Specialization in
Design for social innovation
Modalidad Escolarizada – Av. Constituyentes 455, Col. América, CDMX
End Date | December 10, 2027
Duration | 3 four-month terms
Schedule | Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
In-person classes with online technological support
+2 workshops with international specialists in Mexico City
Modalidad Escolarizada – Av. Constituyentes 455, Col. América, CDMX
End Date | December 10, 2027
Duration | 3 four-month terms
Schedule | Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
In-person classes with online technological support
+2 workshops with international specialists in Mexico City
Forma parte de nuestra #Comunidad Creativa
The Specialty in Design for Social Innovation is a unique program in Latin America where you will use design tools for the development of projects with social and environmental impact. Focused on action-research, it integrates methodologies that allow you to detect opportunities, articulate actors, facilitate collaborative processes and apply knowledge in pilots that respond to real contexts. Aimed at professionals in business, government or independent, seeking to design solutions hand in hand with colleagues and renowned local and international teachers.
- Action-research methodology: Allows us to detect challenges and opportunities in order to design responses focused on people and the environment.
- Integration to DESIS Network: Access to the global network of social innovation and sustainability laboratories.
- AI application: Use of artificial intelligence tools to support research, exploration and analysis of information, as well as data visualization.
- Specialized and diverse faculty: National and international experts in design methodologies applied to social innovation.
- Complementary experiences: Conferences, workshops, visits and networking.
Forma parte de nuestra #Comunidad Creativa
Curriculum
Who is it intended for?
- People from diverse backgrounds interested in learning to design and manage social innovation projects, as well as those who already have experience and wish to strengthen their tools. It requires openness to apply methodologies, commitment to collaborative work, monitoring and self-management of projects. It is necessary to have basic knowledge of digital platforms and an advanced level of English.
What kind of jobs can you do?
- Graduates will be able to design and manage innovative solutions with a socially responsible approach, using systems thinking tools and methodologies focused on people and the environment.
- They will have the ability to facilitate collective processes and promote collaboration in diverse contexts.
- They will be able to work in social organizations, institutions, NGOs, companies and agencies, in roles that demand the design and management of innovative solutions that consider people and the environment.
Paulina Cornejo – DirectorArt historian and Master in CSR Sustainability from the University of Barcelona and Master in Design Studies from CENTRO. She directs CENTRO’s Social Design Hub, a transversal area that promotes design focused on context, people and sustainability. Researcher, teacher and consultant for projects with social impact.
Teachers
Jorge CamachoCommunication specialist, Master’s degree in cyberculture, Ph.D. in cultural studies. Strategic designer and futurist. He serves as a research associate at the Institute for the Future. He directs the Master’s in Design: Methods and Explorations program at CENTRO. Co-founder of the UNESCO Chair in Design Methods for Democratic Access to the Imagination of the Future. Co-founder of Diagonal Estudio.
D. in philosophy from RMIT University Melbourne. She has an outstanding track record in research, teaching and implementation of communication strategies and design processes for social innovation in different fields. Creator of the first Master’s program in Design for Social Innovation at SVA NY.
Master in Social Development from University College London. She founded Holacode and has ventured into social entrepreneurship. In 2019 MIT included her in the list of 35 innovators under 35 and she was selected by Cartier among the best social entrepreneurs in the world. In 2018 El Economista named her the Voice of the Future of Mexico and IFC added her to the 50 women entrepreneurs who changed Latin America.
Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Studies of Culture and Communication; M.A. in Social Anthropology. Co-editor-in-chief of CENTRO’s journal *Economía Creativa*. Feature writer, columnist, and author of four books. Regional editor for Latin America of the *Journal of Future Studies* (Tamkang University). Co-director of the UNESCO Chair on Design Methods for Democratic Access to the Imagination of the Future.
Master in design studies and industrial designer. Consultant and workshop leader in creative thinking, co-creation tools, design thinking, design sprints and problem solving. He collaborates with companies and educational institutions designing experiences and facilitating workshops on creative thinking, design methods and creative processes for complex problem solving.
Collaborations
This program gives you the opportunity to interact with invited experts, as well as to apply knowledge and tools to the co-design of solutions with partners and organizations with which we collaborate.
What does Cheryl Heller say
about the program?
What do our customers think?
students?
Frequently Asked Questions
and the admissions process
for international students
Why CENTRO?
- Connection to an international network of experts.
- Program to Promote Excellence: Take courses from other graduate programs at no cost to expand your knowledge in other areas
of interest. - Collaborations with CENTRO's Center for Research on the Creative Economy (CIEC), which disseminates scientific content and publishes the academic journal *Economía Creativa*.
- Professional collaborations with CENTRO Estudio, a program that connects the graduate student community with industry on real-world projects.
Why CENTRO?
