University Catalog 2026-2027

Design Studies (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies is a non-studio based program that provides an interdisciplinary orientation to the history and theory of the design disciplines, material culture and design thinking. Design Studies focuses on the social, historical, technological and physical contexts in which design is produced. It presents the formative role of design in shaping human values and experiences.

Undergraduate students will be introduced to the breadth of the design disciplines expanding their awareness of design and the design process. Students can explore the range of career options in the fields of design through Design Studies concentrations in Non-Profits Studies, Business Administration. Individuals preparing for a graduate education in design theory and criticism, museum practice, business management, entrepreneurship or marketing in design may choose from courses suited to their unique objectives. Students who want more general education will develop an understanding of design and its intrinsic relationship to the broader culture.

Design Studies is:

  • Open to students whose interests and talents in design are more general and/or cross-disciplinary than those in the specific student-based programs
  • Broadly engaged in issues of material culture.
  • Preparatory for later advanced study in the design professions
  • A blend of aesthetic, cultural, historical, social, physical, technological, business and entrepreneurial knowledge
  • Collaborative in providing the learning and background necessary for further study in archival and cultural preservation, museum practice, conversation, collections administration, costume and theatre design, criticism, research, and arts and nonprofits management

For more information about our department, including contact information, visit our website.

Plan Requirements

Writing and Speaking
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research 14
COM 110Public Speaking3
Advanced Writing Elective3
Humanities and World Language, Literature and Culture
Humanities Elective3
Intermediate World Language, Literature and Culture Electives6
Departmental Requirements
D 100Design Inquiry I: Methods and Processes 13
ADN 281Drawing I 13
ADN 219Digital Imaging I 13
DS 100Design in Culture and Context 13
DS 200A Survey of Design Studies 13
Select one of the following Design Foundations: 13
Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design
Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design
Color and Light
Art History Survey Elective 26
Design History Elective 29
ADN 418Contemporary Issues in Art and Design 13
DS 481Design Studies Senior Research Seminar 13
DS 483Design Studies Capstone Research Paper 13
International Experience
International Experience (S Allowed Verify Requirement) 30
Design Studies Advised Electives
Application Unit Elective 26
Theory Unit Electives 26
History Unit Electives 26
Application, Theory, or History Unit Elective 29
General Education Program (GEP) Courses
GEP Humanities3
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP Mathematical Sciences6
GEP Natural Sciences7
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP Elective3
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
GEP Foundations of American Democracy (verify requirement)
World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Free Electives
Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 22
Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required (any core classes). 

2

A total number of 24 credit hours of “advised” design studies electives are required when pursuing the Design Studies curriculum. These electives are divided into three units: Application, History and Theory. From each of these units a minimum of two courses (6 credit hours) and a maximum of three courses (9 credit hours) can be selected. 6 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher.

3

To fulfill the College’s International Experience requirement, please consult your advisor and the Department Head.

 

Advanced Writing Electives

ENG 208Studies In Fiction3
ENG 214Introduction to Editing3
ENG 281Introduction to Creative Nonfiction3
ENG 287Explorations in Creative Writing3
ENG 288Fiction Writing3
ENG 292Writing About Film3
ENG 316Introduction to News and Article Writing3
ENG 323Writing in Rhetorical Traditions3
ENG 324Modern English Syntax3
ENG 325Spoken and Written Traditions of American English Dialects3
ENG 330Screenwriting3
ENG 382Film and Literature3
ENG 388Intermediate Fiction Writing Workshop3
ENG 395Studies in Rhetoric and Digital Media3
ENG 411Rhetorical Criticism3
ENG 416Advanced News and Article Writing3
ENG 417Editorial and Opinion Writing3
ENG 422Writing Theory and the Writing Process3
ENG 425Analysis of Scientific and Technical Writing3
ENG 488Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop3
ENG 493Special Topics in Rhetoric and Professional Writing3
ENG 499Special Topics in Creative Writing3

