QS Rank:

32

Johns Hopkins University

Maryland
,United States

Program Name
MA/MBA in Design Leadership
Overview

The MA/MBA in Design Leadership at Johns Hopkins University is a groundbreaking program nestled within the prestigious Carey Business School. This unique interdisciplinary degree combines principles of design thinking with innovative leadership strategies, empowering students to navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic business landscape. The program spans 24 months, during which students immerse themselves in the intersection of design and business, preparing them to lead organizations with creativity and strategic insight. With a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip graduates with the skills necessary for driving transformative change in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and sustainability.
The curriculum of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership is structured to foster a comprehensive understanding of design methodologies while integrating core business principles. Students engage in courses such as "Design Thinking for Innovation," "Strategic Leadership in Organizations," and "User-Centered Research Methods." The program emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities, where students collaborate on real-world projects, offering innovative solutions to current challenges faced by organizations. This approach not only enhances their problem-solving abilities but also cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset critical for success in today's competitive job market.
Faculty members at the Carey Business School are not just educators but seasoned practitioners and thought leaders in their respective fields. With a blend of academic rigor and industry experience, the faculty employs a teaching methodology that emphasizes experiential learning. Students benefit from personalized mentorship, fostering a supportive environment where they can explore their creative potential. The instructors actively engage students through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, ensuring that they develop both soft skills and technical expertise necessary for leadership roles in design and business.
One of the standout features of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership at Johns Hopkins University is the abundance of research opportunities available to students. The program encourages exploration and innovation, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking research projects, participate in design competitions, and contribute to publications in prominent journals. This emphasis on research not only enriches the learning experience but also allows students to build a robust portfolio that showcases their skills to potential employers.
In addition to academic excellence, the program boasts strong industry connections that facilitate internships and job placements. Students are encouraged to engage with leading organizations through networking events, guest lectures, and collaborative projects. These connections often lead to valuable internship opportunities that enhance students’ practical experience and employability. Graduates of the program have successfully secured positions in renowned companies, ranging from startups to multinational corporations, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for diverse career pathways.
The career outcomes for graduates of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership are exceptionally promising. With the rapidly evolving landscape of business and technology, organizations are increasingly seeking leaders who can blend design thinking with strategic leadership. Graduates can pursue careers as design strategists, innovation managers, UX/UI designers, or organizational leaders, among other roles. The program’s commitment to fostering a strong entrepreneurial spirit prepares graduates to embrace and lead change, making them highly sought after in the job market.
Alumni of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership program have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, further exemplifying the program's impact. Graduates have taken on influential roles in Fortune 500 companies, launched their own startups, and contributed to significant design projects that have made a difference in their communities. Their testimonials often highlight the transformative nature of the program, emphasizing how the combination of design expertise and business acumen has allowed them to excel in their respective fields.
Unique features of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership set this program apart from others. The integration of design and leadership principles provides a holistic approach to learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. The program also emphasizes a global perspective, fostering a diverse community of students from various backgrounds, enriching discussions, and collaborations. Furthermore, the focus on practical experience through internships and research projects equips students with the tools necessary for success in their future careers.
Why Study Design Leadership at Johns Hopkins University
- A renowned program with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, combining design and business principles.
- Access to experienced faculty who are leaders in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the program.
- State-of-the-art facilities and resources that support extensive research and practical learning opportunities.
- Robust industry connections that lead to internships and job placements, enhancing career prospects for graduates.
- A diverse and inclusive community that enriches the learning environment and fosters innovative thinking.
- A strong alumni network that provides ongoing support and connections in the professional world.
With a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, Johns Hopkins University stands as a premier choice for students seeking to advance their careers in design and business leadership. As the demand for skilled leaders who can navigate the intersection of these fields continues to grow, the MA/MBA in Design Leadership prepares students to thrive in an ever-evolving global marketplace. This program not only offers a comprehensive educational experience but also cultivates the visionaries of tomorrow who will shape the future of business.

Duration
24 Months
Ranking
#7
US World and News Report
#15
The World University Rankings
#32
QS World University Rankings
Class Profile
Diversity
China:
10%India:
5%Others:
12%United States:
66%Canada:
4%United Kingdom:
3%Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
7
TOEFL
100
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

Application Fee: 75
Application Deadlines
Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees
$52,265 / year
FAQs
- Admissions Requirements:
The MA/MBA in Design Leadership program at Johns Hopkins University requires prospective students to meet certain admissions criteria to ensure they are well-prepared for the rigors of the program. While specific details on GPA, standardized tests, or work experience may vary, applicants typically need to demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant professional experience, and a commitment to the interdisciplinary nature of design and business. It is advisable to check the official program website for the most current and detailed admissions guidelines.
- Curriculum Structure:
The curriculum of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both design methodologies and core business principles. Over the span of 24 months, students engage in various courses, such as:
- Design Thinking for Innovation
- Strategic Leadership in Organizations
- User-Centered Research Methods
This curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to collaborate on real-world projects, thereby enhancing their problem-solving abilities and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset essential for success in today's competitive job market.
- Teaching Methods:
At the Carey Business School, faculty members employ a teaching methodology that emphasizes experiential learning. This approach includes:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Collaborative projects
This methodology ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills through personalized mentorship and a supportive learning environment, preparing them for leadership roles in design and business.
- Unique Features:
The MA/MBA in Design Leadership has several distinctive aspects that enhance its appeal:
- A holistic approach that integrates design and leadership principles for real-world application.
- A global perspective fostering a diverse student community, enriching discussions and collaborations.
- Emphasis on practical experience through internships and research projects, equipping students for future success.
These features ensure that graduates are well-prepared to tackle contemporary challenges in various sectors.
- Career Prospects:
Graduates of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership have promising career outcomes. They are equipped to pursue various roles, including:
- Design Strategists
- Innovation Managers
- UX/UI Designers
- Organizational Leaders
The program's focus on blending design thinking with strategic leadership makes graduates highly sought after in the job market, particularly as organizations seek leaders capable of driving transformative change.
- Research Opportunities:
The MA/MBA in Design Leadership program offers numerous research opportunities for students. These include:
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
- Collaboration with faculty on groundbreaking research projects
- Participation in design competitions
- Opportunities to contribute to publications in prominent journals
This emphasis on research enriches the learning experience and allows students to build a robust portfolio, showcasing their skills to potential employers.
- Industry Connections:
The program boasts strong industry connections that enhance students' career prospects. These connections facilitate:
- Internships and job placements
- Networking events
- Guest lectures
- Collaborative projects with leading organizations
Such engagement not only helps students gain practical experience but also significantly improves their employability upon graduation.
- Alumni Testimonials:
Alumni of the MA/MBA in Design Leadership program have reported remarkable success in their careers. Many have taken on influential roles in Fortune 500 companies, launched their own startups, or contributed to significant design projects in their communities. Their testimonials often highlight:
- The transformative nature of the program
- The effective combination of design expertise and business acumen
- The support received from faculty and the overall learning environment
These experiences underline the program's positive impact on their professional journeys.
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