Design thinking for social impact

Microcredential
Online
delivery
Introductory
level
3
courses

Change the way you think about and solve complex problems in your community and beyond when you earn a Microcredential in Design Thinking for Social Impact online from Oregon State University. Explore human-centered tools and techniques — such as empathetic interviews, needs assessments, prototyping and iterative testing — and learn how to apply them to address societal problems. 

In a series of three design-thinking courses, you will work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to define a project’s scope, test solutions and communicate with stakeholders. Your coursework culminates in an applied project with a real client, resulting in a portfolio-ready solution. Whether you’re searching for design-thinking jobs or looking to strengthen your project management or problem-solving skills, this microcredential is a smart investment in your professional future. 

Coursework (11 credits)

This is an introductory-level microcredential that is designed for those with no previous experience in a subject. These offerings will help you build a strong foundation in this discipline. Introductory microcredentials might occasionally require some prerequisite college courses.

Note: Not all courses are currently available in the schedule of classes. Check back later for course details.

Group of people sitting in a circle outdoors, discussing and sketching ideas for a community-focused social impact project.

Skills you’ll gain

The in-demand skills you'll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

  • Design thinking
  • Project management
  • Scrum framework fundamentals
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Human-centered design
  • Community outreach

Additional details

As part of your required coursework, you will volunteer for at least 20 hours with a local community organization, building relationships and investigating pressing issues. You will synthesize your insights into a portfolio-ready document, highlighting your experience in design thinking.

Oregon State microcredentials consist of at least three courses and 8 credits that follow OSU’s quarterly term calendar. All microcredentials are delivered online and some microcredentials may be offered on campus. All course credits used to complete a microcredential must be completed at Oregon State and transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits. Read other important microcredential details » 

Microcredentials allow you to gain specialized skills in focused subject areas in less time than it takes to complete a full degree or certificate program. Typically, you can complete a microcredential in nine to 12 months. All microcredential courses follow the same term schedule as on-campus courses and are not self-paced. Learn more about course delivery methods »

Once you complete all classes in this microcredential, you'll receive a digital badge from Oregon State University. You can add the digital badge to your résumé and on LinkedIn, GitHub or other social media profiles. It provides employers with proof of the skills and discipline-specific knowledge you gained from the microcredential. Oregon State's digital badges are issued by Credly, the world's largest digital credential network.

Completing a microcredential is dependent on course availability, term offerings, course sequencing and any required prerequisites. Connect with the OSU Ecampus enrollment services team to better understand when courses in this microcredential are delivered to help you create a timeline for application and enrollment. You can also explore the schedule of classes to preview course availability.

  • Apply to earn a microcredential as a current student: If you’re a current OSU student interested in pursuing a microcredential online, please submit this form. Note: You must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential.

You can find detailed tuition information for microcredential offerings on the tuition rates webpage. Please note: If you are pursuing a standalone microcredential as a nondegree student, you will not qualify for federal financial aid.

If you are pursuing a microcredential as a current student in an OSU degree or certificate program, you will be charged your program's tuition rate (if differential tuition is applicable). 

Earning a microcredential is a great way to develop a skill set that current and future employers are looking for. If your employer offers a tuition benefit program, you may be able to enroll online with Oregon State and receive a tuition scholarship that makes your student experience more affordable. You can also learn about the organizations OSU collaborates with to offer direct tuition benefit programs for online learners.

Once you complete a Microcredential in Design Thinking for Social Impact, you can apply the 11 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State’s design for social impact online undergraduate certificate.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the microcredential program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.