This unique dual degree develops leaders unafraid to think differently. Master creative approaches to strategic decision-making and apply your learnings to complex business challenges across industries and sectors.
Location
Online
Length
2 years, 66 credits
STEM Designated
Two degrees
Interior Description
This the only degree of its kind where students study at both a world-renowned research institution, Johns Hopkins, and a premier art and design school, Maryland Institute College of Art. Leverage this powerful partnership and graduate with two degrees in less time. The unique integrated curriculum creates leaders unafraid to think differently, producing creative visionaries capable of transforming companies, marketplaces, and human welfare.
Co-created by two globally respected institutions, the Design Leadership MA/MBA dual degree program is built for bold thinkers who want to bridge creativity and strategy. Offered by Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), you’ll gain two degrees that empower you to lead in business and design, transforming not just organizations, but the world around you.
Why the Design Leadership MA/MBA?
Online learning, full-time support
Our online format was built with working professionals in mind. With a carefully curated mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses, you’ll engage with expert faculty, collaborate with peers, and complete real-world projects—all while maintaining your work-life balance.
Lead with vision and creativity
You’ll graduate with more than two degrees—you’ll graduate with the ability to see around corners. Learn to combine the logic of business with the insight of design to lead transformational change across industries.
Two top-tier institutions, one powerful network
This is the only program of its kind to bring together the rigorous business education of Johns Hopkins and the creative excellence of MICA. You’ll join two alumni networks—and open doors in design, consulting, innovation, technology, health care, and more.
Collaborate across disciplines and borders
With classmates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, you'll build connections that span industries, cultures, and countries—forming lifelong networks and opportunities.
What you'll learn
In this two year, online program, you’ll gain a toolkit that blends creativity and analysis.
Collaboration
Creativity and Innovation
Cultural Relevance and Awareness
Forecasting and Realization
Foundations of Design Leadership
Intersections of Business and Design I & II
Prototyping
Sustainability and Social Responsiveness
The Competitive Advantage I & II
22 credits of required business foundations courses:
Accounting and Financial Reporting
Business Analytics
Business Communication
Business Microeconomics
Corporate Finance
Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Marketing Management
Negotiation
Operations Management
Statistical Analysis
Strategic Management
20 credits of elective courses:
Electives can be tailored to your interests or aligned with one or more MBA specializations:
Andrew Hinton (Design Leadership MA/MBA ’17) chose a program that would allow him to lead on both the business and creative side of his company. As a Managing Partner and CEO of GL Capital, Hinton credits his dual degree from Carey Business School for giving him the tools he needed to succeed in starting and growing his company.
Experience meets innovation
Learning beyond the classroom
From CityLab to Discovery to Market, you’ll collaborate with real organizations on real problems. These hands-on learning experiences help you apply your business and design thinking skills to complex challenges—while building a professional network.
Startup success
Students Deanna Susser ’25 and Faridat Ilupeju ’25 secured a combined $100,000 in funding for their ventures at MICA’s UP/Start competition—proof that this program doesn’t just build leaders; it builds founders. Read their story →
Who you'll learn with
Our incoming fall 2024 cohort included:
73% women, 27% men
Average age of 30
Average undergrad GPA of 3.51
Average 6.8 years of work experience
Outcomes that speak for themselves
$116,667 Average base salary
$16,667 Average signing bonus
Our graduates thrive in roles that combine vision and strategy, including:
