About Design Studies
Design Studies BA program
The Design Studies major allows students to examine design within a multi-discplinary context. The core of the major consists of a series of analytical design courses that examine broad design theories and processes that bridge all design disciplines, including problem identification, audience analysis, critical writing, and design strategy. To further expand their knowledge of design practice, students also enroll in design studios within Visual Communication Design, Industrial Design and Interaction Design.
The Design Studies program seeks to graduate students with in-depth knowledge of design and excellent research and writing skills. We strongly encourage Design Studies major to supplement their course work in design with electives in Business, Public Policy, Computer Science, Information Design, and Communications.
Design Studies students have expertise in "design thinking"—an increasingly valuable asset for corporations and public agencies that are involved in communication, policy, marketing, and manufacturing, particularly in the interaction and digital design/communication industries. Graduates of the Design Studies program often pursue careers as design strategists, design researchers, design/account/program/project managers and developers. Graduates are also well positioned to pursue further study at the Masters level in design or allied fields.
Download the major requirements chart pdf.