Admissions & Key Deadlines

Who Should Enroll?

The Interaction Design & Social Entrepreneurship Certificate is designed for students and professionals with an interest in art, design, business, social work, or technology who want to develop creative problem-solving skills. This program provides a structured yet flexible learning experience, allowing students to take courses individually or progress through the full curriculum at their own pace over three years.

A formal degree is not required, but previous experience in related fields is highly recommended. The program is designed for those who are eager to engage in hands-on learning and apply design skills to complex, real-world challenges.

What is required to enroll?

Applicants must submit the following artifacts:

  • Resume

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Portfolio of Work

Read more about these artifacts in the Application Documents section.

Class Schedule & Structure

The curriculum consists of 12 ten-week courses, which can be taken individually or in sequence over up to three years. Courses are offered at different times to accommodate various schedules. Typical class times include:

  • Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST

  • Sundays 6-9 PM & Thursdays 5-6 PM CST (Studio Courses)

Since coursework is project-based, students should expect additional independent work outside of class.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition varies based on enrollment:

  • $2,500 per course

  • $50 processing fee per course

Flexible payment plans are available to help students manage costs.

Enrollment Deadlines

Course start dates are listed on the Live Courses page. In general, enrollment must be completed at least two weeks before the course begins.

Application Documents

 

To enroll in your first course at Austin Center for Design, you’ll need to submit the following materials. These only need to be completed once and will not be required for future course enrollments.

Resume

List your previous work experience, education, awards, and relevant accomplishments. Submit as a PDF file.

Statement of Purpose

In 500–1,000 words, describe your intent for attending AC4D and how this program aligns with your goals. Submit as a PDF file.

Portfolio

Your portfolio should showcase a body of work that demonstrates your skills, process, and interests. Work samples do not need to be visual or design-related—applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Porrfolio Guidelines

Your portfolio may be submitted as a PDF or a link to an online portfolio. It should include work relevant to your background, such as:

  • Design work should be presented visually, showing the process and final design solution in a clear and concise manner.

  • Other creative and visual work, such as advertising or fine art, should show the final artifact or solution, and should describe the particular project goals.

  • Design research work (and other forms of applied ethnography or anthropology) should be presented in a manner that illustrates the topic being studied, the rationalization for the group observed, and key findings.

  • Business and marketing work should be presented through analytical reports, presentations, or other artifacts; be sure to describe the needs supported by the artifacts, and the result of the various reports, pitches, diagrams, or analytics.

  • Software and code (both front and back-end development) should be presented in a way that articulates the problem being solved, the constraints (such as time and resources), and the outcome (is the work live, and being used?)

For group projects, indicate your specific contributions. Your portfolio should reflect your skills and potential for success in AC4D’s programs.