloitte

Why Study Design (M.Des.)/Business Administration (M.B.A.) at Illinois Institute of Technology

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Moderate Application response time

Illinois Institute of Technology typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Illinois Institute of Technology in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Design (M.Des.)/Business Administration (M.B.A.) at Illinois Institute of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require separate permits, while off-campus work requires university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English test requirements, students can take Duolingo with specific score thresholds or TOEFL tests. For Duolingo, an overall score of 115 is required, and for TOEFL, a minimum overall score of 80 is needed.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers in roles such as Design Strategist, Product Manager, UX Researcher, Brand Manager, and Innovation Consultant.

What will I actually study in this course?

This dual-degree program combines a user-centered, methods-based approach with core management education. Students engage in hands-on projects and real-world challenges, preparing them to lead innovative initiatives in global organizations.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Design (M.Des.)/Business Administration (M.B.A.) program has two intake months: January and September. Make sure to prepare your application accordingly for these start dates.
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