Get expert industry guidance with unique, hands-on coursework that focuses on leadership and integrates emerging technologies. You’ll develop the design and problem-solving skills needed to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace.

Through student collaboration, industry-expert faculty, and our certificate program, we empower mid-career professionals to earn a degree personalized to their career goals.

Our flexible, stackable certificate structure lets you tailor your learning journey — start with a standalone program to gain targeted skills, or work toward the full Master of Design and Innovation degree at your own pace.

Find out how CSUN is crafting design innovation with influence.

Fast Facts
  • Master of Arts in Design & Innovation
    • Fall 2026 Application: Now Accepting Applications
    • Priority Deadline: March 17, 2026
    • Final Deadline: June 2, 2026
    • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Certificate in Design for Experiences & Interactions
    • Summer 2026 Application: Now Accepting Applications
    • Final Deadline: March 17, 2026
    • Program Duration: 9 months
  • Program mode: 100% Online | Cohort format
  • Stackable Pathway: Earn one or more certificates independently or apply credits toward the Master's degree.

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Career outlook

In California, according to the Otis Creative Economy Report, the creative economy “outperforms industry sectors like government, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Key statistics include:

$978.6 billion in economic activity generated by California's creative economy
13.9% projected growth in the arts, entertainment and recreation industry 2018-2028
5.1 million workers in California's Creative Economy

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You'll learn how to:

  • Analyze methods for design strategy, user experience and design leadership for creative industries
  • Apply design management and leadership skills to create influential change
  • Conduct research, design frameworks, to develop design systems
  • Explain contemporary issues in design including design ethics, inclusivity in design, globalization, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

Why you'll love us.

  • NO TEMPLATES, EVER.

    At CSUN, we don't fill courses. We build them, entirely from scratch, each and every time we launch a program. This leads to a unique education, with real and lasting outcomes in your career.

  • EXPERT INSTRUCTION AND DESIGN.

    Our world-class faculty design and teach all courses, helping you gain today’s most in-demand skills – and bringing the industry directly to you.

  • GROUP-POWERED LEARNING.

    When you enroll, we place you in a small, interactive group of peers from diverse organizations and industries. And from day one to graduation, you’ll learn and grow together.

  • VIP SUPPORT.

    As you earn your education, we’ll stay with you every step of the way, offering close, personal support when and where you need it.

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Overview

The current creative economy is a vibrant and exciting workforce. Leading industries include advertising, architecture, art and crafts, design, fashion, film and music, performing arts, publishing, research and software development and more. The total impact of these creative industries on the California economy is over $687 billion.

With rapidly evolving industry conditions, businesses are pushed in new and faster directions than ever before. The Design and Innovation program at CSUN offers unique, hands-on coursework that focuses on leadership and integrates emerging technologies. This approach helps students develop the design and problem-solving skills needed to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace.

Not sure about committing to a full master’s program? Start with one of our three certificates in Design and Innovation. Each certificate is a stand-alone pathway that can also be applied toward the full master’s degree.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How many hours a week should I plan to dedicate to classes?

Answer: Credit-bearing programs conform to Carnegie hours (i.e., one credit equals one hour of class time, plus two hours of homework). Our programs usually have six to nine credits per term. Nine credits equal 27 hours a week dedicated to classes.

Question: Can I take one certificate without committing to the full master’s degree?

Answer: Yes! Each certificate is a stand-alone program that also allows you to apply credits toward the MDI master’s degree if you decide to continue.

Question: After I submit my application, when will I receive a response about an admit decision?

Answer: Admission decisions are typically made four to eight weeks after the complete admission packet is submitted, including transcripts and all required supplemental documents.

Question: What is the typical class profile?

Answer: Students are professionals, typically with two to five years of experience. Usually, they’re in their mid-20s to mid-40s. Many students have families and work/life commitments.

Question: If I received my bachelor's degree from CSUN, do I have to include transcripts with my application?

Answer: No, we have access to your CSUN transcripts.

Question: How long will the program take to complete?

Answer: Ideally, the MDI program takes about two years to complete.

Question: Will I have access to the University Library?

Answer: Yes. Students can take advantage of many resources through the University Library. Be prepared to show your registration receipt and a picture ID. Students in cohorts have full access to a large array of materials online.

For additional questions and answers, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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