Certificates

The Building Information Modeling (BIM) at LTU is available online, as both an undergraduate and graduate certificate. It covers building information modeling and computer visualization, both of which play an increasingly important role in architecture, specifically building design, construction, and operation. With the help of cutting-edge computer software, building information modeling and computer visualization use 3D modeling techniques that integrate a building's components – properties, location, geometry, spatial relationships, etc. The ability to visualize the project with BIM software increases productivity in the overall building process and improves communication between architects, engineers, contractors, and other key team members, making the project more efficient and economical.

Please contact Kalie Davio at kdavio@ltu.edu for more information.

The certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the built environment such that it might add value and focus to a major degree as well as enrich an LTU education in general. The certificate curriculum advances visualization, mapping, spatial analysis, thematic diagrams, and other urban design-supportive GIS-based techniques and skills. Coursework covers methods, theories, principles, practices, and application of GIS in urban design.

The program consists of three subject area components: quantitative methods in urban design and visual communication (theory focus); advanced GIS, urban design methods, and simulation & prototyping (practice focus); and GIS practicum (application).

The certificate in public interest design offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the built environment such that it might add value and focus to a major degree as well as enrich an LTU education in general. The certificate curriculum advances socially responsible design ideas and skills. Coursework covers methods, theories, principles, practices, policies, and implementation strategies in public interest design.

The program consists of three subject area components: introduction to community development (theory focus); public interest design, design ethics, and adaptive reuse and rehab (practice focus); and urban studio (design strategies).

Program Curriculum [12 credit hours total]

The certificate in Design Thinking offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of thinking structures and methods that produce innovative outcomes and thus, add value to a major degree in an area other than applied design. The certificate curriculum is non-studio based, will not require visualization skills while still developing communication, discovery and intentionality. As a non-studio offering in the College of Architecture and Design, this certificate holds a unique position that stresses thinking skills over physical craft. By reducing the expectation of visual communication aptitude, the certificate program opens design education to students who would benefit from the intellectual skills but are restricted by a lack of graphic facility or aptitude.