UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · UNITED STATES
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€71k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 12 credits of approved electivesConcentration Requirement
- 3 core areas: Desirability, Managing Business Innovation, Designing Lasting SolutionsCurriculum Structure
- Integrated into the 2-year Full-Time MBAProgram Integration
- Tailored for careers in tech, impact, consulting, and marketingCareer Focus
- Develops skills in product management and innovative thinkingSkill Development
The Full-Time MBA program at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business offers a Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration. This specialized track is designed for MBA students passionate about design thinking, product management, and related fields. It prepares graduates for diverse careers in technology, consulting, marketing, social impact, and beyond. The concentration integrates modern business practices with innovative methodologies, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and product development. Students complete the concentration within their two-year MBA program, gaining practical experience and a competitive edge in the evolving business landscape.
Curriculum
To complete the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration, students must earn a total of 12 elective credits. These credits must include coursework from three required areas: Desirability, Managing Business Innovation, and Designing Lasting Solutions. Some courses may satisfy requirements in multiple areas but can only be counted towards one. The concentration is designed to be completed within the standard 57 credits of the Full-Time MBA program, typically initiated in the first year.
- Year 1 & 2
- Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP)BA 553
- Impact Studio: Translating Research into PracticeBA 670
- Consumer BehaviorMKT 613
- Marketing Research, Design and AnalysisMKT 618
- New Product & Innovation ManagementMKT 625/ES 605
- Marketing Engineering and AnalyticsMKT 630
- Digitized Stakeholder EcosystemsMKT 632
- Digital Marketing: Applications and AnalyticsMKT 642
- Customer Experience Value CreationMKT 650
- Customer-AI Value CreationMKT 624
- Integrated Product DevelopmentTO 548 & IOE 548
- How People LearnEDUC 591
- Principles of Software Design for LearningEDUC 626 /SI 548
- Needs Assessment Methods for Public HealthHBEHED 624
- Qualitative Methods in Public HealthHBEHED 638
- Motivational Interviewing in Public HealthHBEHED 671
- Designing Consumer-Health TechnologiesHBEHED 684 / SI 684
- Graphic Design and Visual CommunicationsSI 520
- Online CommunitiesSI 529
- Engaging with CommunitiesSI 547
- Fundamentals of Human BehaviorSI 588
- Needs Assessment and Usability EvaluationSI 622
- Theories and Practices of Community Change: Concepts, History, and ApproachesSW 650
- Legal Aspects of EntrepreneurshipBL/ES 504
- Intellectual Property LawBL 509
- Managing the Growth of New VenturesES 569
- Navigating Change: Skills and Strategies for Consultants and ManagersMO 603
- Social IntrapreneurshipMO 637
- Business Model InnovationSTRATEGY 675
- New Age of InnovationSTRATEGY 630/TO 630
- Advanced Competitive StrategySTRATEGY 669
- AI and Strategy: Lead in the Age of Intelligent MachinesSTRATEGY 699
- Artificial Intelligence for BusinessTO 633
- Intro to Innovation CareersENTR 500
- Innovation and Intellectual Property StrategyENTR 530
- Project Management & ConsultingENTR 560
- Transformative Learning and Teaching with TechnologySI 549
- Natural Language Processing: Algorithms and PeopleSI 630
- Organizing for Social and Political ActionSW 652
- Sustainability & Social ChangeURP 532
- Skills and Strategies for Community ChangeURP 586
- Business Strategies for the Base of the PyramidBA 612
- Living Business Leadership ExperienceBA 655
- Living Business Leadership ExperienceBA 656
- Living Business Leadership ExperienceBA 657
- New Venture CreationES 615
- Innovation in Global Health DeliverySTRATEGY 562/TO 563
- Technology-Inspired Business ModelsENTR 520
- Problem Solving InitiativeLAW 741
- Citizen Interaction DesignSI 538
- Introduction to Interaction DesignSI 582
- Urban Design StudioEAS 750
Careers
The Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration equips MBA graduates with skills highly sought after in today's dynamic job market. Graduates are prepared for roles that require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to drive innovation within organizations.
