Overview

As digital output increasingly becomes the backbone of most business strategy, there is an acute need for professionals with a better big-picture understanding of information management, design and technology.

This interdisciplinary program prepares students to step into a cross-functional or leadership role by developing a deep and holistic understanding of today’s sophisticated digital media. The Information Design and Strategy program at Northwestern University is particularly useful for people in creative fields who want a stronger grounding in business strategy, so that they can expand their career opportunities and make a larger impact on their organizations. The strong theoretical framework of the program and its focus on fundamental concepts makes the degree applicable to many diverse fields and types of organizations — business, the arts, government, healthcare, and education, to name a few — regardless of changes in technology.

The IDS program was developed in consultation with industry leaders in this emerging field. As a part-time and completely online degree, students anywhere in the world can access a program of this caliber while maintaining their personal and professional commitments. Find out more about online learning at SPS.

Program Goals

An interdisciplinary professional program, IDS graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and aptitude to:

Translate complex information into compelling visual forms and narratives, particularly within digital media
Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement a comprehensive media communication strategy
Design seamless customer experiences that support an organization’s strategy across multiple digital platforms
Develop innovative solutions to complex business problems by combining analytical and creative skills

Programme Structure

Courses include:

User-Centered Design

Effective Communication

User Research

Information and Content Strategy

Data Science, Management, and Business Strategy

Visual Communication

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-15 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Evanston, United States

Disciplines

Design Information Technology (IT) View 108 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the online application

One sealed copy of official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges and universities

Two letters of recommendation focusing on academic achievement and ability

Statement of purpose: Applicants are required to submit a 300 to 550 word statement of purpose outlining how the degree program will help them meet their academic and professional goals. The statement of purpose can be uploaded via the online application.

Applicants are required to submit a resume. The resume can be uploaded via the online application.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

242160 USD / full

≈ 242160 USD / full
Out-of-State

242160 USD / full

≈ 242160 USD / full
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

242160 USD / full

≈ 242160 USD / full

Additional Details

per course

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Information Design and Strategy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Program Goals

Programme Structure

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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