Many Disciplines. One Integrated Curriculum. Infinite Possibilities. 

The in-person, F-1 visa-eligible, STEM-designated MSIDBT is available as a progressive degree program (PDP) for qualified USC undergraduates. Progressive degree programs allow USC undergraduates to simultaneously earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years. Progressive MSIDBT students are enrolled in the On-Campus MSIDBT program but may elect to take online courses. PDP students must complete their bachelor's and master's degree within 6 years, counting from their first semester of enrollment in college. 

The progressive On-Campus MSIDBT program is eligible for a student visa. International students admitted to the progressive MSIDBT program must coordinate on their new I-20 with OIS. They must remain full-time students during their studies at USC. Summer enrollment in optional. The program is STEM-classified, allowing for up to 24 months of OPT extension in addition to the standard 12-month OPT.

The speed and complexity of doing business increases with every new technological advancement. As a result, the ability to engage in cross-disciplinary thinking 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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January 5, 2026 (EOD, Pacific Time) is the Senior PDP Application Deadline for anyone who is expected to graduate from their undergraduate program in Spring 2026.

June 1, 2026 (EOD, Pacific Time) is the Final PDP Application Deadline.

No applications will be accepted after these deadlines.

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: 

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:  

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

Progressive MSIDBT students complete a minimum of 26 units, including 10 units of Challenged-Based Reflective Learning and 18 units of courses that build Domain-Specific and Intersectional Skills, on the 500-level.

Our hands-on, project-based classes are taught by esteemed USC faculty in collaborative, interactive settings. 

The cross-disciplinary curriculum also offers two in-person elective residentials, 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. 

For frequently asked questions regarding program information, international applicants, eligibility, application process, and admitted applicants, please refer to the following sections below. 

While PDP students are enrolled in the on-campus program, they may elect to take online courses as well: domestic students have no restrictions and may opt to take all of their courses online, international students can only take a limited number of online courses and units. All PDP students enjoy priority registration for in-person courses.

What is the difference between the standard on-campus and the online MSIDBT programs, for PDP students? 

Domestic students can be part-time after their status changes to graduate student.

Internationals must be full-time students during fall and spring semesters in order to maintain their visa status, i.e. take, when in graduate student status and on the master's level, at least 8 units (out of which a minimum of 5 units must come from in-person courses). Enrollment in summer courses is optional. 

Can I enroll in the program part-time?  

Tuition currently costs $2,467 per unit per term. The cost of tuition is determined by USC’s central administration and is published on the USC Schedule of Classes for each term. A few courses may require additional fees. 

Progressive MSIDBT students are required to complete 26 units to graduate, which is equivalent to a 32% unit reduction compared to the standard MSIDBT program. 

USC Financial Aid: available to US citizens and selected non-citizens; please contact the USC Financial Aid Office for more information. 

USC On-Campus Jobs for Students: https://careers.usc.edu/on-campus-jobs/  

International students: https://ois.usc.edu/employment/employment-f1/f1oncampusemployment/ 

MSIDBT Program-Specific Student Job Opportunities: grad students may be eligible to apply for part-time hourly jobs in the following areas: 

Demand for student workers varies and is usually determined a few weeks before or around the beginning of the semester. 

Our department does not offer graduate assistantships or full-time positions for students.  

Are there scholarships or other financial assistance available?  

Yes, the Academy supports up to six student veterans with up to $10,000 each/year. For eligibility information, please consult the following page: Yellow Ribbon - Office of Academic Records and Registrar. 

Do you have Yellow Ribbon (Student-Veteran) funds available?  

Generally, we do not recommend taking more than 12 graduate units per term; some students may be able to complete the program within three terms (e.g. fall, spring, and summer, or fall, spring, fall). 

USC does not permit graduate students to enroll in more than 16 units. Students wishing to carry more than 16 units must have prior permission from the Academy’s academic leadership; such permission will be granted only in exceptional circumstances. 

How fast can I finish the program? What is the maximum number of course units I may take? 

USC requires PDP students to complete their bachelor's and master’s programs within 6 years, counting from their first semester in college. 

International students on F-1 visas must always coordinate with OIS regarding the length of their academic programs and the immigration policies they are required to follow.

How long do I have to finish the program? 

Yes, it is. Importantly, only the on-campus MSIDBT program, including the PDP, is F-1 visa eligible. International students admitted into the online program cannot apply for a U.S. visa. 

Both the on-campus and the online M.S. in Integrated Design, Business and Technology (as well as our bachelor’s programs) are STEM-designated by the Department of Homeland Security. International students enrolled in these programs are not only eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training—temporary employment directly related to F-1 students’ main area of study—but also to apply for the STEM OPT Extension: a 24-month extension of their post-degree-completion OPT employment authorization. 

The CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code for the MS-IDBT program is: CIP Code: 15.1599 Engineering-related fields, other (see here).

Is the M.S. in Integrated Design, Business and Technology a STEM program? 

Yes, our on-campus MSIDBT program is OPT-eligible as well as STEM OPT Extension-eligible. Please note that the online MSDBT program is not visa-eligible. 

Our M.S. in Integrated Design, Business and Technology (as well as our bachelor’s programs) are STEM-designated by the Department of Home Security. International students enrolled in our on-campus programs are not only eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training—temporary employment directly related to F-1 students’ main area of study—but also to apply for the STEM OPT Extension: a 24-month extension of their post-degree-completion OPT employment authorization. 

As an international student, can I do CPT and OPT? 

Only current USC undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they have completed at least 64 units of coursework excluding AP, IB, and transfer units earned prior to graduation from high school and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application (more details here).  

