Design for Social Impact is the newest addition to Indiana Wesleyan University’s academic majors. The bachelor’s degree equips students to be agents of change through “people first” design thinking. The major includes a 48-hour core that engages students in private, civic and community partnerships to create solutions to persistent social problems. In other words, it is a holistic approach to the design of systems, places and spaces.
“Students want to know their work really matters,” said Wendy Puffer, professor of Art. “This innovative program is the first in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) schools, designed to train students in skills to meaningfully solve problems for people no matter what business or organization they are employed by. Every course is filled with projects that engage them with the community and educate them about the world.”
As part of the Art and Design division, students will take core art classes— such as Drawing, Art History and Color Theory— combined with specialized Design for Social Impact classes, like Human Centered Design, Social Innovation and Grant Writing/Fundraising. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to go into a variety of professional careers in architecture, interiors, urban landscape, not-for-profit, government and many more.
Design for Social Impact is the eighth major to be added to the Division of Art and Design. Student registrations are in process for Fall 2016.
For more information, click here, or contact IWU Admissions at admissions@indwes.edu or 765-677-6507.