Creativity for Life

Study how innovation works–then do it!

Courses in the Innovation Studies minor teach fundamental skills like design thinking, collaboration, and building an entrepreneurial mindset. You then form teams and develop your own solutions to contemporary problems and strategic opportunities.

The program also prepares students to tell a unique story about their college experience to future employers. Each course emphasizes critical thinking and the skills that organizations most want from graduates. Think of the minor as a toolkit with essential business and problem-solving skills that will enhance your core proficiencies and apply those skills to the real world.

Typically, the INOV program offers Hist/Phil/Coma 248: Innovation, Ethics, and Society in the Fall, and Inov 350: Innovation Seminar in the Spring. You can view the current 4-year course plan here.

In Fall 2024, our featured Intro course will be COMA 248: Innovation, Ethics, and Society, taught by Justin Eckstein. The class is meeting Tues/Thurs from 3:40pm to 5:25pm.

During Spring 2025, the INOV 350 (Innovation Seminar) course will be offered Tues/Thurs from 9:55am to 11:40am in MCLT 138.

Google's James McLurkin shows off his "swarm" robots to students in the Innovation Studies Makerspace. (Photo: PLU/John Froschauer)
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What are students saying about Innovation Studies?

Is this interdisciplinary program right for you?

The Innovation Studies program is excited to provide a blog dedicated to innovation, featuring student questions, tips, and pathways into the minor.

Our blog writers are closely connected to the Innovation Studies program. Each post develops a specific theme, such as:

  • Upcoming events in the PLU Makerspace (located in Hinderlie Hall)
  • New research on innovation and its consequences
  • Interviews with students studying innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Conversations with faculty who specialize in innovation
  • Advising tips for minor, such as when Innovation classes are offered and when you should take them

Check it out today!