- Product Manager
- Innovation Consultant
- Brand Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Strategy Analyst
- New Venture Lead
- Tech Industry Roles
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the MBA program with the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration?
- For the 2025-26 academic year, the tuition rate for international students (non-residents) in the Full-Time MBA program is $82,438 per year. This rate is based on 15+ credit hours per term.
- How long does the Full-Time MBA program with the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration take to complete?
- The Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration is integrated into the two-year Full-Time MBA program. Students complete the concentration within the standard program duration.
- What are the curriculum requirements for the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration?
- To complete the concentration, students must earn 12 elective credits. These credits must include coursework from three required areas: Desirability, Managing Business Innovation, and Designing Lasting Solutions.
- What are the estimated living expenses for international students?
- Estimated living expenses for a single student for the 2025-26 academic year are approximately $24,300. This estimate covers housing, food, personal expenses, and transportation.
- What are the application deadlines for the Full-Time MBA program?
- The application process typically has three rounds with deadlines in Fall and Winter for Fall admission. Please refer to the official admissions portal for specific dates.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MBA with a Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Product Manager, Innovation Consultant, Brand Manager, and Strategy Analyst, particularly within the tech industry and other organizations seeking strategic problem-solving and innovation skills.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required for admission to the MBA program.
TOEFL/IELTS/PTEOfficial scores from a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exam are required for international applicants whose native language is not English, unless they meet specific waiver criteria.
Admission to the MBA program is competitive and holistic. Applicants are evaluated on academic background, professional experience, leadership potential, and GMAT/GRE scores. Specific requirements for the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration are met through elective course selection within the MBA program.
Fees
Tuition (international)The Full-Time MBA program for the 2025-26 academic year has a tuition rate of $82,438 per year for non-residents (international students). This rate is based on 15+ credit hours per term.
Tuition (home)The Full-Time MBA program for the 2025-26 academic year has a tuition rate of $54,938 per year for Michigan residents. This rate is based on 15+ credit hours per term.
LivingEstimated living expenses for a single student for the 2025-26 academic year are approximately $24,300. This includes housing, food, personal expenses, and transportation.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Mandatory fees are additional. Please refer to the University of Michigan Office of the Registrar for the most up-to-date information. For a comprehensive cost of attendance, consult the Office of Financial Aid.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the application form through the official admissions portal. This includes providing personal, academic, and professional background information.
2. Submit Essays and ResumePrepare and upload required essays and an updated professional resume as part of the application.
3. Provide GMAT/GRE ScoresSubmit official GMAT or GRE scores. The program evaluates these scores as part of a holistic review.
4. Obtain Letters of RecommendationSecure two professional letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your skills and potential.
5. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
6. English Proficiency RequirementsInternational applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, unless eligible for a waiver.
7. InterviewShortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which is a crucial part of the evaluation process.
8. Financial DocumentationInternational applicants may need to provide documentation of financial resources to support their studies.
Scholarships
Fellowships and ScholarshipsVariable
Accreditation
The University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the MBA program with the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration?
+
For the 2025-26 academic year, the tuition rate for international students (non-residents) in the Full-Time MBA program is $82,438 per year. This rate is based on 15+ credit hours per term.
How long does the Full-Time MBA program with the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration take to complete?
+
The Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration is integrated into the two-year Full-Time MBA program. Students complete the concentration within the standard program duration.
What are the curriculum requirements for the Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration?
+
To complete the concentration, students must earn 12 elective credits. These credits must include coursework from three required areas: Desirability, Managing Business Innovation, and Designing Lasting Solutions.
What are the estimated living expenses for international students?
+
Estimated living expenses for a single student for the 2025-26 academic year are approximately $24,300. This estimate covers housing, food, personal expenses, and transportation.
What are the application deadlines for the Full-Time MBA program?
+
The application process typically has three rounds with deadlines in Fall and Winter for Fall admission. Please refer to the official admissions portal for specific dates.
What are the career prospects after completing the MBA with a Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Product Manager, Innovation Consultant, Brand Manager, and Strategy Analyst, particularly within the tech industry and other organizations seeking strategic problem-solving and innovation skills.