We welcome Progressive Degree Program (PDP) applications from all USC majors. There are no pre-requisite courses.

Am I eligible to apply for the Progressive MSIDBT program? 

Academic or professional experience in these areas is valuable but not required. Admitted applicants come from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds and this diversity of student knowledge and experience is critical in driving the collaborative challenge-based curriculum in which solutions are drawn from the full range of disciplines.  

Do I need specific experience in design, business, or technology to be eligible to apply?   

No, an individual may apply to either one or the other program during the same application cycle. If admitted, a student may request to switch from one program to the other. 

Can I apply to both the on-campus and the online MSIDBT programs? 

Applications for Fall 2026 will open on September 1, 2025.

Submission deadline for seniors: January 5, 2026 (end of day, Pacific Time) 

Final submission deadline for all other applicants: June 1, 2026 (end of day, pacific Time)

No, application for the progressive degree program is free of charge.

Progressive degree program applicants need to fill out pages 1 through 3 of the PDP application form, including their proposed course plan to complete the progressive MSIDBT program in addition to their undergraduate degree, signed by their undergraduate advisor and the MSIDBT program's graduate advisor. They also need to provide their resume and STARS report. Our program-specific application materials include 3 essay questions, the submission of 1-2 letters of recommendation, 1 short self-introduction video, and 1-3 portfolio items. Applicants also have the option of adding a personal statement. 

What do I need to submit for my application? 

Generally, current and previous employers and professors who can speak to your skills, experiences, and accomplishments relevant to your potential to benefit from and contribute to the MSIDBT program are the best choices for obtaining letters of recommendation.

Who should my letters of recommendation come from?  

LEARNING MICROSESSIONS & Other Special Events

How to Generate New and Disruptive Ideas w Matthew Manos (Friday, Oct 10, 5:00-6:00pm PT) RSVP here.

The most innovative ideas in the world often come from a spark of genius that is seemingly impossible to replicate. The ability to instantly form connections between otherwise disparate things is a skillset that allows truly innovative people to see things others do not. The good news? This mindset can be practiced and nurtured. In this fast-paced session, Professor Matthew Manos will challenge you to unlock the innovator’s mindset in order to generate new and disruptive ideas.

Creating Experience with Impact w Davina Wolter (Oct 13, 12:00-1:00pm PT) RSVP here.

This dynamic lecture on Fashion Innovation explores how to transform a fashion idea into a thriving business. Key themes include launching and scaling ventures, navigating supply chain management, and ensuring sustainability and ethical practices. The session also examines strategies for branding, marketing, and publicity, with insights into collaborations, contracts, and intellectual property. The lecture highlights the urgency of rethinking fashion’s current system while emphasizing authenticity, values, and long-term impact.

Fashion Innovation and Entrepreneurship w Keanan Duffty (Friday, Oct 24, 4:00-5:00pm PT) RSVP here.

The Power of Visualization w Steve Child (Oct 30, 6:00-7:00pm PT) RSVP here.

Every machine, every invention, and every modern convenience existed first as a visual thought in someone’s mind. Not only did they visualize their thoughts, but they converted them into reality. Being able to produce appropriate and simple visuals makes information easier to understand, pro­cess, and remember. Visual thinking is a valuable skill to have, whether you’re trying to solve a complex problem or communi­cate an idea to others. Everyone can further their potential with the ability to visualize and use their imagination. This microsession will address some of the basics in visualization techniques and ways to cultivate your creativity.

Strategic Ideation: How to Increase the Probability of Success When Pursuing New Products w Chris Swain (Thursday, Dec 11, 7:00-8:00pm PT) RSVP here.

This session will provide frameworks and an interactive exercise to help students interested in creating new products to increase their probability of success.

Disruptive Validation: How to know if you have a winning business idea w Thomas Dadourian (Tuesday, Dec 16, 5:30-6:30pm PT) RSVP here.

Every founder needs to validate ideas, attract customers, and drive revenue—and one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to do that is through social media. This micro-session will show how to leverage social platforms as a business engine: building brand awareness, generating traffic, and turning engagement into measurable growth.

Virtual LEARNING MICROSESSIONS for PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

Group Tour of the Iovine and Young Hall, located on USC's University Park campus (approximately 45 min), followed by an optional in-person general information session about the MSIDBT program and application.

If you'd like to enter our Creator Studio, please wear closed-toed shoes.

In-Person Group Tours of the Iovine and Young Academy + Optional General Information Session

Following introductions from our new group of alumni representatives, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. 

2nd Q&A with Alumni for Prospective Applicants on Monday, February 24, 5:30-7:00pm PT, via Zoom - RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE

After introductions from our faculty representatives, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. 

Faculty Representatives: Keanan Duffty, Yihyun Lim, and Dean Thanassis Rikakis

2nd Q&A with Faculty Members for Prospective Applicants on Thursday, February 20, 5:30-7:00pm PT, via Zoom - RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE

Following introductions from our alumni representatives, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. 

Q&A with Alumni for Prospective Applicants on Wednesday, December 4, 5:30-7:00pm PT, via Zoom - RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE

After introductions from our faculty representatives, both in-person and virtual attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. 

Faculty Representatives: Carsten Becker, John Bruneau, Aaron Siegel, and Dean Thanassis Rikakis

Q&A with Faculty for Prospective Applicants on Thursday, November 21, 5:30-7:00pm PT, in person and online - RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE

RSVP for Virtual Microsession: The Power of Visualization (10/30/2025, 6-7pm PT)

RSVP for Virtual Microsession: How to Generate New and Disruptive Ideas (10/10/2025, 5-6pm PT)

SIGN UP for PDP INFO SESSIONS (current USC students only)