Humanities Electives

Humanities HI 1
AFS 275Introduction to History of South and East Africa3
AFS 276Introduction to History of West Africa3
AFS 372African-American History Through the Civil War, 1619-18653
AFS 373African-American History Since 18653
HA 240Introduction to Visual Culture3
HI 207Ancient Mediterranean World3
HI 208The Middle Ages3
HI 209From Renaissance to Revolution: The Origins of Modern Europe3
HI 210Modern Europe 1815-Present3
HI 214History and Archaeology of Ancient Latin America3
HI 215Colonial Latin America3
HI 216Modern Latin America3
HI 217Caribbean History3
HI 221British History to 16883
HI 222History of British Cultures and Societies From 16883
HI 232The World from 1200 to 17503
HI 233The World Since 17503
HI 240Introduction to Visual Culture3
HI 253Early U.S. History3
HI 254Modern U.S. History3
HI 263Asian Civilizations to 18003
HI 264Modern Asia: 1800 to Present3
HI 270Modern Middle East3
HI 275Introduction to History of South and East Africa3
HI 276Introduction to History of West Africa3
HI 305Frauds and Mysteries of the Past3
HI 307Jewish History3
HI 317Cuba Today: Historical and Sociopolitical Perspectives3
HI 320Religion in American History3
HI 321Scientific Revolution and European Society, 1500-18003
HI 324History of Common Law and Constitution3
HI 332Germany and the World Wars3
HI 335The World at War3
HI 337Spy vs. Spy: Cold War Intelligence History3
HI 338Empire, War, and Revolution in Russia3
HI 340History of Agriculture3
HI 345American Popular Culture3
HI 346The Civil War Era in Popular Culture3
HI 350American Military History3
HI 351U.S. Naval History3
HI 354The Rise of the American Empire3
HI 360U.S. Agricultural History3
HI 364History of North Carolina3
HI 365The American West3
HI 366Native American History3
HI 370Modern Egypt3
HI 371Modern Japan, 1850 to Present3
HI 372African-American History Through the Civil War, 1619-18653
HI 373African-American History Since 18653
HI 374Visual Culture of Modern South Asia3
HI 380U.S. Nonprofits, Civil Society, and Democracy3
HI 3813
HI 385Introduction to Public History3
HI 403Ancient Greek Civilization 3
HI 407Islamic History to 17983
HI 408Islam in the Modern World3
HI 409The High Middle Ages3
HI 410Italian Renaissance3
HI 441Colonial and Revolutionary U.S3
HI 445Early American Borderlands3
HI 446Topics in Civil War and Reconstruction3
HI 447Women in America to 18903
HI 448American Women in the Twentieth Century3
HI 452Recent America3
HI 453United States-Latin American Relations Since 18233
HI 454History of U.S. Foreign Relations, 1900-Present3
HI 503Ancient Greek Civilization 3
HI 509The High Middle Ages3
HI 541Colonial and Revolutionary U.S3
HI 545Early American Borderlands3
HI 546Topics in Civil War and Reconstruction3
HI 547Women in America to 18903
HI 548American Women in the Twentieth Century3
HI 552Recent America3
HI 553United States-Latin American Relations Since 18233
REL 320Religion in American History3
REL 407Islamic History to 17983
REL 408Islam in the Modern World3
WGS 447Women in America to 18903
WGS 448American Women in the Twentieth Century3
WGS 547Women in America to 18903
WGS 548American Women in the Twentieth Century3
Humanities HI 2
AFS 455History of the Civil Rights Movement3
AFS 475History of the Republic of South Africa3
AFS 476Leadership in Modern Africa3
AFS 479Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
AFS 555History of the Civil Rights Movement3
AFS 575History of the Republic of South Africa3
AFS 576Leadership in Modern Africa3
AFS 579Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 455History of the Civil Rights Movement3
HI 459The Early American Republic3
HI 461Slavery and the American South 1607-18613
HI 462Southern History since the Civil War3
HI 475History of the Republic of South Africa3
HI 476Leadership in Modern Africa3
HI 478Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa3
HI 479Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 486Science and Empire3
HI 555History of the Civil Rights Movement3
HI 559The Early American Republic3
HI 561Slavery and the American South 1607-18613
HI 562Southern History since the Civil War3
HI 575History of the Republic of South Africa3
HI 576Leadership in Modern Africa3
HI 579Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 586Science and Empire3

