The Certificate in Product Development and Design at Tufts University is a six-credit, fully online graduate certificate focused on iterative design and design-oriented problem-solving. Students learn to identify complex challenges, understand stakeholder needs, develop possible solutions, and refine products or services through collaboration and reflection.

The program requires two graduate-level courses and is completed through part-time online study. Students typically complete the certificate in 6 to 12 months.

Who is this Program For?

The Certificate in Product Development and Design is designed for students and professionals from any academic or professional background who want to apply design methods to complex problems.

This program may be a strong fit for applicants who want to:

Learn the fundamentals of iterative design and design thinking
Build solutions around client, customer, or stakeholder needs
Apply design methods to products, services, organizations, or social challenges
Strengthen collaboration across technical, business, public-service, health care, or educational settings
Add design-oriented problem-solving skills to an existing professional background
Prepare for possible further graduate study in engineering, innovation, management, or human-centered design

Application Requirements

Application fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
One letter of recommendation
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable

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What Will You Study?

Students complete two fully online graduate-level courses selected from the approved Product Development and Design curriculum.

Course Options

EE 181: The Art of Product Design: Making an Impact
EE 182: The Art of Product Design: Harnessing the Impact
EE 185: Societal Aspects of Design: Integration, Innovation, and Impact

Through this coursework, students build knowledge and skills in:

Iterative design
Product and service development
Stakeholder and client needs assessment
Creative and collaborative problem-solving

Design principles and design decision-making
Interdisciplinary teamwork
Innovation and societal impact
Reflection and improvement through iteration

About the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Certificate in Product Development and Design is offered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering.

The program extends engineering design beyond a single technical field by helping students examine complex challenges from multiple perspectives. Students learn to use creativity, collaboration, and iterative design to develop solutions relevant to products, services, organizations, and society.

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Why Study Product Development and Design at Tufts?

Design Methods for Complex Problems

Students learn to approach problems through a design-oriented process that includes understanding needs, developing ideas, testing assumptions, and refining solutions. These methods can be applied across professional fields and organizational settings.

Relevant to Students From Many Backgrounds

The certificate is designed for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including engineering, entrepreneurship, project management, marketing, health care, education, public service, and advocacy. Students can apply design methods within the context of their own goals and experience.

Fully Online, Focused Graduate Study

Students complete two graduate-level courses through a fully online, part-time format. The short certificate structure supports students who want focused design training while continuing professional or personal commitments.

Pathway to Further Graduate Study

Graduate credits earned toward the certificate with grades of B- or better may be applied toward an applicable Tufts School of Engineering master’s program, subject to admission and academic policies.

What Can You Do With a Certificate in Product Development and Design?

The Certificate in Product Development and Design can support students and professionals who want to strengthen their ability to identify needs, develop solutions, and improve products or services through iterative design.

Students may use this credential to build preparation relevant to areas such as:

Product development
Service design
Design thinking and innovation
Customer or stakeholder experience

Project and program development
Healthcare, education, government, or nonprofit innovation
Engineering and technology design contexts
Further graduate study in engineering, innovation, management, or human-centered design

Frequently Asked Questions

What Background is Appropriate for this Program?

The certificate is designed for students and professionals from all backgrounds who want to use iterative design and collaborative problem-solving in their field or organization.

What Courses Can I Take for the Certificate?

Students select two courses from the approved curriculum: EE 181: The Art of Product Design: Making an Impact; EE 182: The Art of Product Design: Harnessing the Impact; and EE 185: Societal Aspects of Design: Integration, Innovation, and Impact.

Are Scholarships Available?

The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.