A.M.P. (Accelerated Master's Program)

Accelerated Master's Program: Master of Design Leadership (M.DL)

A degree grounded in the broad disciplinary framework of design thinking and based on ethical efforts to support diverse communities, stakeholders, and clients, the Master of Design Leadership (M.DL) may be completed within a single year or in combination with an undergraduate degree as part of the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP). Graduates emerge with

  • Deep knowledge of the design process
  • Understanding of diverse ethical traditions
  • Processes for transforming information into solutions
  • Ability to communicate with diverse communities
  • Leadership skills needed to produce effective, ethical, innovative, and engaged solutions

The AMP allows students to start taking graduate coursework while still in undergraduate status. Ideally, the student can complete any IU undergraduate degree plus the Masters in Design Leadership in five years total. This assists with retaining undergraduate tuition cost-savings as well as utilizing scholarship eligibility. AMP students work closely with staff and faculty to ensure enrollments, status, and timelines are all on track. For more information about the Master of Design Leadership AMP, please contact soadadmt@iu.edu.   

A degree for contemporary leaders

As we come to understand the multi-faceted nature of contemporary problems, single-perspective solutions no longer serve us. There is an emerging employment market for individuals who holistically understand how to lead a problem-solving process that is ethical, organized, and informed.

The Master of Design—Leadership (M.DL) responds to the growing need for leaders to respond to complex problems with ethical and innovative solutions that integrate differing needs, perspectives, and values as strengths.

Equipped in problem solving, communication, and project management, M.DL graduates are positioned to lead teams and client-focused interactions in the design, construction, and business consulting fields, among many other industries.

Steps to apply

You must send all materials online or by U.S. mail. Due to the volume of mail, the school cannot notify applicants of missing documents or confirm the receipt of materials.

The Master of Design Leadership requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level study. The coursework can be completed in one academic year (fall and spring) or completed on an accelerated path with an undergraduate degree. For more information about Accelerated Master’s Programs and timeline please visit: https://graduate.indiana.edu/degrees-programs/accelerated-masters.html

  • W500 DESIGN ETHICS (3 credit hours; examining practical ethics for how use of knowledge affects others and the environment, as well as professional implications of creation and use of information)
  • W525 DESIGN THINKING and STRATEGY (3 credit hours; examining the practical and theoretical ways designers identify and solve problems)
  • W550 DESIGN LEADERSHIP (3 credit hours; exploring leadership, communication, production, and human interaction in the context of the design process)
  • TOPICAL ELECTIVE 1 (See list below)
  • INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINAR or STUDIO 1 (3 credit hours; elective; exploring art, design, and merchandising beyond the students’ original field of knowledge)
  • INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINAR or STUDIO 2 (3 credit hours; elective; exploring art, design, and merchandising beyond the students’ original field of knowledge)
  • W600 PROJECT STUDIO 1 (6 credit hours; focusing on identification and elucidation of an individualized design problem)
  • W625 PROJECT STUDIO 2 (6 credit hours; focusing on a solution to the individualized design problem and communication of the process and solution)

TOPICAL ELECTIVES:

Eskenazi School

Students with prior Fine Arts background may be able to complete graduate level studios and seminars with instructor permission.

Kelley School certificates in Product Management or Social Entrepreneurship (require 15-18 credit hours)

Media School

MSCH-J572 Media Law in the Digital Age

MSCH-R501 Principles of Strategic Communication

MSCH-T505 Media Organizations

MSCH-T511 Research Methods in Audience Analysis

MSCH-T522 Managing the Creative Process

Luddy School certificate in data science (online, requires 12 credit hours) and courses in Human-Computer Interaction Design

O’Neill School certificates in Nonprofit Management, Public Budgeting and Financial Management, or Public Management (require 15 credit hours)

The Accelerated Master of Design Leadership accepts applicants in the spring, summer and fall terms. The standard Master of Design Leadership will have a fall entrance and corresponding deadlines.

Domestic applicants: all application materials must be received by 5 p.m. on January 15, 2026.

International applicants: all application materials must be received by 5 p.m. on December 15, 2025.

You must apply for admission to the University Graduate School. Your online application should be submitted at least two weeks before the deadline in order for your recommenders to have the opportunity to respond by the deadline. Your portfolio will not be considered if you do not submit this application. Please notify your recommenders of the deadlines.

You must provide the following information in the online application:

  • Academic Program: When asked to indicate your Academic Program, please select “Master of Design Leadership” in the drop-down menu. Statement of intent/artist statement: Submit a written statement (500–700 words) outlining your artistic goals and interest in pursuing graduate study. This statement can be submitted electronically at the end of the online application.
  • CV or Resume: Submit a resume including exhibitions, awards, employment, and other related professional pursuits.
  • Portfolio (OPTIONAL): A portfolio is not required, but if you have images or work that represents your skillset and expertise, please submit it with your application.
  • Three letters of recommendation: Submit the contact information (including names, street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses) of three people who will submit your letters of recommendation via the online application system. The online system will then email your contacts with instructions on how to submit their references online. The online recommendations should address your potential for academic success in a graduate program.
  • Pay the application fee: 

Send official transcripts from all of your undergraduate institutions attended, as well as from any graduate programs (if applicable).