Intermediate World Languages, Literature and Culture Electives

WL 2**
WL 3**
WL 4**
WL** 2**
WL** 3**
WL** 4**
ANT/WLJA 351Contemporary Culture in Japan3
WLAR 201Intermediate Arabic I3
WLAR 202Intermediate Arabic II3
WLAR 203Intermediate Arabic Conversation I1
WLAR 204Intermediate Arabic Conversation II1
WLAR 301Advanced Intermediate Arabic I3
WLAR 318Egyptian Culture through Film3
WLAR 330Media Arabic3
WLAR 440Modern Arabic Short Story3
WLAR 351Modern Arab Popular Culture3
WLCH 201Intermediate Chinese I3
WLCH 202Intermediate Chinese II3
WLCH 203Intermediate Chinese I Conversation1
WLCH 204Intermediate Chinese II Conversation1
WLCH 301Intermediate Chinese III3
WLCH 302Intermediate Chinese IV3
WLCH 351Modern Chinese Popular Culture3
WLCH 401Advanced Chinese: Readings in Literature and Social Sciences3
WLCH 402Advanced Chinese: Readings in Literature and Science3
WLFR 201Intermediate French I3
WLFR 202Intermediate French II3
WLFR 212French: Language, Culture, and Technology3
WLFR 301Survey of French Literature from the Middle Ages through the Enlightenment3
WLFR 302Survey of French Literature from Romanticism to the Contemporary Period3
WLFR 306French Business Communication3
WLFR 307Business French3
WLFR 308Advanced Conversation: Contemporary French Cultures3
WLFR 309French Phonetics and Pronunciation3
WLFR 310Advanced Written Communication3
WLFR 315French Civilization and Culture3
WLFR 318The Heritage of French Cinema3
WLFR 321French Cultures and Contexts3
WLFR 401French Graduate Reading3
WLFR 411Approaches to French Translation3
WLFR 425Literature, Cinema and Culture of the Francophone World3
WLFR 492Seminar in French Studies3
WLFR 502Variety in Language: French3
WLFR 511Approaches to French Translation3
WLFR 516Art and Society in France3
WLFR 521French Cultures and Contexts3
WLFR 525Literature, Cinema and Culture of the Francophone World3
WLFR 592Seminar in French Studies3
WLFR 595Special Topics in French3-6
WLIT 201Intermediate Italian I3
WLGE 201Intermediate German I3
WLGE 202Intermediate German II3
WLGE 212German Language, Culture, Science, and Technology3
WLGE 301Advanced German3
WLGE 302German Oral and Written Expression3
WLGE 307Business German3
WLGE 311Introduction to German Translation3
WLGE 315Germanic Civilization and Culture3
WLGE 318New German Cinema and Beyond3
WLGE 320Introduction to German Literature3
WLGE 323Twentieth Century German Literature3
WLGE 325German Lyric Poetry3
WLGE 390German Studies Topics3
WLGE 398Independent Study in German1-6
WLGE 401German Graduate Reading3
WLGE 420Current Issues in German-Language Media3
WLGE 430Cultural Artifacts in the German-Speaking Countries3
WLGE 440Green Germany: Nature and Environment in German Speaking Cultures3
WLGE 492Senior Seminar in German Studies3
WLGE 499Internship in Germany, Austria, or German-Speaking Switzerland1-6
WLGR 201Intermediate Greek I3
WLGR 202Intermediate Greek II3
WLHU 201Intermediate Hindi-Urdu I3
WLHU 202Intermediate Hindi-Urdu II3
WLHU 203Intermediate Hindi-Urdu I Conversation1
WLHU 204Intermediate Hindi-Urdu II Conversation1
WLHU 301Twentieth Century Hindi & Urdu Fiction3
WLHU 302Modern Hindi & Urdu Poetry3
WLHU 401Hindi Literature and South Asian Cultural Contexts3
WLIT 201Intermediate Italian I3
WLIT 202Intermediate Italian II3
