Requirements
and Restrictions
Learning Work?
or Live Event
Graduate Certificate in Creativity and Innovation
Classes Begin: August 23, 20271 year
Fully Online
18
CAEP accredited provider
***The Graduate Certificate in Creativity and Innovation will not be accepting new students for the 2026–2027 academic year. More information to follow.***
In a world of increasing complexity, change, and competition, generating new ideas is now essential for corporate management. Successful organizations in all fields view creativity as vital and instill it throughout the organization. The application of creativity skills distinguishes managers who maintain the status quo from leaders who inspire a new direction or vision. By understanding what creativity is, what it is not, and internalizing the spirit of creativity and the principles of creative problem solving, individuals can be transformed into change leaders.
The accredited online Graduate Certificate in Creativity and Innovation is designed to meet the needs of today's working professionals across many fields. The program provides, in a concentrated format, the most contemporary knowledge and skills needed in this important area for students who do not wish to pursue a master's degree but who value a credential that demonstrates their learning. Credits from this program can be applied toward an MS in Creativity and Innovation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will have formed an in-depth understanding of creativity, enhanced communication, creative problem solving, and how these may be applied to practical situations that further their workplace culture. Graduates will use their newly enhanced creative thinking skills to reflect critically on existing workplace practices and express coherent and cogent ideas and suggestions for continuous improvement.
Program Features
- Completely online format lets you learn when it’s convenient for you
- The Drexel/Torrance Center for Creativity and Innovation, directed by Dr. Fredricka Reisman, promotes creativity using programs that cultivate skills in creative thinking, innovative leadership practices, and problem solving techniques
- The Applied Creativity Graduate Student Association (ACGSA) offers students an opportunity to promote creativity within and outside Drexel
Archived Webinars
- How to Unlock Your Own "Samurai Creativity"
- Five Principles of "Samurai Creativity" for Peak Performance
- Implementing Creativity into the Workplace
- Innovation and Learning: Designing and Redefining Workplace Learning in the New Normal
- Learning Technologies and Creativity & Innovation Programs Online Open House
- Putting Creativity to Work: Creative Mindset, Environment, Creative Tools and Creative Action
- Using Creativity to Improve Non-Profits and SMB (Small and Medium-Sized Business)
This program is also available as a graduate minor.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in shorter time. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Drexel University is transitioning to a semester calendar system as of Fall 2027. View the semester program of study for this program.
| Requirements | ||
| CRTV 501 | Foundations in Creativity | 3.0 |
| CRTV 502 | Tools and Techniques in Creativity | 3.0 |
| CRTV 503 | Creativity in the Workplace | 3.0 |
| CRTV 600 | Mind, Brain and Learning | 3.0 |
| or EDCR 514 | Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education | |
| CRTV 620 | Research Methods and Assessment of Creative and Innovative Thinking | 3.0 |
| CRTV 630 | Global Perspectives on Creativity | 3.0 |
| or EDCR 510 | Leadership in Educational Contexts and Systems | |
| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 may be considered on a provisional basis
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Personal Essay of 500 to 750 words, describing your interest in the program, specifically:
- How the program relates to your previous educational activities
- If changing course, why you are moving in a new direction with your educational goals
- How the program relates to your current line of work
- How you plan to apply the program to your future goals
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
An interview may be requested.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2026-2027 is $1144 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1525 per credit)
For the academic year 2026-2027, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2027-2028 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2027
August 23, 2027
December 8, 2027
December 13, 2027
December 17, 2027
Spring 2028
January 10, 2028
April 24, 2028
April 27, 2028
May 3, 2028
Summer 2028
May 15, 2028
August 5, 2028
August 7, 2028
August 11, 2028
2026-2027 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2026
September 22, 2026
December 5, 2026
December 7, 2026
December 12, 2026
Winter 2027
January 4, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 15, 2027
March 20, 2027
Spring 2027
March 29, 2027
June 5, 2027
June 7, 2027
June 12, 2027
Summer 2027
June 21, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 9, 2027
August 14, 2027
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