Rossitza B. Wooster
Dean of the Graduate School
184 Parkmill (1633 SW Park Avenue)
503-725-8410
pdx.edu/gradschool
Portland State University graduate programs offer a variety of opportunities for advanced study and research, including preparation for academic or professional careers, continuation and improvement of skills for in-service professionals, personal intellectual enrichment, and professional development. More than 5,000 graduate students are enrolled in the University’s colleges and schools, and over 1,900 graduate degrees are awarded annually in the more than 80 master’s and the 21 doctoral programs.
The Graduate School oversees the University’s graduate programs in the interest of ensuring quality instruction and research and promoting the highest achievement of graduate students. It is the principal resource concerning graduate admission policies and procedures, advanced degree requirements, degree status, petition procedures, thesis or dissertation preparation, and final oral examinations.
All matters of graduate study are subject to the policies and procedures established by the Faculty Senate upon recommendation of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council develops and recommends University policies and regulations for graduate studies, recommends standards for graduate courses and programs, and adjudicates petitions regarding graduate policies. The Dean of the Graduate School is responsible for conducting the affairs of the Graduate School and for certifying candidates who have fulfilled the requirements for advanced degrees.
Graduate Certificate in Futures Thinking and Foresight Practice
This certificate offers students and experienced professionals the opportunity to deepen their understanding of futures thinking and foresight practice to positively impact a highly volatile and complex landscape recently referred to as “post-normal times.” Given rapid and exponential acceleration that is occurring across both public and private sectors, a new mindset and new skills are needed to navigate this complexity and build success pathways to desired futures. Increasing “readiness for the future” has become an urgent call to action across disciplines and professional spheres of influence. This 18-credit learning experience includes focus on technological change, climate change, geo-political shifts, racial equity and such topics as the future of work, food, learning and more.
Foresight is an emerging interdisciplinary social science comprised of psychology, sociology, anthropology and social work, the arts, political science, business, technological studies, urban studies, public administration, engineering and technology sciences, economics, and other geo-political focal areas (to name a few). Futures thinking and foresight practice reflect a collection of applied skills and tools related to a specific type of anticipatory thinking, applied ethics in a futures context and related change management/navigation skills. It is also about increasing proficiency in building collective intelligence, imagination, agency and agility in individuals, groups, organizations and civic collectives with regard to self-determination and democratically anchored futures planning. Interdisciplinary elective coursework will allow students to personalize from among a list of future forward courses that best meet their professional goals and their intended future focus.
The certificate includes a deep exploration of settings and methods where foresight is currently being practiced in both the public and private sectors, a review of foresight research and methods and profiles of futurists who lead these processes. With a special focus on leading efforts to build foresightfulness within communities and/or organizations through trend mapping, power analysis, goal setting in a “VUCA” practice environment (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity), students learn the fundamentals of engaging individuals, groups and organizations in a positive experience of navigating futures conceptualization and planning. Issues of equity and strategies to democratize co-creation of shared futures, acknowledge/address bias and patterns of historical bias are prioritized. A concluding integration course provides a culminating experience to engage in shared learning and cross-disciplinary review of foresight projects, as well as creation of a professional foresight portfolio useful to those seeking to enhance their career readiness in this area.
Core (10 credits)
| ISt 520 | Introduction to Foresight and Futures Practice | 4 |
| ISt 521 | Applying Foresight Frameworks and Building Futures Practice | 4 |
| ISt 522 | Integrative Futures Practice | 2 |
Electives (8 credits)
Approved list of elective courses:
| Ec 543/ESM 543 | Global Environmental Economics | 4 |
| Mgmt 518 | Digital Transformation of Business | 4 |
| Mgmt 521/Mgmt 521S | Design Thinking for Social Innovation | 4 |
| Mgmt 522S | Money Matters for Social Innovation | 4 |
| Mgmt 523S | Storytelling and Impact Measurement for Social Innovation | 4 |
| PA 513 | Administrative Ethics and Values | 3 |
| PA 514 | Global Leadership and Management | 3 |
| PA 516 | Current Issues in Public Management | 3 |
| PA 536 | Strategic Planning | 3 |
| PA 543 | Creating Collaborative Communities | 3 |
| PA 598 | Values-based Management I | 3 |
| SW 510 | Futures Thinking and Foresight Practice for Equity, Well-Being and Community Flourishing | 3 |
| USP 560/EMCR 560 | Climate Resiliency Planning | 3 |
Other courses may be used as electives with approval of the Program Director.
Total Credit Hours: 18