WLIT 208Italy Today: Media, Culture, and Society3
WLIT 308Italy in the Globalized World3
WLIT 315Made in Italy: Where Heritage, Culture & Culinary History blend with Technological Innovation3
WLIT 318Italian Society Through Cinema3
WLJA 201Intermediate Japanese I3
WLJA 202Intermediate Japanese II3
WLJA 203Intermediate Japanese Conversation1
WLJA 204Intermediate Japanese II Conversation1
WLJA 301Intermediate Japanese III3
WLJA 302Intermediate Japanese IV3
WLJA 342Classical Japanese Literature in Translation3
WLJA 344Early Modern Japanese Literature in Translation3
WLJA 345Modern Japanese Literature in Translation3
WLJA 351Contemporary Culture in Japan3
WLJA 401Advanced Japanese I3
WLJA 402Advanced Japanese II3
WLLA 201Intermediate Latin I3
WLLA 202Intermediate Latin II3
WLPE 201Intermediate Persian I3
WLPE 202Intermediate Persian II3
WLPO 201Intermediate Portuguese I3
WLPO 401Brazilian Portuguese for Spanish Speakers3
WLRU 201Intermediate Russian I3
WLRU 202Intermediate Russian II3
WLRU 303Russian Literature in Translation: The Nineteenth Century3
WLRU 304Russian Literature in Translation: The Twentieth Century3
WLRU 318Russian Cinema and Society3
WLSP 201Intermediate Spanish I3
WLSP 202Intermediate Spanish II3
WLSP 212Spanish: Language, Technology, Culture3
WLSP 295Intermediate Special Topics in Spanish3
WLSP 331Spanish Oral and Written Expression I3
WLSP 332Spanish Oral and Written Expression II3
WLSP 333The Sounds of Spanish3
WLSP 335Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers3
WLSP 336Spanish for Business3
WLSP 337Spanish for Tourism in the Hispanic World3
WLSP 340Introduction to Hispanic Literatures and Cultures3
WLSP 341Literature and Culture of Spain (12th to 17th centuries)3
WLSP 342Literature and Culture of Spain (18th and 19th centuries)3
WLSP 343Literature and Culture of Spain (20th and 21st centuries)3
WLSP 351Literature and Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean (15th to mid 19th centuries)3
WLSP 352Literature and Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean (19th to the Mid 20th centuries)3
WLSP 353Literature and Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean since 19603
WLSP 360Hispanic Cinema3
WLSP 395Study Abroad Programs in Spanish3
WLSP 399Intensive Spanish Oral Proficiency Workshop1
WLSP 400Methods and Techniques in Spanish Translation and Interpretation3
WLSP 401Spanish Graduate Reading3
WLSP 402Introduction to Spanish Linguistics3
WLSP 405Spanish-English Comparative Grammar3
WLSP 411Topics in the Culture of Spain3
WLSP 412Topics in the Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean3
WLSP 413Spain and the Americas in Transatlantic Perspective3
WLSP 492Seminar in Hispanic Studies3
WLSP 495Advanced Study Abroad Programs in Spanish3
WLSP 502Linguistic Structure of Spanish3
WLSP 503Spanish Applied Linguistics3
WLSP 504Spanish Language Change and Variation3
WLSP 509Spanish Phonetics and Phonology3
WLSP 512Spanish in the United States3
WLSP 515History of Spanish Language3
WLSP 520Survey of Hispanic Literature and Culture3
WLSP 528Don Quixote3
WLSP 530The Cultural Production of Spanish Democracy3
WLSP 553Alternative Voices of Latin America3
WLSP 554The Sixties in Latin America3
WLSP 563The Latin American Novel3
WLSP 592Seminar in Hispanic Studies3
WLSP 595Special Topics in Spanish1-3

