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:
The testing service should report the TOEFL scores directly to Indiana University Bloomington.
IU’s TOEFL code is 1324.
Master of Design Leadership English proficiency minimum score requirements:
Non-native English speakers must provide a TOEFL minimum score 79 or an IELTS minimum score 6.5.
All application materials much be received by 5pm on December 15, 2025, for the fall 2026 start term.
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.
