The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies is geared towards students who are interested in an interdisciplinary orientation to design and material culture. At the core of Design Studies is an investigation into the formative role of design in shaping human values and experiences by engaging students in the critical evaluation of design through research, writing, and exhibition. In addition to design history, theory and criticism, students in Design Studies also engage in applying design processes and methods to fields outside of design, such as business, education, social causes and cultural initiatives. Design Studies produces students who are fluid in working with designers because of their insight into the design process. Design Studies is a non-studio course of investigation, however 12 to 18 credit hours of application (making) are required to help students gain insight and practice in design methods and processes. The Design Studies curriculum develops the following core competencies: Design Thinking Design Research Design Process and Methods Design Writing and Criticism These core competencies extend across all of the design disciplines and can also be applied to fields outside of design. Recent graduates from the Design Studies Program have gone on to careers as user experience researchers, design strategists, media production managers and museum conservationists, to name a few.

Art Educator Museum Education and Programs User Experience Researcher Information Architect Design Researcher/Strategist Grant writing for Non- Profits Curating, Research, Writing Entrepreneurship –Small Business Owners Design Stylist Identity and Branding Design Media Production Managers Website information Manager Event Managers -Production Exhibition Design Museum Curator Museum Conservation Museum Object Handler Public Programs Manager for Non-Profit Historic Preservation Art Historian Critical Writing and analysis for publishing Development Officer for Art and Design Non-Profit Organization