

The Business Administration and Design Innovation (MMM) program provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum for students who want to combine analytical business expertise with creative design thinking to lead innovation in modern organizations. The program integrates coursework in strategic management, innovation processes, design thinking, and organizational analysis, offering learners a strong foundation for understanding how business models and human-centered solutions shape competitive advantage. Through case studies, collaborative workshops, and problem-framing exercises, students investigate how companies navigate complex markets, develop new products, and implement transformative strategies. This structure equips learners with a versatile skill set that blends strategy, creativity, and practical business insight.
In addition to conceptual rigor, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through immersive design labs, rapid prototyping sessions, industry collaborations, and real-world consulting challenges. Students strengthen competencies in creative problem-solving, team collaboration, market analysis, and iterative design while working directly with organizations seeking innovative solutions. Exposure to multidisciplinary perspectives, user research methods, and design-led leadership approaches enables learners to understand how innovation emerges from the intersection of empathy, technology, and strategic intent. By merging business knowledge with design methodology, the program prepares graduates to guide organizations through uncertainty and develop solutions that deliver both functional and human-centered value.
Semester 1 – Business Foundations, Design Principles & Strategic Insight
• Strategic Management and Competitive Positioning
• Design Thinking and Human-Centered Innovation
• Financial Analysis for Business Leadership
• Creativity, Ideation, and Rapid Prototyping
Semester 2 – Applied Innovation, Market Strategy & Capstone Integration
• Innovation Management and Product Development
• Market Research and Customer Insights
• Business Model Design and Organizational Change
• MMM Capstone Project / Industry Innovation Challenge
Graduates of this program are prepared for interdisciplinary roles that require strong strategic thinking combined with design-driven innovation. Many professionals work in innovation consulting firms, product strategy teams, technology companies, and corporate innovation units, contributing to concept development, user research, strategic planning, and new product or service design. Responsibilities may include identifying market opportunities, developing innovation roadmaps, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, refining user experiences, and evaluating business impact. With a strong foundation in both business administration and design methodology, graduates are also well suited for roles in entrepreneurship, brand strategy, design operations, organizational transformation, and experience innovation. The program further supports advancement into leadership positions where vision, adaptability, and creative strategy drive organizational success.
This program is ideal for students who want to bridge analytical business skills with creative design thinking to influence how organizations innovate and grow. Its curriculum emphasizes strategic creativity, human-centered design, and applied business insight, providing a structured pathway from foundational management principles to advanced innovation leadership. The one-year format offers an intensive and immersive experience supported by expert faculty, design studios, and opportunities to work on real organizational challenges. Students benefit from hands-on prototyping, interdisciplinary teamwork, and exposure to industry trends that strengthen both strategic and creative abilities. For individuals seeking careers at the intersection of business strategy and design-driven innovation, this program offers a highly relevant and forward-facing academic journey.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States