- Participation in CENTRO Conecta, a "
" event designed to connect with companies seeking creative talent. - A campus with 17 workshops for industrial design, textiles and fashion, technology, screen printing, and more; 4 screening rooms; 4 computer labs, 1 photography lab, and 1 lighting lab; 2 film and television forums; 13 editing stations; 3 audio booths; 1 ABB robotic arm; 1 Digital Maker Lab; the largest motion capture system in Latin America with 24 infrared cameras; and 1 art gallery.
Why CENTRO?
- Connection to an international network of experts.
- Program to Promote Excellence: Take courses from other graduate programs at no cost to expand your knowledge in other areas of interest.
- Collaborations with CENTRO's Center for Research on the Creative Economy (CIEC), which disseminates scientific content and publishes the academic journal *Economía Creativa*.
- Professional collaborations with CENTRO Estudio, a program that connects the graduate student community with industry on real-world projects.
- Participation in CENTRO Conecta, a networking event with companies seeking creative talent.
- A campus with 17 workshops for industrial design, textiles and fashion, technology, screen printing, and more; 4 screening rooms; 4 computer labs, 1 photography lab, and 1 lighting lab; 2 film and television forums; 13 editing stations; 3 audio booths; 1 ABB robotic arm; 1 Digital Maker Lab; the largest motion capture system in Latin America with 24 infrared cameras; and 1 art gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you offer scholarships and financial aid?
CENTRO Scholarship: You can apply once you have received your admission letter. A socioeconomic assessment (for a fee) is conducted, and an external company evaluates your need for financial aid. Based on that information, the scholarship committee determines the percentage. The decision is final.
CENTRO Alumni Scholarship: 30% for graduates of both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Funding: We work with Laudex to secure funding for the programs. They conduct a risk assessment and determine the percentage of funding to be provided. Laudex Advisor Contact Information: Linda Granados | 55 7672 2250 | linda.granados@laudex.mx
2. Are there any early payment benefits?
Get 10% off your first tuition payment if you enroll by April 20 for the August graduate programs and by October 20 for the January graduate programs.
6% off your first tuition payment or the full semester/quadrimester fee if you enroll by June 15 for the August graduate programs and by December 15 for the January graduate programs.
3. Can I enroll without a bachelor's degree?
It is a mandatory requirement of the SEP to hold a bachelor’s degree in order to enroll in a graduate program. If you are still in the process of obtaining your degree, you may enroll by submitting a certificate from your university stating that you have successfully completed 100% of your course credits and that your degree is in process.
4. Can I earn a degree through a CENTRO graduate program?
Yes, you can do so by submitting a letter from your university stating that you have successfully completed 100% of your bachelor’s degree credits and authorizing this degree conferral process.
5. Why do I need to have a good command of English?
6. What are the requirements for enrolling in a graduate program?
To begin the admissions process, you will need: A bachelor’s degree (if you are still working toward your degree, you have the first semester to submit your diploma), a statement of purpose, a completed admission form with your information, a resume, an interview with the program directors for evaluation and acceptance, preferably professional experience, and a good command of English (required for some programs).
Some graduate programs will have specific requirements related to knowledge of software programs or having a portfolio. Your advisor will inform you of these requirements.
To begin the registration process, you must submit the following documents: Letter of Acceptance, Birth Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree Diploma, CURP, and Professional License.
7. What is the admissions process like?
Once you have met all the requirements listed in the previous points, you must undergo an interview with the administration or program coordinators of the program you are interested in. If you are admitted to the program, we will provide you with your acceptance letter, and you can begin the enrollment process by paying the first tuition installment and submitting the required documentation. At this point, you can begin the scholarship application process, if necessary. Once you have completed the admission forms, made the payment, and submitted the required documentation, you will be officially enrolled in the graduate program.
8. What is the admissions process for international students?
You can choose to enroll in the program and earn a degree from CENTRO, or have your studies recognized to obtain a degree from the SEP.
Check out the FAQs for foreigners here
9. Can I take courses from other graduate programs?
CENTRO has developed the “Promoting Excellence” program, which allows graduate students to take courses from other programs to enrich their education at no additional cost.
Specializations: 2 courses per semester/quadrimester (4 in total for the program).
Master’s Programs: 2 courses per semester/quadrimester (6 in total for the program).
To be eligible for this benefit, you must meet certain academic prerequisites and have no outstanding financial obligations.
10. What is the difference between a specialization and a master's degree?
A Specialization is a graduate program designed to provide in-depth study in a specific area of knowledge and to develop skills for better job performance. Upon completion, you will receive an academic diploma as a Specialist awarded by the SEP. The average duration is one year.
A master’s degree is the final stage of formal education—a graduate program that provides academic, theoretical, and practical training superior to that of a specialization. It requires analytical and interpretive skills to formulate concepts and develop arguments. Upon completion, you will receive a Master’s degree awarded by the SEP. The average duration is 18 months or between 400 and 500 hours of instruction.