Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Design with a concentration in Design Management at the University of Kansas bridges the gap between creative innovation and business strategy. This graduate program prepares students to lead, collaborate, and manage design-focused initiatives within industries that value problem-solving, branding, user experience, sustainability, and organizational change. Designed for professionals seeking leadership roles, the masters in design management equips students to align design practice with organizational goals and long-term strategy.
Offered through the School of Architecture & Design, this program provides a unique interdisciplinary approach—balancing design strategy, organizational behavior, research, and project management. Students in the master of design program gain practical experience while developing the critical skills needed to influence design decisions at the executive level.
The curriculum equips students to manage creative teams, develop design-centered business solutions, and lead initiatives that prioritize user-centered outcomes and strategic innovation. Unlike traditional design degrees focused primarily on production, the design management masters programs at KU emphasize leadership, planning, and process optimization—preparing graduates to operate at the intersection of creativity and organizational decision-making. Students build fluency in translating design intent into actionable plans that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
Throughout the program, students examine how design functions within complex systems, from internal operations to external market forces. The master of design management emphasizes research-informed decision-making, ethical leadership, and collaboration across disciplines. Students develop the ability to evaluate design initiatives not only for aesthetic impact, but also for effectiveness, feasibility, and alignment with institutional priorities.
Whether career goals involve leading in-house design teams, consulting on innovation initiatives, or managing cross-functional projects, KU’s design management graduate programs provide a structured pathway for advancement. Graduates are prepared to guide organizations through change by applying design thinking at a strategic level while managing people, resources, and outcomes.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
KU School of Architecture and Design
The Master’s of Design Management and Strategy is part of the School of Architecture and Design, where students are driven to meet challenges through relentless creativity and solutions-based design.Master’s in Design Management & Strategy Learning Outcomes
Graduates of KU’s design management graduate programs will be able to:
- Apply design thinking principles to solve complex organizational problems
- Lead multidisciplinary teams using effective communication and project planning strategies
- Integrate user-centered research into strategic decision-making
- Manage design resources, timelines, and stakeholder expectations
- Understand the business and organizational implications of design decisions
What Careers Are Possible with a Master’s in Design Management & Strategy?
Graduates of the design management masters programs at KU are prepared to lead at the intersection of design and business. According to Lightcast labor market data:
- Median Salary: $75,000–$105,000 depending on industry and experience
- Career Paths: Design project manager, Creative director, UX strategist, Brand consultant, Innovation officer, Product manager
- Top Employers: Design agencies, tech companies, consulting firms, start-ups, corporate marketing and product teams
- Job Outlook: Strong demand for leaders who understand both creative processes and strategic business goals
Design management masters jobs allow professionals to steer design-driven growth, lead teams, and create value through user-focused innovation.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate students may be eligible for scholarships, assistantships, or employer-based tuition reimbursement. For complete tuition details and financial support resources, visit the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.Admission Requirements
To apply for the masters in design management at KU, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GRE test results are not required, but are preferred
- Provide official academic transcripts
- A portfolio of your design work; if your previous degree is not in a design-related discipline, you may submit writing samples or other creative work
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Provide a current résumé or CV
- Statement of design philosophy and approach
- TOEFL or IELTS scores required for international applicants
- For international students, a financial statement showing minimum financial support for the first year of study
For more admission information, please visit the School of Design.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in KU’s design management graduate programs benefit from:
- Applied design research using qualitative and quantitative methods
- Collaboration with professionals and faculty on live projects
- Access to design studios, digital fabrication labs, and the Center for Design Research
- Capstone experiences that synthesize learning into real-world strategic outcomes
- Exposure to national and global trends in strategic design and design leadership
Master’s in Design Management & Strategy Sample Courses
The master of design management curriculum includes a mix of core design theory, project leadership, and strategic planning. Sample courses include:
- Service and User Experience Design
- Design Management
- Design Scenarios and Simulations
- Strategic Design Innovation
- Design Ethics
Explore the full course list in the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Design Management & Strategy Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The application deadline for fall is April 1 and October 1 for spring.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.