Bachelor of Design (B Des)

The Bachelor of Design is a 122.5 credit non-professional undergraduate degree program focused on the interdisciplinary nature of design and the power of the design studio as a place and method for generating ideas and solving problems. The core of the degree program is a series of forums and studios intended to connect history, theory and practice, and give students hands-on experience grappling with design challenges that vary in complexity and scale. Thematic course modules are taught by faculty from multiple design disciplines. The Bachelor of Design offers opportunities for students to engage design thinking in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The curriculum developed out of a shared philosophy that designers have the capacity to generate ideas and think creatively about society's increasing economic, social and environmental challenges. Innovation and entrepreneurship are encouraged and valued. BDes graduates are prepared for a wide range of career paths and graduate programs. The curriculum allows students to pursue double majors to couple design thinking with other discipline of interest, such as advertising, business, engineering, or journalism. Transfer students can also enter the program and complete the degree in as few as four semesters for students with Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree or the equivalent in academic transfer credit. Upon completion, students may enter graduate programs in the design professions or other fields in which design thinking and critical analysis are valued.