Design Studies
Design Studies is a new major in the Davis College. It is for students interested in working in the design profession, but who do not want to perform studio-based activities. It is an inter-disciplinary, non-accredited program with linkages to sustainability, journalism, hospitality and tourism, and business management. The design studies major is a flexible program that accommodates a wide range of student interests and career paths with design as a focus. Design is emerging as an exciting new career within the global economy and partners creativity with practical applications.
Program Admission and Curriculum
Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Design Studies majors. To earn a Bachelor’s degree, students must complete 128 credit hours including the GEC required by the University.
Students take a core of design studies courses to learn and understand the design language and its applications in external and internal settings. Emphasis is placed on the foundation of design and professional field experience work with design companies is required to have hands-on design experience.
A minor is required to focus their area of study and provide a context for their design thinking. The minor is chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor. There are about 15 recommended minors and certificate programs to choose from Finally, design related requirements and recommended electives are chosen to support the understanding of design in a variety of contexts.
Employment Opportunities
Students interested in working in the design industry, but without the desire to be “designers” are the target market for this major. This type of major provides a multitude of employment options including advertising, communications, entrepreneurship, business management and many others. For example, students may enter careers in historic preservation, design material sales, ADA/ disability consulting and compliance, building codes review, as well as many others. Starting salaries range from $30,000 to $40,000.
