Certificate in Creative Problem-Solving (CPS)
OVERVIEW
The Certificate in Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is designed to equip learners with a structured, facilitation-based approach to solving complex, ill-defined problems across professional, educational, and organizational contexts. Grounded in nationally recognized Creative Problem Solving methodologies, this certificate emphasizes disciplined problem framing, high-quality idea generation, evaluative decision-making, and implementation planning.
Through applied, project-based instruction, participants develop both practitioner-level
problem-solving skills and facilitation competencies, enabling them to lead individuals
and groups through ambiguity toward actionable solutions. The certificate is intentionally
workforce-aligned and mirrors the rigor and structure of professional credentials,
while focusing on innovation, creativity, and change leadership.
CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING (CPS) FRAMEWORK ALIGNMENT
This certificate is explicitly aligned with the internationally recognized Creative Problem Solving (CPS) framework advanced through decades of applied research and professional practice, most notably through SUNY Buffalo State College and the Creative Education Foundation.
Creative Problem-Solving Model
Instruction is intentionally mapped to the four CPS stages:
- Clarify – Framing the right problem
- Ideate – Generating high-quality possibilities
- Develop – Evaluating and strengthening concepts
- Implement – Moving solutions into action
Learner’s Model based on work of G.J. Puccio, M. Mance, M.C. Murdock, B. Miller, J. Vehar, R. Firestien, S. Thurber, & D. Nielsen (2011)
While this certificate does not require external certification exams, participants complete the program, facilitation-ready, and prepared to apply CPS in professional settings immediately upon completion.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By completion of this certificate, participants will be able to:
- Apply the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) framework to complex, ambiguous challenges
- Construct clear, evidence-based problem statements using stakeholder and contextual analysis
- Facilitate divergent and convergent thinking effectively in group settings
- Generate, evaluate, and strengthen innovative ideas using structured decision-making tools
- Design and lead CPS sessions in in-person, virtual, or hybrid environments
- Develop implementation plans that address feasibility, adoption, and measurable outcomes
- Present a professional CPS portfolio demonstrating applied problem-solving and facilitation competence
COURSE SCHEDULE
📍May 1st, May 2nd, & and May 3rd
🗓️Friday
⏰6 - 9pm
🗓️Saturday - Sunday
⏰8am- 4pm
Friday, May 1st - CPS Foundations
Saturday, May 2nd - Clarify + Ideate + Develop + Implement
Sunday, May 3rd - Facilitation Training + Practicum
REGISTRATION AND TUITION
Participants may enroll in the Certificate in Creative Problem Solving (CPS) as a complete three-day experience (Friday–Sunday) designed to strengthen both practical problem-solving skill and facilitation confidence. This immersive format offers the greatest value, providing structured instruction, guided hands-on labs, peer coaching, and a complete CPS portfolio that participants can immediately apply in professional, educational, and community settings.
Tuition for the full three-day intensive is $450. This all-inclusive rate covers all instruction, materials, and facilitation resources used throughout the program.
A 10% discount is available to Farmingdale State College students, faculty, staff, and alumni, making
this an especially cost-effective pathway for those looking to build innovation, leadership,
and applied problem-solving skills.
A 20% discount is available for High School students in an established networked school within University
in the High School! Email continuinged@farmingdale.edu for more info!
A weekend that changes how you solve problems.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Dylan Gafarian is a seasoned educator and creativity practitioner who has spent nearly a decade helping people learn how to think differently, lead more effectively, and solve real challenges with confidence. As an instructor in Farmingdale State College’s Science, Technology, and Society program, Dr. Gafarian has trained more than 500 students in the fundamentals of creative problem-solving equipping them with practical tools they can apply in academics, the workplace, and everyday decision-making.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Gafarian has led interactive workshops for major organizations, including State Farm, as well as high schools, colleges, and professional groups across Long Island and New York. His work bridges creativity and execution helping individuals and teams move from vague ideas to clear solutions, and from “stuck” conversations to meaningful progress.
Professionally, Dr. Gafarian serves as the Director of the Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program and Acting Dean of the Division of Extended and Experiential Learning at Farmingdale State College. In these roles, he leads initiatives that connect students and professionals to high-impact learning experiences, applied research, and workforce-aligned opportunities; work that is deeply grounded in innovation, strategic thinking, and effective problem-solving.
A trained Creative Problem Solving (CPS) facilitator, Dr. Gafarian holds a Master’s degree in Creativity and Change Leadership and has delivered a TEDx talk on creativity and leadership. His teaching style is structured, energetic, and highly hands-on, making creativity feel less like a buzzword and more like a skillset, one that participants can immediately use to generate stronger ideas, collaborate more effectively, and drive change with purpose.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This intensive is designed for professionals, educators, students, and community leaders who want practical tools to solve complex problems, generate stronger ideas, and move solutions into action. No prior experience in creative problem solving is required.
No. This program is beginner-friendly and structured to support participants at all levels, from first-time problem solvers to experienced leaders looking to sharpen their facilitation skills.
Participants will leave with a completed CPS portfolio that includes a finalized challenge brief, an idea set, a refined concept, an implementation plan, and a facilitation agenda they can use immediately in real-world settings.
The program runs over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and is highly interactive. Participants will engage in guided instruction, hands-on labs, peer coaching, and applied practice throughout the weekend.
It’s recommended. Participants get the most value when they bring a real challenge from their workplace, classroom, organization, or personal goals. If you don’t have one, you will be provided with sample challenges.
Yes. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion from Farmingdale State College.
This is a hands-on, lab-driven intensive. Participants will spend the majority of the weekend actively applying CPS tools, collaborating with peers, and developing real solutions.
Yes. The program is designed specifically for real-world application. Participants leave with tools, templates, and facilitation strategies they can use right away.
