Bachelor’s Degree Program in Design Overview
Majors Overview April 20, 2015Get information about bachelor’s degree programs in design and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Information on Design Program
The broad field of design encompasses numerous academic subjects and disciplines, including architecture and art. Various meanings may be assigned to the word “design” that differ in accordance with the specific area involved, but the focus of coursework is often on applying technical knowledge creatively. Interested individuals may seek undergraduate education in various fields of design, including interior design and graphic design.
Prospective design majors have to demonstrate artistic talent, such as the ability to put together a portfolio. Apart from normal coursework, participation in internships will also be covered in the program.
Bachelor’s Programs in Graphic Design
Numerous subjects in fine arts are available within a graphic design bachelor’s degree program; these include advertising and media studies. Undergraduate graphic design degree programs involve the study of methods of drawing, computer animation, and printmaking as well as artistic techniques. It usually takes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, including the development of a portfolio of the student’s original work.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma or pass an authorized equivalent standardized test. Artistic ability is often required to be demonstrated by graphic design applicants.
Coursework
Program coursework includes classes in psychology, computer science, and storytelling. Core coursework may include subject areas such as:
•Digital storytelling
•Symbols and logo design
•Interpersonal communications
•Color theory
•Developmental psychology
Career Choices
Those who complete graphic design bachelor’s degree programs may seek jobs with technology corporations, marketing firms, and entertainment companies. They may also pursue additional job options such as the following:
•Desktop publisher
•Storyboard artist
•Web designer
•Game character artist
•Video editor
Continuing Education Choices
Bachelor’s degree holders that seek continuing education may choose from numerous master’s degree options in graphic design. Classes on graphic design theory and art research are available within the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Graphic Design.
Bachelor’s Programs in Interior Design
Interior design involves the planning and organizing of indoor spaces. Undergraduate interior design programs cover various subject areas in technology, design theory, and communications. Participation in an internship involving professional practice is a requirement of students enrolled in many interior design bachelor’s degree programs.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. However, the submission of a portfolio may also be required of students, who may have to undergo an interview by a faculty member. Applicants may also have to sit an exam, such as the SAT Reasoning Test, to gauge academic ability.
Coursework
Program coursework includes classes in professional history and business. Core coursework may include subject areas such as:
•Portfolio development
•Interior design studio
•Interior design programming
•Graphic communication
•Design theory
Job and Wage Outlook
During the years of 2012 to 2022, interior designers are expected to have average job growth rate of 13% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, interior designers reported an average annual salary of $47,600.
Continuing Education Choices
Schools with extensive architecture and construction programs offer master’s and doctoral degree programs in interior design that may be pursued by bachelor’s degree graduates interested in continuing education. Research leading to a dissertation may be required to be performed by master’s degree graduates.
