Certificate in Design
Leadership & Strategy
The Certificate in Design Leadership & Strategy, offered jointly by the Claremont Graduate University’s world-renowned Drucker School of Management and Turn Institute, integrates the power of systems thinking with the principles of effective leadership.
This 12-week, 100% online program prepares creative professionals in transportation design, industrial/product design, and interaction/UX design to step into leadership and management roles. Through course assignmens and mentorship from faculty, you’ll learn how to drive innovation, strategic transformation, and sustainable practices in a world of rapid change.
Next cohort starts on February 9, 2026
Quick Facts
-
100% Online
Classes are 100% online, scheduled in the evenings (Pacific time) to fit with most working schedules across the U.S. and Asia.
-
12 Weeks, 8 courses
Complete the certificate program in just 12 weeks. Classes meet three evenings per week, and a total of 8 courses are taught by faculty from both CGU and Turn Institute.
-
Certificate issed by CGU
Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a Certificate in Design Leadership & Strategy from the Claremont Graduate University.
Curriculum
The Certificate in Design Leadership & Strategy prepares designers to become transformative managers and visionary leaders capable of guiding organizations through technological, cultural, and environmental change.
By combining systems thinking, strategic foresight, and operational excellence, the program cultivates leaders who can bridge creativity and management, turning complex challenges into opportunities for sustainable innovation and impact.
Learning outcomes:
Systems Thinking
Design Strategy
Creative Leadership
Organizational Culture
Effective 360 Communication
Sustainable Manufacturing and Automation
Next cohort:
Feb 9 - May 1, 2026
-
Weeks 1-3
This course teaches designers to think systemically, integrating products, interfaces, services, and infrastructure into cohesive, scalable experiences that drive innovation across design ecosystems.
-
Weeks 4-6
This hands-on course that empowers designers to use artificial intelligence as a creative co-pilot, enhancing ideation, productivity, and innovation while maintaining a strong foundation in ethical, human-centered design.
-
Weeks 1-6
This course equips design and innovation leaders with the management tools, team dynamics, and operational strategies needed to build agile, collaborative, and high-performing organizations.
-
Weeks 1-6
This course provides leaders with practical frameworks for planning, optimizing, and scaling design and innovation processes—bridging creative vision with efficient, sustainable execution.
-
Weeks 7-9
This course develops the ability to anticipate change and envision alternative futures, teaching designers to identify emerging trends and translate foresight insights into innovative strategies and experience concepts.
-
Weeks 10-12
This course equips creative professionals with the tools to align design with business strategy, integrating storytelling, branding, and innovation to drive meaningful impact across organizations and markets.
-
Weeks 7-12
This course explores sustainable manufacturing and design practices, teaching leaders how to integrate circular economy principles, responsible sourcing, and regenerative thinking into products, systems, and organizational strategy.
-
Weeks 7-12
This course, grounded in Peter F. Drucker’s philosophy of purposeful, human-centered management, helps emerging leaders cultivate self-knowledge, ethical judgment, and practical skills to inspire others and lead organizations through meaningful change.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for mid-career designers in:
Transportation design
Industrial and Product design
UX and Interaction Design
And other adjacent disciplines
Graduates will be prepared to promote into roles such as:
Principal/Lead Designer
Design Strategist
Design Manager
Design Director
Chief Design Officer
World-Class Faculty
-
![]()
Dr. Kristine Kawamura, CGU
Leadership & management practices for social impact
-
![]()
Dr. Gordon M. Krauss, CGU/HMC
Engineering design & sustainable manufacturing
-
![]()
Dr. Katarina Pick, CGU
Leadership & organizational design
-
![]()
Dr. Gary Gaukler, CGU
Operations & supply chain management
-
![]()
Richard Pelletier, Turn Institute
Transportation systems design & strategy
-
![]()
Julian Scaff, Turn Institute
Interaction design, futurecasting, & creative leadership.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
-
Lead with Vision and Clarity
Develop the critical leadership and management skills to inspire teams, influence executives, and drive innovation across complex design and business environments.
-
Think in Systems, Act Strategically
Learn to map and manage interdependent social, technological, and organizational systems to navigate uncertainty and make better, future-oriented decisions.
-
Guide Transformation at Scale
Build the capability to lead organizations through rapid technological, cultural, and environmental change with confidence, purpose, and resilience.
Important Dates
Last day to enroll: January 9, 2026
Full tuition due by: January 9, 2026
Program start date: February 9, 2026
Program end date: May 1, 2026
Pricing
$19,800*
12-week program
8 courses
*10% deposit ($1,980) required to reserve a seat. Full tuition due by 1/9/2026.
The CGU–Turn Certificate in Design Leadership & Strategy is priced competitively with other executive education programs at the Drucker School and other top business schools, making world-class leadership training more accessible to creative professionals.
It’s also the only program of its kind in the world, uniquely blending design, strategy, and foresight to prepare leaders for the future of innovation.
Limited seats are available, so reserve your spot today. The button below will take you to a registration page at Claremont Graduate University.