MAMFA

Design for Sustainability

CCS’s Graduate program 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 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.

Design for Sustainability students collaborating on a community focused project.

STEM-Designated Program
What is this?

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

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.

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 Design for Sustainability master’s program and become a leader in sustainable design and innovation.

Degrees Offered

The Design for Sustainability Program offers 2 types of Degrees

60 Credits

2-year Full-time MFA

Upon graduation, students in the MFA Design for Sustainability program will be able to:

Utilize advanced design skills and knowledge that integrates the key elements, terminology, and current practices to resolve sustainability challenges.
Critically engage with design research methods and analysis in informing practical and/or critical design outcomes and/or interventions
Independently initiate imaginative and innovative sustainable design outcomes and hypotheses that critically challenge established practices.
Work with interdisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholder groups in leadership, co-creation, and collaboration to advance research and idea generation.
Strategically use communication and negotiation skills in proposing and implementing design outcomes.
Develop in-depth critical and contextual understanding of interrelated sustainable design and climate action factors informing innovation and evidence original thought and creativity in the generation of ideas.

30 Credits

1-year Full-time MA

Upon graduation, students in the MA Design for Sustainability program will be able to:

Utilize advanced design skills and knowledge that integrates the key elements, terminology, and current practices to resolve sustainability challenges.
Independently initiate imaginative and innovative sustainable design outcomes and hypotheses that critically challenge established practices.
Strategically use communication and negotiation skills in proposing and implementing design outcomes.
Develop in-depth critical and contextual understanding of interrelated sustainable design and climate action factors informing innovation and evidence original thought and creativity in the generation of ideas.

A student holding and examining a piece of wood

A canvas, layered with paint, cutouts and materials to create a portrait of a woman

Design for Sustainability student pinning material samples to wall

Design for Sustainability students showing their research and designs.

A student in a coat with a hood over their head, reaching out and touching green moss all over a stone wall in Iceland

How to Remove a Zipper book folded out to show various pages as well as the cover

A close up of recycled materials and painting samples

Using hands-on projects, the program challenges students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world sustainability issues.

Your Future, In Motion

With our extensive industry connections spanning over a century, we ensure that the active learning our students engage in aligns with industry needs, preparing them for careers.

Learn More about Experiential Learning at CCS

A student showing their process work to someone at the table

Cutting-Edge Spaces for Creative Minds

Enjoy unlimited access to industry-standard facilities that prepare you for real-world production.

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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.

*Note: This information was gathered using Lightcast Labor Market Analytics and includes the median salary for the lifetime of a career in these specific professions. CCS alumni outcomes may vary.

Possible Career Choices

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

News & Events

Hear more about CCS’s community of artists, designers, and creative thinkers.

Through collaborative projects, industry partnerships, and citywide exhibitions, students push boundaries, forge connections, and draw on Detroit’s energy to shape bold ideas and future creative leaders.

Explore CCS News Events