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Northwestern University

Segal Design Certificate

Solve real problems for real people.

Segal Design Certificate

The Segal Design Certificate program at Northwestern University offers a transformative experience for undergraduates interested in harnessing the power of design thinking. This program equips you with essential skills in visual communication and problem-solving, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges across various industries.

Open to all Northwestern undergraduates, regardless of major, the Segal Design Certificate program is designed to complement your existing studies and enhance your career prospects. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, business leader, or creative professional, human-centered design can transform your approach to problem-solving and innovation. 

Why Pursue a Design Certificate?

Throughout the program, you'll collaborate with peers from diverse academic backgrounds, mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of real-world design teams. This transdisciplinary approach challenges you to consider multiple perspectives and develop holistic solutions to complex problems.

Projects

You'll engage in projects covering the full design process, from ideation to user testing and iteration. Our two-unit design sequences allow for deeper exploration, resulting in portfolio-ready work that showcases your ability to tackle complex design challenges.
See project highlights

Portfolios

One of the most valuable outcomes of the program is the comprehensive design portfolio you'll create. This portfolio serves as a powerful demonstration of your skills and creativity, setting you apart in job interviews and networking opportunities.
See portfolio highlights

Certificate Student Stories

A sustainable alternative to single-use surgical devices

The healthcare sector in the US is responsible for nearly 10 percent of carbon emissions.

Certificate students designed a reusable trocar that could reduce waste produced during routine, minimally invasive surgeries.

Read more

A tasty artificial snail

Populations of queen conch, a crucial species in coral reef ecosystems, are declining.

A group of students designed a snackable shell, dubbed a "GastroPop," to help inform strategies for restoration and conservation.
Read more

Who Should Enroll?

Any Northwestern undergraduate interested in augmenting their education with a strong understanding of innovative design processes can pursue the Segal Design Certificate. 

Curriculum & Requirements

Students must be enrolled in a Northwestern bachelor's degree program to receive the Segal Design Certificate. Certificate students must take one prerequisite, three approved electives, one required design sequence, and the required design portfolio course.  

See curriculum and requirements

Advising

The certificate is highly customizable, and we advise students on an individual basis. Advising is by appointment. McCormick students should contact Stacy Benjamin. Non-McCormick Northwestern students should contact John Anderson.

How to Enroll

During their second or third year, students can use the McCormick Advising System (MAS) to declare the Segal Design Certificate. Northwestern students can log in to MAS with their NetID and password.

Receiving the Certificate

Progress towards the certificate is managed in MAS as part of a graduation audit. Students can monitor their progress online. Students receiving a non-McCormick Northwestern degree may still need a petition form for their degree program.

Contact Us

For more information about the Segal Design Certificate program, please email Stacy Benjamin (for students within McCormick) and email John Anderson (for students outside McCormick).

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