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NSCAD and Dalhousie University’s Executive Education have teamed up to create a new certificate program in Creativity, Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Mindset.

The certificate, launching in January 2021, will present innovative research tools, techniques and approaches that will empower participants to think disruptively and creatively about solutions. The online courses, taught by NSCAD and Dalhousie University instructors, are designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs who work in a wide range of industries, from business to government and not-for-profit.

“It’s a program that will appeal to people who are responsible for innovation in their organizations,” said Martine Durier-Copp, PhD, Academic Dean, NSCAD University. “Participants will have the opportunity to engage in activities from art and design that are proven to spark inspiration, while also fine tuning the fundamentals of business strategy.”

Dalhousie Executive Education and NSCAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop and deliver the fully online certificate program. It will consist of three courses, each being four weeks in length, with six to eight contact hours per week split between instructors from both universities.

“The outcome from the participants’ perspective is an increased ability to envision and produce innovative tools and practices in their organizations,” said Dr. Heidi Weigand, Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie University, one of the program’s instructors. “This will be accomplished by completing each of the three courses – Sparking Creativity, From Inspiration to Innovation, and Implementation and Adoption.” Courses can also be taken individually.

The program is a move by both universities to venture beyond traditional problem-solving approaches in the design of policies, programs, services and products, and instead think about change and solutions in exciting new ways.

“This certificate represents a unique partnership between two public institutions that are combining their strengths and experience to create a new program for bold thinkers,” said Durier-Copp. “The program introduces tools and methods from the world of art and design that enable people to develop and generate genuinely creative ideas.”

NSCAD will enrich the program with content and expertise from the world of art, design, and craft, while Dalhousie will bring advanced management knowledge and business development skills. The partnership is as innovative as it is ambitious.

“It’s a first-of-its-kind program, and a transformational offering that combines two schools of thought into one program that strengthens both the professional skills and creative processes for those enrolled,” said Moragh MacAulay, Acting Director, Dalhousie Executive Education.

Two of the certificate program’s instructors will be hosting a webinar in late October, giving people  a look at what to expect throughout the course.

Be among the first to get more details on this program and to register for our webinar in late October. 

For more details, please visit: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/cce/news---stories/2020/10/05/nscad__dalhousie_partner_to_offer_first_of_its_kind_training_where_business_and_the_arts_collide.html