Program Overview

Certificate in Design Strategy and Systems

The fully online Design and Strategy Systems certificate program is tailored for mid-career professionals with a bachelor's degree in art, design, engineering, marketing, communications, or other relevant work experience.

About This Program

This certificate can be completed as a standalone for targeted professional development, or counted towards the Master of Arts in Design and Innovation. The Design and Strategy Systems certificate is one of three stackable certificates, along with a collaborative graduate project, that make up the full Masters program. Both pathways are flexible options for career advancement or earning a graduate degree.

Program Highlights

• Awarded by the Department of Art & Design in CSUN's Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication.
• This fully online certificate can be completed on its own or applied toward the M.A. in Design and Innovation, providing a flexible path to advanced study.
• Designed to be accessible to the fully employed student and the mid-career professional, the course load is 6 units in the first semester and 4 units in the second semester.
• Throughout the program, students receive one-on-one support from a team dedicated to their personal and professional success.
• The program utilizes a convenient online platform, allowing flexibility for working professionals and students interested in enhancing their careers in the creative economy.
• At the end of the program, student cohorts come together to complete a graduate project, collaborating with industry professionals and receiving valuable feedback from faculty advisors.

Design for Strategy & Systems

The Certificate in Design Strategy & Systems focuses on the basic concepts of design and innovations and practices creative strategy, design systems, and analytic methods to measure the success of design solutions. This certificate also includes topics on:

• Brand psychology and consumer research
• Legal aspects related to license tools and intellectual property, including brand audits
• Ethical use of AI tools in design and creative industries
• Implementation strategy
• Trends in design
• Skills in evaluation, influence, and analysis.

A Flexible Pathway to a Graduate Degree

This certificate is one of three stackable certificates—Design Strategy and Systems, Design Experiences and Interactions, and Design Leadership and Impact—along with a collaborative graduate project, that together make up the Master of Arts in Design and Innovation. Students can complete this certificate on its own or apply it toward the full master's degree if they choose to continue their education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Design and Innovation program pursue diverse roles, helping to shape the industry's future. Potential career paths include:

• Innovation Consultant
• Design Strategist
• Product Designer
• User Experience (UX) Designer
• User Interface (UI) Designer
• Service Designer
• Design Researcher
• Creative Director
• Innovation Manager
• Human-Centered Design Specialist
• Interaction Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Experience Designer
• Brand Strategist
• Digital Product Manager
• Chief Innovation Officer
• Customer Experience (CX) Manager
• Sustainability Designer
• Design Educator/Professor

Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including:

• Jeremy DiPaolo, Independent Creator, Strategist & Entrepreneur
• Nick Longo, Accomplished Design Professional & Educator

Job Outlook: Design and Innovation

In California, the creative economy outperforms industry sectors like government, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade, according to the Otis Creative Economy Report. Key statistics highlight the growth and potential of the creative economy.

Program Details

• College: Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication
• Department: Art & Design
• Program Mode: Online
• Program Format: Cohort
• Program Duration: 2 semesters
• Stackable Pathway: Earn a standalone certificate or apply toward the M.A. in Design and Innovation

Admission and Application

• Priority Deadline for Fall 2026: March 17, 2026
• Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026: June 2, 2026

Student Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Canvas
• Student Account (CSUN Email & Student ID)
• myCSUNbox
• Technical Support for Tseng College Students

Related Programs & Portfolios

• Design and Innovation (M.A.)
• Design Experiences and Interactions (Certificate)
• Design Leadership and Impact (Certificate)
• Programs in Entertainment, Digital Media & Design