Design Studies, BA

The BA Design Studies, offered by the Department of Design , provides students with broad exposure to design principles, history, and theory. In addition to receiving a foundation through core courses, students tailor their studies by focusing on one of the areas of specialization described below. Students may be admitted to the BFA in Interior Design or BFA in Graphic Design or the BS in Industrial Design on a space-available basis after successfully completing required portfolio reviews.

Program Learning Outcomes

Portfolio Review for the BFA and BS Programs

Animation & Illustration: Admission to the Animation & Illustration, BFA is determined at the time students apply for admission to the university. There is no internal transfer into the Animation & Illustration, BFA . Students who were admitted as Animation & Illustration, BFA and did not pass portfolio review will continue as Design Studies, BA majors with a specialization in Animation & Illustration. Consult with your advisor.

Graphic Design: Provides a basic understanding of the aesthetic and technical skills needed for graphic design. Students wishing to pursue a Graphic Design, BFA which would encompass exposure to a wider range of design disciplines, must pass two portfolio reviews: DSGD 100 coursework review in the Fall and DSGD 104 course-work review In the Spring. Students should consult with a major advisor about the portfolio review process and deadlines at the time they enter SJSU.

Industrial Design: Provides basic knowledge of 3D computer-aided design, materials and manufacturing, prototyping, and team-based theory. Students will have a basic preparation for jobs in computer-aided design support and model making, or be prepared to apply to a graduate program in Industrial Design or other areas. Students who wish to pursue the Industrial Design, BS must pass portfolio review. Students should consult with a major advisor about the portfolio review process and deadlines at the time they enter SJSU.

Interior Design: Provides a basic understanding of the aesthetic and technical skills needed for interior design. Students wishing to pursue an Interior Design, BFA which would encompass exposure to a wider range of design disciplines, must pass portfolio review. Students should consult with a major advisor about the portfolio review process and deadlines at the time they enter SJSU.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements	47
Major Requirements	48
University Electives	25
Total	120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements

Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (27 units)

Of the 39 units required by the university, 12 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)

Of the 9 units required by the university, 0 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below.

American Institutions (6 units)

Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

U.S. History and Government (6 units)

Complete One US1: US History Course

AMS 10 - Stories that Make America 3 unit(s) (C2+US1)
HIST 15 - Essentials of U.S. History 3 unit(s) (D+US1)
HIST 170S - Topics in American History: American Identities and Institutions 3 unit(s) (S+US1)

Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course

AMS 11 - Visions of Democracy 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 15 - Essentials of U.S. & California Government 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 16 - Power and Ideas in American Politics 3 unit(s) (C2+US23)
POLS 170V - American Politics in Global Perspective 3 unit(s) (V+US23)

Physical Education (2 units)

All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)

At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found in the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) section.

This requirement is fulfilled in this major with:

DSGN 100W - Writing Workshop: Design
3 unit(s) (WID)

Major Requirements (48 units)

Core Courses (24 units)

ARTH 72 - Design in Society 3 unit(s) (C1)