COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies requires a total of 120 units for graduation and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in design while allowing flexibility to explore a wide range of creative and professional interests. The lower-division requirements consist of 24 units that establish essential skills and knowledge in drawing, digital applications, design history and theory, fundamental principles, critical thinking, typography, and 3D and time-based media. These courses equip students with the foundational techniques and conceptual understanding necessary to succeed in more advanced design coursework.The upper-division portion consists of 18 units, chosen from a broad selection of courses that allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. Students can focus on areas such as branding, web and application design, digital illustration, experimental animation, motion graphics, infographic and data visualization design, user interface and user experience design, 3D modeling and animation, character design, rigging, advanced product design, and interactive design. Additional courses in advertising, marketing, and business of creativity are also available to integrate design with professional applications.This program emphasizes both theoretical and practical approaches, encouraging students to develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Opportunities such as collaborative projects, portfolio development, internships, and specialized courses in emerging design technologies allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue careers across various industries including media, marketing, animation, game development, UI/UX design, and product design, with the skills to create meaningful and effective design solutions, communicate ideas, and adapt to evolving professional environments.