Program Overview

Making Big Ideas Happen

Certificate Overview

The Making Big Ideas Happen certificate is a fully online program designed to equip students with the tools to explore emerging trends, design innovative solutions, and lead change in their career, community, or industry. This certificate offers two industry-recognized certifications that prove students' skills.

Program Details

• 1 Certificate
• 2 Courses, 8 Credits
• Fully online, 7-week sessions
• Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Turn Bold Thinking into Real-World Impact

In just two 7-week courses, students gain skills in foresight, innovation strategy, and systems thinking—tools that help design meaningful solutions and lead change. Whether students want to shape sustainable communities, improve systems, or launch their own initiative, this program gives them the practical foundation to take big ideas from concept to reality.

Program Structure

Overview

This certificate is built for changemakers. Students learn to forecast trends, map future possibilities, and develop innovative solutions that create real impact. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students walk away with a polished portfolio piece—and two professional certifications that stand out to employers and organizations.

Skills You'll Gain

• Strategic foresight and scenario planning
• Innovation frameworks and rapid prototyping
• Systems thinking and impact mapping
• Communication and change leadership

Course Descriptions

Must complete the following:

• COID364 – Big Ideas: Futures Thinking / 4 Credits / Online
  • Certificate: Futures Thinking (Institute for the Future)
• COID365 – Big Ideas: Innovation / 4 Credits / Online
  • Certificate: Think Wrong (Solve Next)

Undergraduate Certificate

The Making Big Ideas Happen program offers online, asynchronous courses for students interested in developing strategic foresight, innovation skills, and the ability to lead real-world change.

To earn the Making Big Ideas Happen Certificate, students complete 8 credits that consist of two upper-division, 7-week courses, at 4 credits each. No prerequisites other than sophomore standing or above.

Required Courses

COID 364 – Big Ideas: Futures Thinking

Gain the skills to drive meaningful change and shape impactful futures. Learn to identify signals of change, conduct environmental and horizon scans, and translate findings into actionable forecasts and scenarios. Analyze key risks and opportunities to develop strategic responses for navigating uncertainty. Apply foresight and planning tools to address evolving challenges.

COID 365 – Big Ideas: Innovation

Ideas alone are not enough; driving transformative change requires the ability to test, refine, and implement bold new approaches. Develop the skills to tackle complex challenges with creativity, using innovative methodologies and tools. Design impactful solutions that create meaningful change within organizations and communities. Apply practical strategies to test and evolve ideas throughout the innovation process.