Oct 12, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Design Studies, BA


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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.

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.

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:

Major Requirements (48 units)


Core Courses (24 units)


Art History


Complete one course from:

Design Drawing


Based on your Area of Specialization, complete one course.

Design Foundation I


Based on your Area of Specialization, complete one course.

Design Foundation II


Based on your Area of Specialization, complete one course.

Design Methods I


Based on your Area of Specialization, complete one course.

Design Methods II


Based on your Area of Specialization, complete one course.

Design History


Based on your Area of Specialization, complete one course.

Area of Specialization (12 units)


Complete one Area of Specialization. Specializations are a cluster of courses used by departments for advising purposes. Specializations will not appear on transcripts or diplomas. Please see advisor for more details.

Animation & Illustration (ANI)


Only for students who were admitted as Animation & Illustration, BFA  and did not pass portfolio review.  Consult with your advisor regarding the requirements to satisfy the specialization.

Major Electives (12 units)


With the departmental advisor approval, students must complete 6 units of lower division design electives and 6 units of upper division design electives.

Recommended Electives

University Electives (25 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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