Graduate Certificate in
Human Centered Design
Build advanced capability in human-centered approaches to complex design challenges — fully online, in just 12 credit hours. Credits from this certificate count toward the M.S. in Environmental Design and the Ph.D. in Interior and Environmental Design at Texas Tech.
Design for people. Lead with purpose.
Texas Tech’s Graduate Certificate in Human Centered Design prepares working professionals and graduate students for advanced capability in human-centered approaches to complex design challenges. The program emphasizes understanding human needs and behaviors to develop effective design solutions — from healthcare environments to learning spaces to communities built for inclusion.
The certificate is a focused, four-course sequence that can be completed fully online. Every credit you earn counts toward the M.S. in Environmental Design or the Ph.D. in Interior and Environmental Design at Texas Tech, making it an ideal entry point for professionals who want to build credentials now and continue toward a graduate degree on their own timeline.
Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to:
- Apply human-centered methodologies to complex design challenges.
- Analyze human needs and behaviors to inform effective design solutions.
- Address design challenges in health, sustainability, inclusion, and community contexts.
- Build a foundation for advanced graduate study in environmental or interior design.
Certificate Coursework
Required:
- ENVD 5383: Sustainable Communities and Design
- ENVD 5385: Design for Health
- ENVD 6370: Technology and Development
Guided Elective (choose one):
- ENVD 5380: Human Factors: Ergonomics in Environmental Design
- ENVD 6381: Environment and Behavioral Design Analysis
- ENVD 5382: Environmental Design Systems
- ENVD 5388: Design for Inclusion
ENVD 6370 and ENVD 6381 are offered in the fall.
Total: 12 credit hours | Credits apply toward the M.S. and Ph.D.
Why start with the certificate?
Lower Commitment, Real Credentials
The certificate is a focused 12-credit-hour program you can complete fully online — without committing to a full master’s degree upfront. It’s designed for working professionals who want graduate-level credentials on their own timeline.
Credits That Count Forward
Every course you complete in the certificate can be applied toward the M.S. in Environmental Design or the Ph.D. in Interior and Environmental Design at Texas Tech. Starting with the certificate doesn’t slow you down — it gets you started.
Human-Centered Focus
The curriculum is built around understanding how people interact with designed environments — with coursework spanning sustainable communities, health-focused design, technology, ergonomics, and design for inclusion.
Texas Tech’s Graduate Certificate in Human Centered Design is delivered fully online and is open to working professionals and graduate students from interior design, architecture, and related fields.
How to Apply
All application materials must be submitted through the Texas Tech Graduate School online portal.
Apply NowApplication Deadlines
- Fall: June 15
- Spring: October 15
- Summer: February 15
Questions? Contact erin.r.sopronyi@ttu.edu or request information online.
Application Deadlines
Fall: June 15
Spring: October 15
Summer: February 15
Department of Design
-
Address
Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41220, Lubbock, TX 79409-1220 -
Phone
806.742.3050 -
Email
hs.webmaster@ttu.edu