Art History Survey Electives

ARS 494Seminar in Arts Studies3
COM 257Media History and Theory3
COM 364History of Film to 19403
COM 374History of Film From 19403
ENG 364History of Film to 19403
ENG 374History of Film From 19403
ENG 375African American Cinema3
HA 201History of Art from Caves to the Renaissance3
HA 202History of Art From the Renaissance Through the 20th Century3
HA 203History of American Art3
HA 240Introduction to Visual Culture3
HA 298Special Topics in Art History3
HA 395History of Art: Study Abroad3
HA 410History of the Art of Photography3
HA 40119th Century European Art from Revolution to Post-Impressionism3
HA 404Italian Renaissance Art and Material Culture3

Design History Electives

ADN 475Pre-Industrial World Textiles3
ADN 492Special Topics in Art + Design1-3
ADN 575Pre-Industrial World Textiles3
ARC 242History of Western Architecture3
GD 203History of Graphic Design3
ID 244History of Industrial Design3
LAR 444History of Landscape Architecture3
ARC 241History of World Architecture3
ID 245Virtuosos of Modern Design3.0

Application Unit Electives

ADN 111Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design3
ADN 112Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design3
ADN 212Photography I3
ADN 219Digital Imaging I3
ADN 272Introduction to Printing and Surface Design3
ADN 273Fibers Materials and Processes3
ADN 292Special Topics in Art + Design1-3
ADN 311Media Arts, Design and Technology Laboratory I3
ADN 312Photography II3
ADN 386 Sculpture I3
ADN 411Art + Design Laboratory II3
ADN 414Color and Light3
ADN 419Creative Technology Studio II6
ADN 481Drawing II3
ADN 486Sculpture II3
ARC 232Structures and Materials3
DS 494Design Studies Internship1-6
ID 492Special Topics in Industrial Design1-3
ADN 415Visualizing Narrative3
ADN 2233D Modeling3
ADN 224Digital Motion3
ADN 221Digital Illustration II3
ADN 220Digital Illustration I3
ADN 226Sequential Imaging3
ADN 274Basic Woven and Constructed Textiles3
ADN 276Soft Construction I: Sewing3
ADN 319Animation I3

