THINK BIGGER
Thriving in today’s reality requires sharpening our creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our unique approach—drawn from 60-plus years of study and practice—blends sound theory with applied experience. Our students learn research-based creativity skills and tools that can be used to elevate any domain or area of expertise. We nurture change leaders, ready to navigate the ever-growing complexity of our world.
![Students and faculty in class](/sites/creativity/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/images/classroom6.jpg?h=a121928a&itok=QYzavh_f)
Sharpen your creativity and apply your imagination.
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Why Study Creativity?
Creativity is a crucial skill in today's changing world. Businesses, governments, and the academic community all recognize the value of creative thinking and the need for innovators who can take a new, fresh, and multilayered look at solving complex problems.
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Who Studies Creativity?
Creativity creates careers. Unlocking your imagination can elevate your career, giving it a stronger foundation and potentially some new directions. It will transform your life, make you a more effective leader, and a better global citizen ready to chart a course towards the future.
Creativity Changes Lives
![Alex Osborn laughing](/sites/creativity/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/images/osborn2.jpg?h=e8d56464&itok=yhhFPd0I)
Why Buffalo State?
It all started here.
The Center for Applied Imagination, and its academic unit the Creativity and Change Leadership Department, has researched and taught creativity, creative problem-solving, and change leadership for more than half a century. We are the pioneering academic program in the field of applied-creativity education. Our roots go back to Alex Osborn, the originator of brainstorming and the Creative Problem-Solving Process. It all started here in Buffalo and we are proud to carry his vision into the twenty-first century and beyond.
"Nothing could give me more satisfaction than to teach people how to make greater use of their most priceless possession—their creative imagination."