Segal Design Certificate Curriculum
The following are curriculum and requirements for students pursuing the Segal Design Certificate.
Prerequisite (one unit)
Two-Unit Design Sequence
Students must choose one of the following design sequences. Each sequence offers something different in terms of what you'll focus on, the kinds of projects you'll do, and how the course is set up. Not sure which one's right for you? Email Stacy Benjamin (for students within McCormick) and email John Anderson (for students outside McCormick) — we're happy to chat and help you figure out which sequence fits you best.
DSGN 380-1,2
Industrial Design Projects
Studio-based two-quarter sequence
- Create New Product Designs — Explore the form, features, and interactions of physical products
- Explore Design Masters and Methods— Learn about modern design masters and state-of-the-art visualization methods while developing your own voice in design
- Learn by Doing — Complete a series of projects that emphasize personal growth and design portfolio development, using hand and digital approaches
DSGN 381
Digital Product Development
Intensive two-unit immersion in a single quarter
- Create Digital Products — Work on real digital projects from start to finish
- Team up with Top Brands — Collaborate with industry experts from companies like Amazon, LinkedIn, DoorDash, and SpotHero
- Learn by Doing — Dive into design sprints, agile workflows, and product storytelling
DSGN 382-1, 2
Service Design Studio
Studio-based two-quarter sequence
- Design Services — Design services that create value by aligning processes, interactions, and technologies within complex systems
- Collaborate with External Partners — Work with local businesses and organizations
- Learn by Doing — Learn and apply service design techniques include needs assessment, journey mapping, service blueprints, prototyping, and more
DSGN 384-1,2
Interdisciplinary Product Design
Studio-based two-quarter sequence
- Design Physical Products — Uncover needs, generate ideas, and build-test-refine prototypes to create something new
- Collaborate with Community Partners — Work with local organizations like John G. Shedd Aquarium, The Trees That Feed Foundation, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Lurie Children’s Hospital
- Learn by Doing — Incorporate design sprints, project management, and professional communication
Design Portfolio Course
- DSGN 370, Portfolio Development and Presentation — The portfolio must demonstrate effective use of the design process (including conceptual and detailed design), prototyping, use of software and analytical tools, and effective visual communication.
Three Electives
- Electives must be from the approved electives list or approved by petition.
- No more than one non-DSGN unit may be by petition.
- At least one unit must be from DSGN.
- Two units must be 300-level or higher.
Undergraduate Degree
- To receive the certificate, students must successfully complete a Northwestern baccalaureate degree.
Additional Requirements
- As stated in the undergraduate catalog, at least four units of coursework applied to the Segal Design Certificate must be uniquely counted, not also applied to any other academic plan or credential (such as a student's major, minor, or other certificate).
- Students can declare the certificate and submit changes to their courses in the McCormick Advising System (MAS) before the beginning of their final quarter as undergraduates.
- No course may be taken P/N.
- Courses with a grade lower than a "C" cannot be counted toward the certificate.
Back to top
