Many Disciplines. One Integrated Curriculum. Infinite Possibilities.

The Online MSIDBT program can be completed entirely through online classes; however, students may also choose to take in-person classes without restriction. Students can complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis. Students taking an intensive course load can complete the program in as few as three terms (including summers), while those with a lighter course load typically finish within two to three years. 

The speed and complexity of doing business increases with every new technological advancement. As a result, the ability to engage in transdisciplinary thinking and collaboration is more critical than ever. Today’s industry leaders are seeking talent whose mindset enables them to "connect the dots”, and to synthesize information across projects, areas, or fields to transcend technological trends.  

Data analysts have identified skills such as problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and ethical reasoning as those that are most in-demand by all employers, and especially as enhancements to the STEM fields. In fact, over 90% of STEM employers cited such skills in a majority of their job descriptions. In addition, 73% of companies report that they are investing heavily in design, and half of all IT jobs now require knowledge and skills in digital design. Similar investments in nurturing creative thinking have now led to the growth of new “hybrid” job offerings that require adaptive thinkers who can work across traditional domains such as digital tools, data analysis, business operations and management, and design, which is critical to driving success in every sector. 

The Academy’s Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology teaches students how to think and act critically and creatively at the intersection of design, business, and technology. Our students develop high-level problem-solving abilities and skills that can be applied across a broad spectrum of industries, fields, and areas of endeavor, and a mindset that embraces lifelong learning. Through the strategic application of human-centered design fueled by technology, agency, and the unbridled creativity of our incredibly diverse student community, Academy graduates develop new ways of working, learning, collaborating, and engaging with our communities, and drive positive change for industry, society, and the environment.  

"The program really forced us to think differently and to make things happen amongst our peers. It's a great feeling c oming together with people from different backgrounds to build towards a common goal." - Ara Yardemian

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Applications for Fall 2026 open on September 1, 2025. Apply via USC's Graduate Application portal.

Learn more about the Application Requirements here.

January 5, 2026 (EOD, Pacific Time) is the Priority Application Deadline for guaranteed departmental merit scholarship consideration.

March 2, 2026 (EOD, Pacific Time) is the Final Application Deadline.

No applications will be accepted after the Final Application Deadline.

 Learn more information about graduate financial aid and how to apply.

In CBRL courses, students collaborate in cross-functional teams, developing solutions to complex and often open-ended problems facing communities and organizations. The practical challenge focused on may be driven by industry representatives, faculty members, student teams, or individual students. 

Courses that count towards the CBRL requirement include but are not limited to: 

ACAD 406 Purpose-Driven Innovation Incubator (2 units) 

ACAD 432 Collaborative Prototyping in Health Innovation (4 units) 

IDSN 510 Integrative Practices Residential (2 units) 

IDSN 515 Professional Practices Residential (2, max 4 units) 

IDSN 540 Processes and Perspectives (4 units)

IDSN 546 Integrative Studio (2, max 4 units) 

IDSN 590 Directed Research (1-4, max 12) 

IDSN 597 Industry Practicum in Fashion Innovation (4 units) 

IDSN 548 Physical Maker Lab (2, max 12 units) 

IDSN 549 Virtual Maker Lab (2, max 12 units) 

IDSN 578 Entrepreneur Lab (2, max 12 units) 

IDSN 547 Industry and Impact Projects (2, max 12 units)

IDSN 599 Special Topics, depending on course content and logistics

Challenged-Based Reflective Learning (CBRL)

Students acquire Domain-Specific and Intersectional Skills in courses on human-centered design, design strategy, technology, and the business of innovation. Students develop a powerfully agile mindset to analyze challenges, think across disciplinary boundaries, and synthesize diverse ideas to create new technologies, ventures, and humane solutions for purpose-driven societal change. Students are advised to take courses that are outside of or advance their existing area of expertise and to develop strength in one or more of the emerging technology areas on which the Academy focuses.

The Academy comprises the following intersectional areas:

Interactive Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

Courses that count towards the Domain-Specific and Intersectional Skills requirement include but are not limited to: 

ACAD 402 The Community Playbook for Brands and Businesses (2 units) 

ACAD 422 Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust in Connective Healthcare (4 units)  

IDSN 500 Rapid Visualization for Complex Challenges (4 units)

IDSN 521 Designing Brand Identity for Startups (2 units) 

IDSN 522 Inclusive Design and Design Allyship (2 units) 

IDSN 523 Product Design for User Experience (4 units) 

IDSN 524 Physical Product Design (4 units) 

IDSN 528 Using Intellectual Property Laws to Protect Your Products and Ideas (2 units) 

IDSN 529 Marketing Strategy for Startups (3 units) 

IDSN 531 Front End Web Programming (2 units) 

IDSN 532 Back End Web Programming (2 units)

IDSN 533 Mobile Application Development (4 units)

IDSN 535 Ambient Computing for Fashion (4 units) 

IDSN 536 Designing Networked Objects: From IoT to Smart Environments (4 units) 

IDSN 537 Extended Reality for Fashion (4 units) 

