Design thinking is a systematic approach to solving problems that has gained popularity in recent years among business leaders and others because of its emphasis on innovative solutions to complex issues. A Design thinking approach fosters the development of skills that are useful in any environment, including adaptability and empathy.
“Design thinking is an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving, with collaboration and empathy at its core,” said Michael Geisler, Ph.D., President of Manhattanville College. “It fits with the values of the liberal arts and our mission to educate ethical and socially responsible leaders. Design thinking skills are in high demand in today’s workplace in large part because they train students in focusing on customer-friendly solutions, thus giving humans an advantage in the marketplace compared to software solutions that rely solely on artificial intelligence.”
The Center for Design Thinking at Manhattanville College brings a sharp focus to the methods and mindsets of design thinking, integrating and amplifying many of the skill sets that are already developed through a strong liberal arts education. The Center provides opportunities for the application of these skills through real-world problem solving. The certificate program can be completed alongside any of Manhattanville’s undergraduate majors, allowing students to apply design thinking methodology and mindsets to disciplinary challenges, developing real-world experience in the process. Those in the program will learn to use design thinking to identify and test innovative solutions to the most difficult problems in a real-world setting with an emphasis on team creation, project management, collaboration, and professionalism. Students will conduct research using design thinking and develop oral and visual communication skills.
“Design thinking skills distinguish innovators from others in the workplace,” said Alison Carson, Ph.D., associate provost for academic innovation and design thinking at Manhattanville. “This certificate allows our students entering the workforce to set themselves apart from the pack. It signals to employers that this is a person who knows how to think and solve problems creatively and with empathy.” Carson directs the Center for Design Thinking at Manhattanville which opened in 2019 and is among the first of its kind on a liberal arts college campus.
Students in the program will complete six-courses – four required courses and two electives – for a total of 18 credits to earn a certificate in Design Thinking. There will be opportunities to participate in a design thinking internship which can substitute for an elective with approval by the program administrators.
For more information or to apply, visit www.mville.edu.
