COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies is a 120-unit interdisciplinary program that provides students with a strong foundation in design principles, history, theory, and applied creative practice while allowing them to specialize in areas such as Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, or Animation & Illustration. The curriculum begins with general education requirements alongside a college-level humanities and arts foundation course, which introduces students to broad creative thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to design. Students also complete upper-division general education, writing-in-the-discipline coursework, and physical education requirements as part of their overall academic development.The major itself consists of 48 units of structured design coursework that build progressively from foundational concepts to advanced specialization. Core classes include design history, such as design in society and art history, along with introductory courses in drawing, visualization, digital tools, and design processes. These foundational courses are tailored depending on the student’s chosen specialization, ensuring early exposure to discipline-specific methods in areas such as animation, graphic communication, industrial prototyping, or interior architecture. As students advance, they take courses in design methods, typography or digital applications, and design history and theory that deepen their technical and conceptual understanding of design practice.Students then complete a focused area of specialization totaling 12 units, where they develop advanced skills aligned with their career interests. For example, Graphic Design students study visual communication, professional practices, and complete a senior project, while Industrial Design students focus on materials, prototyping, and advanced design technologies. Interior Design students engage in architectural design studios and supporting electives in lighting, furniture, and professional practice, while Animation & Illustration students focus on visual storytelling and creative production. In addition, students complete 12 units of approved design electives, allowing flexibility to explore related creative fields.The program concludes with university electives that allow further academic exploration outside the major. Overall, the BA in Design Studies prepares students for creative careers in design industries by combining technical training, conceptual development, and specialization within a flexible, interdisciplinary academic structure.