Design Leadership
The Design Leadership program offers an interdisciplinary and forward-thinking academic experience that blends creative problem-solving with strategic business insight. Students explore how design principles, user experience, innovation methodologies, and organizational strategy work together to shape successful products, services, and systems. Through coursework grounded in design thinking, leadership theory, and business fundamentals, learners build the analytical and creative tools necessary to guide innovation within complex organizational environments. The program’s flexible online structure allows working professionals to integrate their studies with ongoing careers while deepening their understanding of how design can influence decision-making and long-term business performance.
Alongside foundational coursework, the program emphasizes applied learning through collaborative projects, real-world case studies, and virtual studio-style experiences that mirror modern design and innovation environments. Students engage with faculty who are experts in business strategy, design research, and organizational leadership, gaining insight into how creativity and analysis intersect in professional contexts. Peer collaboration broadens exposure to diverse industries and encourages cross-disciplinary thinking, while assignments focused on innovation strategy and user-centered design help students develop solutions that balance human needs with business objectives. This integrated approach prepares graduates to use design as a strategic tool for organizational growth, cultural change, and market differentiation.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Design Leadership
- Degree Type: Master of Business Administration
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Part-time, Online
- Application Deadline: 18 March 2026
- Location: Johns Hopkins University, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Design & Business Strategy
• Principles of Design Leadership
• Organizational Behavior and Team Dynamics
• Strategic Thinking and Business Models
• Design Research Methods
Semester 2 – Applied Innovation & Experience Design
• User Experience and Service Design
• Innovation Management
• Creative Problem-Solving Techniques
• Data-Driven Decision-Making for Design
Semester 3 – Advanced Leadership & Strategic Application
• Leading Creative Teams
• Design for Organizational Change
• Integrated Innovation Project
• Elective in Branding, Digital Experience, or Entrepreneurship
Semester 4 – Capstone & Professional Integration
• Design Leadership Capstone Project
• Strategic Innovation Seminar
• Portfolio and Professional Development
• Elective Module in Design Strategy or Product Innovation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue roles in innovation teams, design-driven companies, consulting firms, and technology organizations, where they bridge creativity with strategic leadership. Many work as design strategists, innovation managers, product leads, user-experience directors, or organizational design consultants, guiding teams in creating impactful solutions and shaping business direction. Others work in non-profit or public-sector organizations, using design approaches to improve services, strengthen community programs, and support policy innovation. With skills in leadership, creative analysis, and strategic decision-making, graduates are equipped to influence both organizational culture and long-term business outcomes.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an outstanding choice for professionals who want to integrate creative leadership with strong business strategy, gaining skills that allow them to guide innovation across diverse industries. The curriculum develops strategic insight, creative leadership, and user-centered evaluation, ensuring students can translate design principles into effective organizational action. The part-time online structure offers the flexibility needed for working professionals while maintaining academic rigor through collaborative projects, peer engagement, and applied learning experiences. Students benefit from access to expert faculty, exposure to real innovation challenges, and opportunities to build a strong professional portfolio that demonstrates both creative and analytical capabilities. The program’s emphasis on design as a catalyst for organizational change prepares graduates to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence strategic direction, and foster innovation cultures within businesses. Ultimately, this degree equips learners with the confidence, expertise, and vision necessary to drive meaningful transformation and position organizations for long-term success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