IDSN 538 Extended Reality Technology (2 units) 

IDSN 539 Extended Reality Development (4 units) 

IDSN 541 Data Innovation and Analytics (4 units) 

IDSN 542 Machine Intelligence (4 units) 

IDSN 543 Augmented Intelligence (4 units) 

IDSN 544 Transformative AI in Society (4 units) 

IDSN 550 Opportunity and Uncertainty (4 units) 

IDSN 560 Narrative and Storytelling (4 units) 

IDSN 567 Materials Science for Product Development (4 units) 

IDSN 571 Devices and Systems for Body Computing (4 units)

IDSN 572 Embedded Computing for Human Performance (4 units)

IDSN 577 Finance for Entrepreneurs (3 units)

IDSN 580 Textiles for Fashion Innovation (4 units)

IDSN 581 Introduction to the Global Fashion System (2 units) 

IDSN 583 Future Fashion: Sustainable Systems and Strategies (4 units)

IDSN 597 Industry Practicum in Fashion Innovation (4 units)

Domain-Specific and Intersectional Skills

Students may take ACAD, IDSN, and PRIN courses approved by faculty and the program director. Students may also request approval for a limited number of courses offered outside the Academy that support their professional development.

MSIDBT students complete a minimum of 38 units, including 10 units of Challenged-Based Reflective Learning, 18 units of courses that build Domain-Specific and Intersectional Skills, and 10 units of Electives. The program can be completed in as few as three terms, with flexible options based on individual student interests and goals. For complete program information, see the USC Catalogue.

Our project-based, hands-on classes are taught by esteemed USC faculty in a collaborative, interactive online (or in-person) setting. All class sessions are live, allowing students and faculty to share ideas and work through problems in real time.  

The cross-disciplinary curriculum also offers an in-person elective residential (IDSN 515 Professional Practices Residential), in which student teams work on real-world challenge prompts, including in collaboration with leading non-profit and for-profit organizations in locations across the U.S. and the globe. These powerful and view-changing residentials provide students the opportunity to work up-close with people, organizations and companies that are changing the world, adding lasting value to the MSIDBT degree. 

The Academy offers a unique five-day immersive residential experience through its Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology (MSIDBT). 

Available to all graduate and undergraduate students, the IDSN 515 Professional Practices Residential (PPR) places student teams on the ground and inside organizations to research areas in need of innovation. Through direct contact with company personnel, stakeholders and users, students apply the techniques of human-centered design to develop solutions to significant, even intractable real-world problems. PPR partners have included the American Heart Association, IDEO, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Two Bit Circus, Los Angeles World Airports (LAX), and ARUP. Learn more about the PPR experience here.

Many disciplines. One integrated curriculum. Infinite Possibilities

M.S. Integrated Design, Business and Technology

The Academy Effect

The Academy’s uniquely integrative curriculum teaches students to achieve fluency in the languages and methodologies of design, technology, and business. Students will also learn how these disciplines work synergistically to spark new ideas and solutions across industries. Working in cross-functional teams, students will: 

Conceive and develop solutions to complex design, business and technological challenges 

Collaborate with leading companies on real-world problems during intensive design sprints 

Cultivate a strong professional network with people from diverse industry backgrounds 

Learn to lead and work in cross-functional teams 

Develop storytelling techniques that will help you communicate concepts and solutions 

Learn critical decision-making and problem-solving tools and techniques 

Learn to identify and analyze opportunity and uncertainty in diverse contexts 

Additionally, graduates of the Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology will gain: 

A foundation in the languages and methodologies of design, technology, and business. 

An understanding of how these and other disciplines can work synergistically to present unique and potentially groundbreaking ideas and solutions in a variety of fields of endeavor. 

Increased facility and applied skills in visual and communication design, information technology, business modeling, management and more. 

An ability to both manage and work in creative team environments, take part in and lead cross-disciplinary project teams, and excel in technology-driven business and design environments.

Challenge-Based Reflective Learning

A hallmark of the Academy’s mission is the mandate to provide learning across multiple platforms that include rigorous instruction, research, and experimentation, but also deep dives into real-world problem solving with existing companies and institutions. Through the Academy’s expansive Challenge-Based Reflective Learning approach, students have unprecedented opportunities to learn from top-tier executives, creatives, technologists, and thought leaders from around the globe.

IYA Career Edge

As innovators who are well prepared for an ever-changing global landscape, Academy students are already capturing highly competitive internships, fellowships and full-time positions at a roster of leading global organizations. Startups founded by Academy students or teams have garnered more than $120 million in development funding and acquisition payouts, and won national and international awards for design and impact. Academy student ideas have been supported by leading accelerators, venture capital firms, and foundations, and highlighted in major press and media outlets, including Forbes, Inc., TechCrunch, Business Insider, Fast Company, Los Angeles Times, New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. 

Graduate Admission Resources

USC and the Academy have several virtual and on campus events for prospective students throughout the year. For dates and more information including, recordings to previous live events, frequently asked questions, one-pagers with resources for admitted students, and other resources, please visit the Graduate Admission Resources page. 