The KU design management program advances the principles, practices and profession of design in the marketplace. Program emphasis is on customer-centered innovation with ties to brand, product, service and systems. Students explore the design function in business and develop understandings of strategic, tactical and operational management methods and techniques that improve team performance and accomplish imaginative business goals. Project work offers students hands-on experience in developing original, research-based concepts, plans and designs.
 
The Curriculum
The Master of Arts degree in Design Management requires students to complete 31 hours of coursework. Twelve hours are in the major area of study, including design management, design strategies and methods, strategic design innovation, designing business services and consumer experiences. The additional 19 hours include electives in and outside of the department, research seminars and thesis. Design management students must write a thesis documenting an independent investigation and pass an oral examination on the research and its outcomes.