Design for Sustainability at the College for Creative Studies
The Design for Sustainability course at the College for Creative Studies encourages students to increase their understanding of the dynamic between design, the environment and society.
Course details
School: College for Creative Studies
Course: Design for Sustainability
Type: Undergraduate
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Course dates: September 2027 to May 2028
Application deadline: February 2027
Course overview
The College for Creative Studies (CCS)’s graduate programme in Design for Sustainability provides students with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to be a change-maker in the field of sustainability.
This innovative and transformative programme invites designers and non-designers of all kinds to gain a deep understanding of the complex relationships between design, the environment and society.
Students explore sustainable design principles, systems thinking, visual advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration, all while gaining practical experience in creating climate solutions for a sustainable future. Design and design thinking have a crucial role to play in the advancement of sustainable futures and net-zero strategies.
The Design for Sustainability programme emphasises ethical decision-making, social responsibility and the importance of sustainable practices across various industries and the public sector.
Graduates of this programme are prepared for dynamic careers in sustainability consulting, sustainable design, environmental management and much more.
Using hands-on projects, the programme challenges students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world sustainability issues. Detroit is a hotbed of innovation in sustainability, climate action, climate justice and design.
What will I learn during this course?
Students will explore sustainable design principles, systems thinking, visual advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration, all while gaining practical experience in creating climate solutions for a sustainable future.
Using hands-on projects, the programme challenges students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world sustainability issues.
What are the requirements?
Apply directly through CCS’s free native application portal.
Submit current transcripts. International applicants must submit a certified English translation.
Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work, and community service or volunteer experience.
Submit two recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style, and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisor. Applicants can submit up to three recommendation letters as part of their application.
All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test scores. Slide Deck, The Graduate Program in Design for Sustainability welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds.
While a traditional art and design portfolio is not required, applicants are asked to submit a visual presentation featuring two to three examples of relevant work, either of their own or by other designers and artists whose work has influenced their perspectives on sustainability and climate change.
Applicants for the Design for Sustainability program must submit a 1,000 to 2,000 word statement of purpose. Full admissions requirements can be found on the CCS website.
What facilities and resources are available?
CCS has some of the best facilities for all students to use, including:
- 24-hour studio spaces
- industry-level technology and equipment
- a state-of-the-art foundry
- shops and material libraries
What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?
Students can have possible careers in the following fields:
- sustainability professional
- sustainable design consultant
- climate consultant
- sustainable systems designer
- environmental designer
- zero-waste design and materials specialist
- chief sustainability officer
- sustainable service designer
- climate strategist
- project management
- green entrepreneur
- environmental planner
- climate communications
Who teaches this course?
Ian Lambert, professor and dean of graduate studies and research.
