Best MBA programs for Designers

Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team

This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series

Best MBA programs for Designers

While an MBA may not be a traditional path for designers, many designers with entrepreneurial aspirations or seeking to advance in management roles may benefit from an MBA. An MBA can provide a strong business foundation and help designers understand how to manage design teams, work with clients, and bring products to market. Here are some of the best MBA programs for designers:

1. Harvard Business School – Harvard Business School’s MBA program is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on case studies. It also offers a Design Thinking course and an Innovation and Entrepreneurship course that are particularly relevant for designers.
2. Stanford Graduate School of Business – Stanford Graduate School of Business is known for its strong entrepreneurship focus and offers an Innovation and Design course. The program also has a unique “Design for Extreme Affordability” course that challenges students to design products for low-income communities.
3. MIT Sloan School of Management – MIT Sloan School of Management’s MBA program has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, which is particularly relevant for designers. The program also offers a course in Design Thinking and Innovation.
4. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University offers a unique MMM (MBA + Master of Engineering Management) program that combines design and engineering skills with business and management skills.
5. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers a range of courses in entrepreneurship, innovation, and design. The school’s focus on finance and marketing may also be beneficial for designers looking to start their own businesses or work in management roles.

Tips for Designers Pursuing an MBA:

1. Emphasize your design skills and experience – When applying to MBA programs, be sure to highlight your design skills and experience. Admissions committees will be interested in applicants who can bring a unique perspective to the program.
2. Network with other designers – Look for opportunities to connect with other designers who have pursued MBAs. They can provide valuable insights and advice on how to balance design and business skills.
3. Pursue internships and projects that combine design and business – Look for internships or project opportunities that allow you to combine your design skills with business and management skills. This can help you build a strong portfolio and demonstrate your ability to work across disciplines.
4. Develop a strong understanding of business fundamentals – While your design skills are valuable, it’s important to also have a strong understanding of business fundamentals such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

Table: Top 30 Business Schools for Designers

1. Stanford Graduate School of Business
2. Harvard Business School
3. MIT Sloan School of Management
4. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
5. Columbia Business School
6. Yale School of Management
7. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan
8. Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College
9. Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley
10. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
11. McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin
12. Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles
13. Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
14. Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University
15. Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University
16. Fuqua School of Business at Duke University
17. Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia
18. McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University
19. Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington
20. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington
21. Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame
22. Goizueta Business School at Emory University
23. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University
24. Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota
25. Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis
26. Questrom School of Business at Boston University
27. The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine
28. David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah
29. Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University
30. Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia.