The Certificate in Public Interest Design (PID) at the School of Architecture at Tulane University is an 18-credit graduate-level certificate focusing on training and preparing future practitioners of Public Interest Design in the field of architecture, planning, historic preservation, and design. The certificate is designed to advance Public Interest Design, or the practice of design for the benefit of the broader public, especially for those in disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities. The program is envisioned to provide students with a framework of theories and hands-on experience on how architecture, design, and the built environment can and should engage with communities toward creating a more just, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable society and world.

Students enrolled in the Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Historic Preservation in the School of Architecture can add the Certificate in Public Interest Design in conjunction with their graduate degree programs. The certificate requires the completion of 18 credits composed of three core courses, one design studio, and one elective course.  

Students intending to take the certificate should submit a declaration form to the Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (SISE) program director. For other questions please contact the Program Director and visit the Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship pages on the School of Architecture's website.

Course List

Course ID	Title	Credits
SISE 6010	Social Innovation Theories & Practice	3
SISE 7010	Design Thinking for Social Impact	3
ARCH 6742	Design in the Public Interest	3
Graduate Design Studio 1		6
Elective		3
Total Credit Hours		18

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Selected ARCH (Architecture), PRES (Historic Preservation), or SISE (Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship) studio courses may count as Graduate Design Studio. Consult with the SISE program director for approval.