BA Design Studies

All students wishing to study graphic design*, interior design or industrial design are admitted to the BA Design Studies Program. The BA Design Studies program is a liberal arts degree that allows students to choose from a broad range of university classes to curate their education with an emphasis on design.

Students wishing to specialize in or achieve a BFA in Interior Design, BFA in Graphic Design, or the BS in Industrial Design must successfully pass the required portfolio reviews held by each program.

*Undeclared students and students wishing to change their major into BA Design Studies must have a 3.0 All College GPA or above and have taken 1-3 design-related courses.

• BA Design Studies, Animation/Illustration

  • Admission to the BFA in Animation and Illustration is determined at the time students apply for admission to the university. There is no internal transfer into the BFA Animation and Illustration. 

    Animation/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. This specialization provides instruction in A/I foundation skills, supplemented by studies in design, film, photography, and theatre arts. 

    Students in the Design Studies for Animation/Illustration Program will receive basic preparation for entry-level jobs in the entertainment industry; optionally, they can later apply to a graduate program in Animation/Illustration or similar fields of study.

• BA Design Studies, Graphic Design

  • Provides a basic understanding of the aesthetic and technical skills needed for graphic design. Students wishing to pursue a BFA in Graphic Design, which would encompass exposure to a wider range of design disciplines, must pass portfolio reviews*. Students should consult with a major advisor about the portfolio review process and deadlines at the time they enter SJSU.

    *We accept every student with a BA in Design Studies. Students must participate in both the DsGD 100 (early Dec) and 104 (early May) portfolio reviews to be eligible to enter the BFA GD program. After completing DsGD 100, students are eligible for pre-admission to the BFA Graphic Design degree. After completing DsGD 104, students are eligible for admission to a BFA degree in graphic design. Both portfolio reviews are required.

    Students who do not pass portfolio review will continue as BA Design Studies majors with a specialization in GD. Students in Design Studies for GD will receive a broad-based study of graphic design principles, history, and theory in addition to basic knowledge of the aesthetic and technical skills needed to produce innovative projects. Students are encouraged to combine their studies in design with electives in the arts and other fields. 

    Additionally, a minor from one of the following departments is recommended: Anthropology, Art and Art History, Business, Computer Science, English and Comparative Literature, Environmental Studies, General Engineering, Global Studies, Journalism and Mass Communications, Philosophy, Psychology, and Urban and Regional Planning.

• BA Design Studies, 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 BS Industrial Design must pass portfolio review. Students should consult with a major advisor about the portfolio review process and deadlines at the time they enter SJSU.

    Students who do not pass the review will remain in the BA Design Studies Program with a specialization in Industrial Design. The BA Design Studies provides students with broad exposure to design principles, history, and theory. Students may be admitted to the BS in Industrial Design on a space available basis after successfully completing required portfolio reviews.

    Additionally, a minor from one of the following departments is recommended: Anthropology, Art and Art History, Business, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, General Engineering, Global Studies, Journalism and Mass Communications, Philosophy, and Psychology. 

• BA Design Studies, Interior Design

  • Provides a basic understanding of the aesthetic and technical skills needed for interior design. Students wishing to pursue a BFA in Interior Design, 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.

    Students who do not pass the review will remain in the BA Design Studies Program. The program provides a basic understanding of the aesthetic and technical skills needed for interior design. Students are encouraged to combine their studies in design with electives in the arts and other fields.

    Additionally, a minor from one of the following departments is recommended: Anthropology, Art and Art History, Business, Computer Science, English and Comparative Literature, Environmental Studies, General Engineering, Global Studies, Journalism and Mass Communications, Philosophy, Psychology, and Urban and Regional Planning.

For more information on University Requirements, visit the University Requirements page.