Theory Unit Electives

ADN 492Special Topics in Art + Design1-3
D 292Special Topics in Design1-3
ADN 500Graduate Seminar I: Software, Platforms + Environments3
ADN 501Graduate Seminar II: Art + Design as Future Making3
ARC 140Experiencing Architecture3
D 492Special Topics in Design1-6
D 592Special Topics in Design1-6
GD 303Graphic Design Theory and Practice3
ID 240Human-Centered Design3
ID 262Professional Practice in Industrial Design3
LAR 445Sustainable Design and Development3
LAR 514Landscape Architecture Digital Design Media 23
LAR 535Environmental Social Equity and Design3
LAR 540Research Methods in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning3
LAR 543Landscape Performance and Metrics3
LAR 545City Planning and Design - Building Great Communities3
LAR 554Disaster Resilient Policy, Engineering and Design3
LAR 582Special Topics In Landscape Architecture1-6

History Unit Electives

History Unit
ADN 475Pre-Industrial World Textiles3
ADN 575Pre-Industrial World Textiles3
ARC 241History of World Architecture3
ARC 242History of Western Architecture3
ARC 441History of Contemporary Architecture3
D 292Special Topics in Design1-3
D 492Special Topics in Design1-6
D 592Special Topics in Design1-6
GD 203History of Graphic Design3
HI 591Museum Studies3
ID 244History of Industrial Design3
ID 492Special Topics in Industrial Design1-3
LAR 444History of Landscape Architecture3
Humanities History List 1
AFS 275Introduction to History of South and East Africa3
AFS 276Introduction to History of West Africa3
AFS 372African-American History Through the Civil War, 1619-18653
AFS 373African-American History Since 18653
HA 240Introduction to Visual Culture3
HI 207Ancient Mediterranean World3
HI 208The Middle Ages3
HI 209From Renaissance to Revolution: The Origins of Modern Europe3
HI 210Modern Europe 1815-Present3
HI 214History and Archaeology of Ancient Latin America3
HI 215Colonial Latin America3
HI 216Modern Latin America3
HI 217Caribbean History3
HI 221British History to 16883
HI 222History of British Cultures and Societies From 16883
HI 232The World from 1200 to 17503
HI 233The World Since 17503
HI 240Introduction to Visual Culture3
HI 253Early U.S. History3
HI 254Modern U.S. History3
HI 263Asian Civilizations to 18003
HI 264Modern Asia: 1800 to Present3
HI 270Modern Middle East3
HI 275Introduction to History of South and East Africa3
HI 276Introduction to History of West Africa3
HI 305Frauds and Mysteries of the Past3
HI 307Jewish History3
HI 317Cuba Today: Historical and Sociopolitical Perspectives3
HI 320Religion in American History3
HI 321Scientific Revolution and European Society, 1500-18003
HI 324History of Common Law and Constitution3
HI 332Germany and the World Wars3
HI 335The World at War3
HI 337Spy vs. Spy: Cold War Intelligence History3
HI 338Empire, War, and Revolution in Russia3
HI 340History of Agriculture3
HI 345American Popular Culture3
HI 346The Civil War Era in Popular Culture3
HI 350American Military History3
HI 351U.S. Naval History3
HI 354The Rise of the American Empire3
HI 360U.S. Agricultural History3
HI 364History of North Carolina3
HI 365The American West3
HI 366Native American History3
HI 370Modern Egypt3
HI 371Modern Japan, 1850 to Present3
HI 372African-American History Through the Civil War, 1619-18653
HI 373African-American History Since 18653
HI 374Visual Culture of Modern South Asia3
HI 380U.S. Nonprofits, Civil Society, and Democracy3
HI 3813
HI 385Introduction to Public History3
HI 403Ancient Greek Civilization 3
HI 407Islamic History to 17983
HI 408Islam in the Modern World3
HI 409The High Middle Ages3
HI 410Italian Renaissance3
HI 441Colonial and Revolutionary U.S3
HI 445Early American Borderlands3
HI 446Topics in Civil War and Reconstruction3
HI 447Women in America to 18903
HI 448American Women in the Twentieth Century3
HI 452Recent America3
HI 453United States-Latin American Relations Since 18233
HI 454History of U.S. Foreign Relations, 1900-Present3
HI 503Ancient Greek Civilization 3
HI 509The High Middle Ages3
HI 541Colonial and Revolutionary U.S3
HI 545Early American Borderlands3
HI 546Topics in Civil War and Reconstruction3
HI 547Women in America to 18903
HI 548American Women in the Twentieth Century3
HI 552Recent America3
HI 553United States-Latin American Relations Since 18233
REL 320Religion in American History3
REL 407Islamic History to 17983
REL 408Islam in the Modern World3
WGS 447Women in America to 18903
WGS 448American Women in the Twentieth Century3
WGS 547Women in America to 18903
WGS 548American Women in the Twentieth Century3
Humanities History List 2
AFS 455History of the Civil Rights Movement3
AFS 475History of the Republic of South Africa3
AFS 476Leadership in Modern Africa3
AFS 479Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
AFS 555History of the Civil Rights Movement3
AFS 575History of the Republic of South Africa3
AFS 576Leadership in Modern Africa3
AFS 579Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
COM 257Media History and Theory3
HI 455History of the Civil Rights Movement3
HI 459The Early American Republic3
HI 461Slavery and the American South 1607-18613
HI 462Southern History since the Civil War3
HI 475History of the Republic of South Africa3
HI 476Leadership in Modern Africa3
HI 478Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa3
HI 479Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 486Science and Empire3
HI 555History of the Civil Rights Movement3
HI 559The Early American Republic3
HI 561Slavery and the American South 1607-18613
HI 562Southern History since the Civil War3
HI 575History of the Republic of South Africa3
HI 576Leadership in Modern Africa3
HI 579Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 586Science and Empire3

