Students who do not pass portfolio review will continue as BA Design Studies majors with a specialization in GD. Students in Design Studies for GD will receive a broad-based study of graphic design principles, history and theory in addition to basic knowledge of the aesthetic and technical skills needed to produce innovative projects. Students are encouraged to combine their studies in design with electives in the arts and other fields. Additionally, a minor from one of the following departments is recommended: Anthropology, Art and Art History, Business, Computer Science, English and Comparative Literature, Environmental Studies, General Engineering, Global Studies, Journalism and Mass Communications, Philosophy, Psychology, and Urban and Regional Planning.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will

• Utilize knowledge gained in classroom to develop discipline-based skills in materials and techniques
• Demonstrate professional depth of knowledge within their field of study
• Engage in global views and weigh design decisions within the parameters of ecological, socio-economic, and cultural contexts
• Demonstrate all aspects of the design process to identify complex problems and generate solutions that optimize human experiences
• Engage in multi-disciplinary collaborative work team structures
• Demonstrate discipline-based design ideas verbally, visually and digitally

Current Forms & Curriculum

Visit the Department's Forms page. For more information on course requirements in this major, visit the SJSU catalog's pages on BA Design Studies and BFA Graphic Design.