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Design for Sustainability

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Mahsa Banadaki and Emily Marquette, Color & Material Design; Wei-Hua Huang, Integrated Design
ma
mfa

About the Program

Design and design thinking have a crucial role to play in the advancement of sustainable futures and net-zero strategies.

Beginning Fall 2025, the CCS Graduate program in Design for Sustainability will provide students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to be a change-maker in the field of sustainability.

This innovative and transformative program invites designers and non-designers of all kinds to gain a deep understanding of the complex relationships between design, the environment, and society. 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.

Faculty Curriculum Donate

The Design for Sustainability program emphasizes ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and the importance of sustainable practices across various industries and the public sector. Graduates of this program are prepared for dynamic careers in sustainability consulting, sustainable design, environmental management, and much more.

Using hands-on projects, the program challenges students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world sustainability issues. Working closely with expert faculty and a diverse group of peers, students learn to think critically and creatively, applying design methodologies to develop sustainable solutions in various contexts, from product design to urban planning; and visual narrative to strategic communication

Join us in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future through design. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our planet and society. Apply for the Master of Design for Sustainability program and become a leader in sustainable design and innovation.

 

The program prepares sustainability professionals skilled in design thinking, creative problem solving, data visualization and strategic communication. Graduates can work in a wide range of fields, including sustainable design, environmental management, sustainability consulting, and sustainability leadership for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and the corporate sector.

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

The 30-credit MA (initial degree) is the first year of the 60-credit MFA (terminal degree), with classes focusing on professional and technical skills and knowledge. During the second year, students embark on an independently defined critical enquiry. A Part-Time option is also available for this program.

Photo of a student working in the woodshop
Close up photo of a wooden installation piece.
Close up photo of someone working in the woodshop
Close up photo of red, orange and brown pieces of materials
Diagram showing sustainable cow farming practices. Annotated in white

Detroit is a hotbed of innovation in sustainability, climate action, climate justice and design. With the city hosting events and conferences like the Sustainable Detroit Forum, the Sustainable Urban Design Summit, Detroit Month of Design, Cumulus 2022: Design for Adaptation, the TED Countdown Summit, and many more, Detroit is fast becoming a focal point for meetings of minds.

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