Application, Theory, or History Unit Electives

Choose a course from the following lists:
Application Unit
Theory Unit
History Unit

Advised Electives

ADN 220Digital Illustration I3
ADN 221Digital Illustration II3
ADN 2233D Modeling3
ADN 224Digital Motion3
ADN 226Sequential Imaging3
ADN 272Introduction to Printing and Surface Design3
ADN 311Media Arts, Design and Technology Laboratory I3
ADN 312Photography II3
ADN 319Animation I3
ADN 386 Sculpture I3
ADN 411Art + Design Laboratory II3
ADN 414Color and Light3
ADN 415Visualizing Narrative3
ADN 423Advanced 3D Modeling3
ADN 4513
ADN 418Contemporary Issues in Art and Design3
ADN 472Advanced Surface Design3
ADN 475Pre-Industrial World Textiles3
ADN 481Drawing II3
ADN 492Special Topics in Art + Design1-3
ADN 571Graduate Studio IV: Final Project Development9
ADN 575Pre-Industrial World Textiles3
AFS 372African-American History Through the Civil War, 1619-18653
AFS 373African-American History Since 18653
AFS 455History of the Civil Rights Movement3
AFS 475History of the Republic of South Africa3
AFS 476Leadership in Modern Africa3
AFS 479Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
AFS 555History of the Civil Rights Movement3
AFS 575History of the Republic of South Africa3
AFS 576Leadership in Modern Africa3
AFS 579Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
ANT 587Cultural Resource Management3
ARC 441History of Contemporary Architecture3
ARC 442History of NC Architecture3
COM 508Emerging Technologies and Society3
DS 494Design Studies Internship1-6
GD 203History of Graphic Design3
GES 508Emerging Technologies and Society3
HA 410History of the Art of Photography3
HI 305Frauds and Mysteries of the Past3
HI 317Cuba Today: Historical and Sociopolitical Perspectives3
HI 318Environmental History of Cuba: Prehistory to the Present3
HI 320Religion in American History3
HI 321Scientific Revolution and European Society, 1500-18003
HI 322Rise of Modern Science3
HI 323Science, American Style3
HI 324History of Common Law and Constitution3
HI 332Germany and the World Wars3
HI 335The World at War3
HI 337Spy vs. Spy: Cold War Intelligence History3
HI 338Empire, War, and Revolution in Russia3
HI 340History of Agriculture3
HI 341Technology in History3
HI 345American Popular Culture3
HI 346The Civil War Era in Popular Culture3
HI 350American Military History3
HI 351U.S. Naval History3
HI 354The Rise of the American Empire3
HI 360U.S. Agricultural History3
HI 364History of North Carolina3
HI 365The American West3
HI 366Native American History3
HI 370Modern Egypt3
HI 371Modern Japan, 1850 to Present3
HI 372African-American History Through the Civil War, 1619-18653
HI 373African-American History Since 18653
HI 374Visual Culture of Modern South Asia3
HI 380U.S. Nonprofits, Civil Society, and Democracy3
HI 3813
HI 385Introduction to Public History3
HI 390Internship in History3
HI 395History: Study Abroad1-3
HI 400Civilization of the Ancient Near East3
HI 402Early Christianity to the Time of Eusebius3
HI 403Ancient Greek Civilization 3
HI 404Rome to 337 A.D.3
HI 405History and Archaeology of the Roman Empire3
HI 406From Roman Empire to Middle Ages3
HI 407Islamic History to 17983
HI 408Islam in the Modern World3
HI 409The High Middle Ages3
HI 410Italian Renaissance3
HI 411Trials of Faith: Religious Reformation in Early-Modern Europe3
HI 412The Sexes and Society in Early-Modern Europe3
HI 414From Kings to Revolution: The History of Early-Modern France3
HI 415The French Revolution3
HI 418Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany3
HI 419Modern European Imperialism3
HI 421European Intellectual History: The Eighteenth Century3
HI 422European Intellectual History: The 19th Century3
HI 423Women in European Enlightenment3
HI 425Tudor and Stuart England3
HI 42920th Century Britain3
HI 430Modern France3
HI 434Theory and Practice of Digital History3
HI 437Topics in Central and East European History3
HI 440American Environmental History3
HI 441Colonial and Revolutionary U.S3
HI 443U.S. Constitutional History to 18833
HI 444U.S. Constitutional History Since 18703
HI 445Early American Borderlands3
HI 446Topics in Civil War and Reconstruction3
HI 447Women in America to 18903
HI 448American Women in the Twentieth Century3
HI 449U.S. Labor to 19003
HI 450U.S. Labor Since 19003
HI 451The Vietnam War3
HI 452Recent America3
HI 453United States-Latin American Relations Since 18233
HI 454History of U.S. Foreign Relations, 1900-Present3
HI 455History of the Civil Rights Movement3
HI 459The Early American Republic3
HI 461Slavery and the American South 1607-18613
HI 462Southern History since the Civil War3
HI 463Topics in History and Memory3
HI 465Oil and Crisis in the Gulf3
HI 466History of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict3
HI 467Modern Mexico3
HI 468Slavery in the Americas3
HI 469Latin American Revolutions3
HI 470Exploring World History3
HI 471Revolutionary China3
HI 472Fashion, Food, and Fun: Material Culture in Chinese History3
HI 473Japan's Empire in Asia, 1868-19453
HI 474Modern India3
HI 475History of the Republic of South Africa3
HI 476Leadership in Modern Africa3
HI 477Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East3
HI 478Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa3
HI 479Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 481History of the Life Sciences3
HI 482Darwinism in Science and Society3
HI 483Science and Religion in European History3
HI 484Science in European Culture3
HI 485History of American Technology3
HI 486Science and Empire3
HI 488Family and Community History3
HI 491Seminar in History3
HI 495Honors Research in History I3
HI 496Honors Research in History II3
HI 498Independent Study in History1-6
HI 499Special Topics in History1-3
HI 500Civilization of the Ancient Near East3
HI 502Early Christianity to the Time of Eusebius3
HI 503Ancient Greek Civilization 3
HI 504Rome to 337 A.D.3
HI 505History and Archaeology of the Roman Empire3
HI 506From Roman Empire to Middle Ages3
HI 507Islamic History to 17983
HI 508Islam in the Modern World3
HI 509The High Middle Ages3
HI 511Trials of Faith: Religious Reformation in Early-Modern Europe3
HI 512The Sexes and Society in Early-Modern Europe3
HI 514From Kings to Revolution: The History of Early-Modern France3
HI 515The French Revolution3
HI 518Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany3
HI 519Modern European Imperialism3
HI 521European Intellectual History: The Eighteenth Century3
HI 522European Intellectual History: The 19th Century3
