The Design for Social Impact (DSI) undergraduate certificate at Oregon State University offers Honors College students a powerful way to align their academic work with real-world impact. By integrating human-centered design principles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and project-based learning, DSI provides a unique pathway to enrich your Honors thesis, build meaningful faculty connections, and develop practical skills that extend beyond the university.

Many students struggle to find a compelling and research-worthy Honors thesis topic. DSI projects provide a rich foundation for thesis work—you’ll engage with real-world challenges, work with stakeholders, and explore pressing social issues that can be expanded into an impactful research project.

Through DSI, you’ll collaborate with faculty and industry professionals who are passionate about social impact. These connections can lead to potential thesis mentors who provide guidance, expertise, and support as you refine your research focus.

DSI emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary project work, which aligns perfectly with Honors research and creative work expectations. You can use DSI projects as a case study, analyze their effectiveness, or develop new solutions inspired by your coursework—transforming academic research into tangible, community-driven outcomes.

Honors research requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The DSI certificate cultivates these competencies through design-thinking methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and iterative prototyping—skills that will not only enhance your thesis work but also prepare you for leadership roles in your career.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside students from diverse fields, gaining multiple perspectives that strengthen your research and thesis approach.
• Impact-Driven Learning: Tackle real-world challenges that give your academic work deeper purpose and relevance.
• Recognition of Your Work: Earn a formal credential in Design for Social Impact alongside your Honors degree, demonstrating your commitment to meaningful, applied research.