The MFA in Collaborative Design and MA in Design Systems start with the end in mind: to produce creative ethical leaders who ... will apply a whole systems mindset and a tool kit of design, analytical, and entrepreneurial skills to drive positive impact in private, public, and non-profit sectors. Students, faculty, partners, and clients work together on complex problems using a collaborative, systems-based, holistic approach. Both programs draw on the city of Portland, the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Rim and more globally as learning labs for graduate students seeking expanded design practices to meaningfully address the emerging challenges of the 21st century. Our faculty, mentors, partners, and participants share a vision where future creative leaders effect systemic change creating equitable, resilient, and profitable solutions for a changing and better world. CD/DS believes equity and socially minded, environmentally sensitive designers fosters a more humane world that can better address the multi-causal challenges we currently face including, climate change, racial injustice, poverty and health care. read more