HI 523Women in European Enlightenment3
HI 525Tudor and Stuart England3
HI 530Modern France3
HI 533Theory and Practice of Oral History3
HI 534Theory and Practice of Digital History3
HI 535Spatial History3
HI 539History Of the Soviet Union and After3
HI 540American Environmental History3
HI 541Colonial and Revolutionary U.S3
HI 543U.S. Constitutional History to 18833
HI 544US Constitutional History Since 18703
HI 545Early American Borderlands3
HI 546Topics in Civil War and Reconstruction3
HI 547Women in America to 18903
HI 548American Women in the Twentieth Century3
HI 549U.S. Labor to 19003
HI 550U. S. Labor Since 19003
HI 551The Vietnam War3
HI 552Recent America3
HI 553United States-Latin American Relations Since 18233
HI 554History Of U. S. Foreign Relations, 1900-Present3
HI 555History of the Civil Rights Movement3
HI 559The Early American Republic3
HI 561Slavery and the American South 1607-18613
HI 562Southern History since the Civil War3
HI 563Topics in History and Memory3
HI 566Readings in Native American History3
HI 568Slavery in the Americas3
HI 569Latin American Revolutions3
HI 570Exploring World History3
HI 571Revolutionary China3
HI 572The Rise of Modern Japan, 1850-Present3
HI 573Japan's Empire in Asia, 1868-19453
HI 575History of the Republic of South Africa3
HI 576Leadership in Modern Africa3
HI 578Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa since the 19th Century3
HI 579Africa (sub-Saharan) in the Twentieth Century3
HI 581History of the Life Sciences3
HI 582Darwinism in Science and Society3
HI 583Science and Religion in European History3
HI 584Science in European Culture3
HI 585History of American Technology3
HI 586Science and Empire3
HI 587Cultural Resource Management3
HI 588Family and Community History3
HI 589Interpretation in Historic Sites and Parks3
HI 591Museum Studies3
HI 593Material Culture3
HI 594Cultural Heritage3
HI 595Special Topics in History1-6
HI 596Introduction To Public History3
HI 597Historiography and Historical Method3
HI 598Historical Writing3
HI 599Independent Study1-3
ID 240Human-Centered Design3
ID 492Special Topics in Industrial Design1-3
LAR 444History of Landscape Architecture3
LAR 542Human Use of the Urban Landscape3
REL 320Religion in American History3
REL 402Early Christianity to the Time of Eusebius3
REL 407Islamic History to 17983
REL 408Islam in the Modern World3
REL 502Early Christianity to the Time of Eusebius3
REL 507Islamic History to 17983
REL 508Islam in the Modern World3
WGS 447Women in America to 18903
WGS 448American Women in the Twentieth Century3
WGS 547Women in America to 18903
WGS 548American Women in the Twentieth Century3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
D 100 Design Inquiry I: Methods and Processes 1 3
ADN 281 Drawing I 1 3
Art History Survey 3
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 1 4
GEP Mathematical Sciences 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
DS 100 Design in Culture and Context 1 3
ADN 219 Digital Imaging I 1 3
Art History Survey 3
COM 110 Public Speaking 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
GEP Mathematical Sciences 3
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall Semester
DS 200 A Survey of Design Studies 1 3
Advanced Writing Elective 2 3
Design History Elective 2 3
History Elective 2 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
GEP Social Sciences 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
GEP Humanities 3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3
Intermediate World Language, Literature and Culture Elective 3
Select one of the following Design Foundations: 1 3
Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design
Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design
Color and Light
 Hours12
Third Year
Fall Semester
ADN 418 Contemporary Issues in Art and Design 1 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
GEP Natural Sciences 3
GEP Social Sciences 3
Free Elective 2
 Hours14
Spring Semester
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Design History Elective 2 3
Intermediate World Language, Literature and Culture Elective 3
International Experience Recommended in Spring or Summer 3
 Hours12
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
DS 481 Design Studies Senior Research Seminar 1 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Design History Elective 2 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
DS 483 Design Studies Capstone Research Paper 1 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Advised Design Studies Elective 2 3
Design History Elective 2 3
GEP Natural Science 4
GEP Elective 3
 Hours19
 Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required (any core classes). 

2

A total number of 24 credit hours of “advised” design studies electives are required when pursuing the Design Studies curriculum. These electives are divided into three units: Application, History and Theory. From each of these units a minimum of two courses (6 credit hours) and a maximum of three courses (9 credit hours) can be selected. 6 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher.

3

To fulfill the College’s International Experience requirement, please consult your advisor and the Department Head.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Design Studies apply methods of design thinking and creative and critical problem solving to fields inside and outside of design. Graduates use human-centered design research methods to solve real-world critical problems in a variety of fields from urban development to museum curation to product development and experience design.

Career Titles

  • Project Manager
  • Art Director
  • Marketing and Communications Director
  • Content Developer
  • Information Architect
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Educator
  • User Experience Researcher
  • Community Outreach Director
  • Development Strategist

Learn More About Careers

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Occupational Outlook Handbook
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Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required)
This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.

Focus 2 Apply Assessment (Available to prospective students)
A career assessment tool designed to support prospective students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path based on your unique personality, interests, skills and values. Get started with Focus 2 Apply and see how it can guide your journey at NC State.