Product Design for the Circular Economy

The University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876 and set against the Rocky Mountains, is a major research university serving more than 37,000 students with nearly 3,000 international learners. CU Boulder is recognized for academic excellence, expansive research programs and a sustainability-driven campus culture. Students benefit from an array of undergraduate, graduate and professional offerings that encourage innovation across science, engineering, business, arts and humanities.

Research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to the CU Boulder experience, with extensive laboratory facilities, innovation labs and co-op or internship pathways that connect students to industry and civic partners. The university supports cross-disciplinary projects and provides robust advising, career services and student organizations that help translate academic interests into practical outcomes and start-up ventures.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and proximity to tech hubs create strong opportunities for networking, recreation and balanced living. International students are supported by dedicated offices for admissions, orientation and visa guidance, making the transition smoother. With a large program portfolio and a campus culture that values sustainability, creativity and collaboration, CU Boulder is well suited to students seeking high-impact research experiences and an active campus community.

This program is for individuals interested in product design and the circular economy, offering a non-degree certification in English, over several weeks. It helps students understand circular economy principles and apply them to product design.

The curriculum covers design strategies, recycling technologies, and material selection for circularity objectives. Students learn about Design for the Environment and Design for Reuse, Repair, Remanufacturing, and Recycling, as well as the correlation between population, affluence, and consumption patterns.

Graduates can pursue careers as Sustainable Product Designers, Circular Economy Consultants, Environmental Design Specialists, Recycling Coordinators, or Eco-friendly Materials Specialists, working in industries like product design, manufacturing, or sustainability consulting, for employers such as Siemens or similar companies.