What is it about?
Housed in the School of Human Ecology, the Design Strategy certificate provides undergraduate students from all majors with a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving for strategic change. Through applying Design Thinking techniques and exploring the interconnections between people and built, natural, and financial environments, students will learn to put ideas into action and develop forward-thinking approaches to a variety of issues.
What is Design Strategy?
Design Strategy is a successful approach to problem-solving with a focus on quality of life and sustainable futures. It begins with asking "better" questions as a way to understand the root of the problem and why it is an issue. It is an empathetic, human-centered perspective that uses Design Thinking and draws from historical precedence and current research from a variety of fields to help solve complex and persistent problems.
What will students gain?
Students acquire concrete methodologies that enable them to apply what they have learned in their degree studies in a way that goes beyond the theoretical emphasis of most degree programs. Rather than adding additional expertise and knowledge in a particular field, this certificate gives students ways to apply what they have learned in their majors to real-world problems; in the process, they become confident and creative forward thinkers, who are able to work in interdisciplinary teams.
How to Get in
All undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible to apply for the Design Strategy Certificate. Visit the Apply to Human Ecology page for application information and the October and February deadlines.
Requirements
Foundation
Complete all three foundation courses for eight credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DS/GEN BUS 240 | Human-centered Design and Business | 2 |
| DS 341 | Design Thinking for Transformation | 3 |
| CNSR SCI 357 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| or MARKETNG 305 | Consumer Behavior | |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Electives
Complete two elective courses for six credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CNSR SCI 555 | Consumer Strategy Consulting Practicum | 3 |
| CNSR SCI 561 | Consumer Engagement Strategies | 3 |
| CNSR SCI 567 | Product Development Strategies in Retailing | 3 |
| CSCS 125 | Community and Social Change | 3 |
| CSCS 155 | Social Media for Social Justice | 3 |
| CSCS 255 | Introduction to Social Innovation | 3 |
| CSCS 300 | Nonprofit Sector: Overview and Foundations | 3 |
| CSCS 455 | Entrepreneurialism and Society | 3 |
| CSCS 530 | Purpose-Driven Organizations | 3 |
| CSCS 555 | Community and Social Innovation Lab | 3 |
| DS 521 | Environments of Crisis & Design | 3 |
| DS 527 | Global Artisans | 3 |
| DS 620 | Visual Thinking for Problem Solving | 3 |
| DS 641 | Advanced Design Thinking for Transformation | 3 |
| HDFS 316 | Stress and Resilience in Families Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| HDFS 345 | Ecology of Child Health and Well-Being | 3 |
| HDFS 464 | Play-Development and Role Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| HDFS/CNSR SCI 465 | Families & Poverty | 3 |
| HDFS 469 | Family and Community Influences on the Young Child | 3 |
| HDFS 517 | Couple Relationships | 3 |
| HDFS 535 | A Family Perspective in Policymaking | 3 |
Students who are also pursuing the Design, Innovation, and Society major may count no more than two courses toward both the major and the Design Strategy Certificate.
Students must earn a minimum 2.000 GPA on required certificate coursework. Completed courses listed within the certificate curriculum, whether or not they meet a specific requirement, are included in the calculation of the GPA.
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an empathetic, life-centered mindset by conducting and interpreting observations, interviews, and related research methods.
- Apply design-based theories, concepts, and frameworks to reframe complex problems beyond traditional disciplinary approaches.
- Collaborate effectively in team settings by practicing clear communication, shared decision-making, and collective problem-solving.
- Analyze complex societal challenges within their broader contexts to identify root causes, relationships, and interdependencies.
- Generate and communicate multiple ideas by employing divergent thinking, iteration, and visual storytelling techniques.
- Formulate and evaluate design strategies by aligning human insights, system dynamics, and contextual factors with feasible and impactful actions.
Advising and Careers
Advising & Career Center
The Advising & Career Center (ACC) fosters undergraduate students' personal, academic, and professional development. Through advising, academic planning, and career education, we support students as they navigate the college experience—from exploring our majors as prospective students to becoming Human Ecology alumni.
Academic Advising
Each Human Ecology student is assigned to an academic advisor in the Advising & Career Center. Human Ecology academic advisors support academic and personal success by partnering with current and prospective Human Ecology students as they identify and clarify their educational goals, develop meaningful academic plans, and pursue their own Wisconsin Experience.
To explore academic advising resources or schedule an appointment with Human Ecology academic advisor, visit Academic Advising in Human Ecology.
Career Development
Each Human Ecology student is assigned to a career advisor in the Advising & Career Center. Active engagement in the career development process is a vital component of a student’s personal growth in college and future success as a lifelong learner, professional, and global citizen. Human Ecology career advisors help prepare students for life post-graduation through advising and integration of career readiness throughout our curriculum.
To explore career development resources or schedule an appointment with a Human Ecology career advisor, visit Career Development in Human Ecology.
Resources and Scholarships
Scholarships
The School of Human Ecology (SoHE) awards many merit and need-based scholarships each year. Students can learn more about these opportunities on the Human Ecology scholarships webpage. To be eligible for these awards, scholarship recipients must be registered as full-time Human Ecology students. For further questions on the scholarship application, please contact the School of Human Ecology Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@sohe.wisc.edu.
Support Resources
Human Ecology students experiencing personal, academic, or financial challenges should contact SoHE Academic Deans Services. Additional campus resources include the Financial Aid Basic Needs website, Office of Student Assistance and Support, and University Health Services.