The transcript must demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

For international students, if the original documents are not in English, a verified translation must be sent with your official transcripts in your native language.

If you are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree when you apply, a transcript showing your current enrollment in your course of study is acceptable. If admitted to IU, you must submit a final, official transcript verifying the completion of your degree and the date your degree was awarded directly to IU prior to your matriculation.

Mail official domestic transcripts to:

Graduate Coordinator
Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design
Fine Arts Building, room 132
1201 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405

Mail official international transcripts (with English translation) to:

Ferguson International Center, room 100
330 N. Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-7513

For domestic students: If your institution(s) can submit official transcripts electronically, please have them emailed to soadgrad@iu.edu.

Frequently asked questions about the program and how to apply

  • Yes, any bachelor’s degree will be considered with your supporting material. Our M.DL program will cover systems of design thinking and applications to issues external to the design field.
  • If you have a degree in medicine, nursing, or public health and are interested in solving complex issues related to device design or health administration, this program is right for you. If you have a creative background and are interested in using your skills to implement broader change, the M.DL is where you belong. The program will equip students from a range of backgrounds to lead a problem-solving process that is ethical, organized, and informed.
  • All application materials must be received by 5 pm on December 15, 2025, to start in Fall 2026.
  • Please follow the instructions above to submit your statement of intent/artist statement, resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, and application fee. Your official transcript must be sent to
    • Ferguson International Center, room 100
      330 N. Eagleson Avenue 
      Bloomington, IN 47405-7513  
  • For the required demonstration of English proficiency, please have your TOEFL scores sent directly to Indiana University Bloomington. IU’s TOEFL code is 1324. The minimum TOEFL score accepted is 90.
No
  • Yes! If you are coming back to school after time off and would like to see whether the program is right for you, IU has a continuing non-degree-seeking program that would allow you to take courses before you apply to the program.
  • Interested undergraduate students studying Comprehensive Design in the Eskenazi School can apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP). Please reach out to an advisor as soon as possible to discuss eligibility and plan your credits.

A portfolio submission is not required for the M.DL application. If you have work that demonstrates your skill, there is an option to submit a portfolio via Slideroom. Please do not submit a website.

No

Your undergraduate transcript must reflect a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

 

As an M.DL graduate, you will be able to
  • Utilize design technologies with emphasis on holistic solutions 
  • Hone project management skills toward design achievements  
  • Work in people-focused settings that include the team itself as well as ultimate stakeholders 
  • Design solutions that may include products, policy, or action plans 
  • Emerge with deep understanding of physical and digital environmental design and experiences 

Launching problem solvers across professions

Design and project management have become increasingly important parts of solving problems in interdisciplinary ways. Design firms seek job candidates who are comfortable working collaboratively, open to multi-disciplinary ways of thinking, effective at communicating with people unlike themselves, and prepared to recognize and respect the values of the clients and stakeholders involved in a project. Beyond design firms, graduates of the M.DL program will find job opportunities within non-design businesses and consultants focused on innovation, strategy, and product/service development.

 M.DL degree holders will possess the following competencies preferred by employers:

  • Ability to manage a team's creative process and outcome
  • Project management across multiple stakeholders in an organization 
  • Customer focus 
  • Creative thinking and flexibility 
  • Empathy for user and a passion to innovate for greater good Advocacy for users and solutions 
  • Receptivity to user/stakeholder feedback 

Study with scholars, makers, and design leaders

Work alongside creative design professionals and scholars across disciplines to develop your ability to lead client-focused interactions and project management teams in the design, construction, and business consulting fields, among others. Learn about our M.DL faculty at the links below.

Meet our M.DL faculty:

Justin Bailey, M.F.A. (Associate Professor, Creative Core)

Dorian Bybee, M.S. Arch (Lecturer, Interior Design)

Deb Christiansen, Ph.D. (Senior Lecturer, Fashion Design; Executive Director of Academics)

Peg Faimon, M.F.A. (Professor, Graphic Design; Founding Dean)

Alexander Landerman, M.F.A. (Lecturer, Graphic Design)

Hassnaa Mohammed, Ph.D., NCIDQ (Assistant Professor, Interior Design)

Bryan D. Orthel, Ph.D., NCIDQ, NCARB (Associate Professor, Interior Design; Associate Dean)

Jon Racek, M. Arch (Teaching Professor, Comprehensive Design)

Jooyoung Shin, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Fashion Design)

Kennon Smith, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Interior Design)

R. Spencer Steenblik, M. Arch (Assistant Professor, Comprehensive Design)

Hoa Vo, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Interior Design)

Jiangmei Wu, M.F.A. (Associate Professor, Interior Design, Graphic Design)

Take the first step toward design leadership

Apply now