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 change of major 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.
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.
