Design Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The program integrates coursework in graphic design, digital media design, and environmental design into a dynamic interdisciplinary studio concentration. By practicing design in an expanded field, students gain comprehensive experience with a wide range of process-oriented skills, including conceptual development, visual rhetoric, formal experimentation, and critical thinking.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will gain:

solid historical knowledge of the objects of art and principal artists of all major periods, and their associated theories, analysis and criticism. This includes a broad understanding of the cultural diversity of art movements from prehistoric times through contemporary culture, both locally and globally
an understanding of basic visual principles, concepts, media, and formats in the various fine art disciplines, and the ability to apply them to meet a specific objective. This includes an ability to think critically and propose creative solutions to aesthetic problems
a deep appreciation and knowledge of how to use their skills to work with diverse communities both locally and globally to create social change.
This includes the acquisition of professional skills that will serve them as postgraduate students, professional practitioners, educators, and community leaders
knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, technologies, and processes sufficient to conduct advanced research or project work. This includes the mastery of bibliographic research and understanding of the digital tools and processes necessary to develop that research

Major Requirements (48 Units)

Required

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

ART 315 - Digital Literacy
1-3 Design Electives (see below)

Fourth Year

ART 460 - Senior Design Project
1-3 Design Electives (see below)

Electives

Design Studio Electives (1-Course)

Note:

additional special topics, see program director

Design Seminar Electives (1-Course)

Note:

additional special topics, see program director

Professional Practice Electives (1-Course)

Minimum Grade Requirements

Students majoring or minoring in Design must obtain a minimum grade of a “C-” (C minus) in all required Design courses in order to receive credit for that course toward the major/minor. If the minimum C- grade is not achieved and the course is a prerequisite for a higher-level course, the student may not register for the higher-level course until the prerequisite course is repeated and a C- minimum grade is achieved.