Ball State's Health Environment Design Research Lab

Dr. Shireen Kanakri, associate professor, (center) conducts research in Ball State's Health Environments Design Research Lab.

Prepare for a Career in Healthcare Facility Design

EDAC

Those who earn our graduate certificate will be prepared to take the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) examCertification distinguishes you in this field. Among other career-enhancing benefits, you will be listed in a public and searchable directory of EDAC-certified individuals, a requirement for many healthcare facility construction or renovation projects.

Modern advancements of interior design within healthcare facilities has brought needed amenities and comforts to patients and their families.

Ball State’s graduate certificate in planning and design of healthcare environments builds on that trend with a multidisciplinary program that introduces you to the latest research in facility design and provides you with the expertise, knowledge, and tools to effectively design, manage, and evaluate such spaces.

Since all of the courses are offered online, you can continue your career while you pursue the certificate.

Whether you’re an interior designer, architect, nurse, healthcare administrator, facility manager, or other professional in an allied health field, our graduate certificate will equip you with the knowledge to design spaces that have a positive impact on the lives of patients, families, and healthcare workers.

What’s Distinctive about Our Program?

  • To prepare you for certification, this program covers all sections of the EDAC exam.
  • Interior designers, healthcare providers, hospital administrators, engineers, contractors, and researchers, as well as architects, should consider this program so they can play a more significant role in designing, managing, and evaluating such spaces.
  • In addition to studying health science and the behavioral sciences, ethical and cultural issues, and evidence-based practice, you will participate in real-world projects. For example, students have surveyed and observed families with children who have autism and other disabilities while others have gathered data about the effect of the environment on the mental health of those with post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Ball State’s award winning online programs feature a competitive price tag. We encourage you to compare our quality and our costs with others.
Dr. Shireen Kanakri in the Health Environments Design Research Lab

Dr. Shireen Kanakri is internationally recognized for innovation, integrity, and scholarship in environmental design. Her interests include the effects of environmental factors like acoustics and lighting on children with autism.

Course Requirements

This 12-credit graduate certificate requires the following courses:

  • IDES 610: Evidence-Based Design in Healthcare Settings (3 credits)
  • IDES 612: Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues in the Healthcare Industry (3 credits)
  • IDES 614: Health Environments for Patient Populations (3 credits)
  • IDES 616: Understanding and Practicing Research in Healthcare Design (3 credits)

For a complete list of program requirements and courses, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

Academic Advisor

Dr. Shireen Kanakri
Associate Professor of Interior Design
Team Lead for the Ball State University Health Environmental Design Research Lab

How online learning works Tuition and fees

Ready to Apply?

Review deadlines, admission requirements, and application materials, then start your application.

Want to Learn More?

Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.

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