
Certificate in Design Thinking
Certificate in Design Thinking
Design Thinking is a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving that focuses on developing solutions based on human-centered needs. Through the practice of design thinking, students develop the important skills and mindsets of problem identification, collaborative problem-solving, empathy, iteration, and a bias toward action. This certificate emphasizes the importance of rigorous research as well as developing oral and visual communication skills. This 6-course certificate draws on a core of design thinking courses plus a choice of electives across a variety of disciplines. Through completion of this certificate, students will build a strong understanding of the process, mindsets, and methods and tools used in the application of design thinking.
Students will:
- Define key concepts and mindsets of design thinking using language appropriate to the subject
- The students are able to approach community members with empathy and humility, working to understand their needs within a historical and cultural context
- Apply and evaluate a systematic, iterative, and reflective process of design thinking to identify and test innovative solutions to human problems in a real-world setting
- Develop an appreciation for the importance of team creation, project management, collaboration, and professionalism
Four Required Courses

IDS 1000
Introduction to Making (3 credits)
IDS 2050
Designing for Change (3 credits)

IDS 3300
Designing with Community Partners (3 credits)
IDS 4500
Internship (1-3 credits)
Two Electives
ART 2030
Color and 2/D Design
ART 3115
Interior Space and Design (3 credits)
ART 3110
Art, Fashion and Design (3 credits)
ART 5047
Art, Design and The Computer (3 credits)
ART 3125
Toy Design (3 credits)
CAM 2010
Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
CAM 2090
Public Speaking (3 credits)
CAM 3072
Social Media (3 credits)
DGMP 2016
Computer Graphics (3 credits)
DGMP 2047
Motion Graphics (3 credits)
DGMP 2050
Intro to Video Production (3 credits)
DGMP 4004
Graphic Design (3 credits)
DGMP 4086
Constructed Images/Studio (3 credits)
DGMP 4067
Digital Photography and Imaging (3 credits)
DTH 1000
Creative Process
DTH 2030
Directing I (3 credits)
DTH 2540
Costume Design (3 credits)
DTH 2530
Concepts in Scene Design (3 credits)
GINS 2021
Ballots, Bullets, and Barricades (3 credits)
MATH 1040
Mathematical Games (3 credits) *No prerequisite
MGT 1004
Principles of Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
MGT 2029
Business Start-Up (3 credits)
MKT 1003
Introduction to Marketing (3 credits)
MKT 2024
Consumer Behavior (3 credits)
MSTUD/ARH 3100
Curatorial Seminar (4 credits)
MUAT 2021
Computer Music
MUAT 2011
Audio Production
MUAT 1007
MIDI and Music
MUAT
Interactive Music
MUA 4475
Musical Performance (Design Thinking) (1 credits)
MVL 2015
Foundations of Leadership (3 credits)
SPRT 3015
Sport and Social Change (3 credits)
Internship as elective in any department, but it must include a Design Thinking application, thus should be approved by Director of Design Thinking program prior to completion.