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Certificate in Design Thinking for Innovation

Develop a new mindset and toolbox to innovate and solve problems

As leaders, one of the most important things we do is gather teams to solve organizational and societal problems. But how much time do we really spend gaining an understanding of a challenge and the people impacted by it?

That's where design thinking comes in: a human-centered, problem-solving process that leads to better solutions. Unlike most problem-solving processes that start with assumptions and move quickly toward a solution, design thinking is based on empathy seeking to deeply understand how a challenge affects people, and what they most need from a potential solution. It rests on the concept of "learning early to succeed sooner" through experimentation and testing, thus refining potential solutions until the end-users' needs are met.

In this 14-week, online bootcamp course, you'll apply design thinking principles to actual, real-time organizational challenges. Discover why design thinking for innovation is a sought-after skill in a wide variety of fields and industries, and be prepared for a transformative shift in the way you look at problems!

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“I had not done an online class before, but this exceeded my expectations. Fun, intense and massive amounts of knowledge.” Anonymous (’20)

What you'll learn

  • Understand how and why design thinking leads to better problem-solving and innovation.
  • Learn how to better understand a problem – and the people impacted by it before attempting to solve it.
  • Develop a design thinking toolkit and learn how to apply skills to personal and professional challenges.
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Details

  • Cost: $3,200
  • Payment Options: Payment plans, discounts, and scholarships
  • Duration: 14 weeks (February - May)
  • Credits: 8 CE credits, transferable as 3 graduate credits to select master's programs
  • Format: Fully virtual with live, interactive weekly Zoom classes
  • Time Commitment: Students tell us they typically spend 3-5 hours per week
  • Instructor: Stacy Maplesden | Read bio
Program Details

Testimonials

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Summer Meyer

Digital Product Manager, PeaceHealth

"The Certificate in Design Thinking equips you with skills you can implement at work immediately. The coursework is layered week to week and the cohort format provides a unique opportunity to practice the phases of design thinking in a collaborative way. The program continues to inspire me to think critically and apply human-centered techniques to solve problems in creative and innovative ways."

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Colin Sauskojus

Supervisor, Community Leadership & Development Inc.

"Gonzaga's Certificate in Design Thinking was an excellent program that gave me the tools to begin designing solutions to challenges within my professional and personal life. I received practical, hands-on practice walking through the process in a group-based project setting. Along with that, I was able to design some of my own solutions in my free time. This certificate gave me the opportunity to teach my colleagues and supervisors about the process as well, and it has become something we return to regularly."

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Gaby Ryan

Community Programs Coordinator, City of Spokane Office of Neighborhood Services

"It was empowering to learn a methodology that not only challenged our preconceived ideas but gave us a clear blueprint for engaging authentically with our community. One of the most valuable skills I gained was understanding how to continuously adapt, check in, and refine our approach. Design thinking taught me that true community engagement is an ongoing loop, not a one-time process. I learned to question assumptions, revisit feedback, and embrace an iterative approach to serve our community better. The cohort experience was fantastic—I was surrounded by creative peers who were eager to share ideas and collaborate. The methodology we learned was practical and easy to apply, making it simple to incorporate into our projects. If you’re debating enrolling the program, I’d say, just do it! This program will challenge your thinking and provide immediate, actionable ways to improve your work."