Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 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 Art, Animation/Illustration Concentration, BFA  is determined at the time students apply for admission to the university. There is no internal transfer into the BFA Animation and Illustration. Students who were admitted as BFA Animation/Illustration and did not pass portfolio review will continue as BA Design Studies majors with a specialization in Animation/Illustration.

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 portfolio review. 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

University Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements  section of the Policies and Procedures .

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.

General Education/American Institution Requirements

Courses that meet General Education/American Institution requirements are noted with area designation for required area. For legend please see General Education Attributes .

University Requirements (47 units)


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 or B4 must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with 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. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


The 6 units of American Institutions (US123) coursework shown below also fulfills GE Areas D2 and D3. Other courses meet the American Institutions requirement, but may not include additional GE areas. The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B , HUM 2A /HUM 2B ) programs both offer larger integrated packages that meet this requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Complete One Sequence From:

Physical Education (2 units)


Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a 100W course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found at Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirement.

Major Requirements (48 units)


Core Courses (24 units)


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.

Lower Division Design Electives (6 units)


Departmental advisor-approved Lower Division design electives

Upper Division Design Electives (6 units)


Departmental advisor-approved Upper Division design electives

University Electives (25 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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