Collaborative Creativity for Social Innovation and Strategic Design

The University of Calgary’s Collaborative Creativity for Social Innovation and Strategic Design program equips educators and professionals with the skills to address complex challenges through collaborative creativity, strategic design thinking, and social innovation. Students learn to bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources together to develop innovative solutions that support positive change in educational, organizational, and professional settings. The program emphasizes empathy, active listening, trust, and the creation of collaborative environments where ideas can flourish.

Through experiential learning and research-informed practice, students explore creativity, collaboration, design thinking, and strategic design across a range of real-world contexts. Projects connect personal and professional challenges with broader initiatives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By combining practical problem-solving with action-based and literature-based research, the program helps participants apply innovative strategies within their own professional environments and develop approaches that contribute to meaningful, lasting social impact.

Admission Requirements

• Four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree.

What You’ll Learn

• Apply strategic design thinking to solve complex real-world challenges.
• Use collaborative creativity to develop innovative solutions.
• Build skills in empathy, active listening, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Develop social innovation initiatives that support positive, sustainable change.