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 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 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 .