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Design Studies B.S.

The design studies program provides students with the skill set to become innovative creatives and leaders of cultural change in our global community.
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About this Program

  • Be educated in a broad spectrum of design applications and academic studies.
  • Combine your design studies with courses from across Syracuse University.
  • Mold our flexible curriculum to fit your interests and career ambitions.
  • Gain the skills necessary to become an innovative creative and a leader of cultural change in our global community.
  • Connect design practices to other disciplines at the University with a strong community engagement component embedded in all of the design majors at Syracuse. 
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in your junior year at one of the Syracuse University Abroad centers or World Partner programs.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.S.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

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College of Visual and Performing Arts

Home to the visual and performing arts at Syracuse University, VPA supports the creative process and professional development of its students. VPA is divided into seven areas: the School of Art; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the School of Design; the Department of Drama; the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; the Department of Film and Media Arts; and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy.
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Curriculum

The main goals of this program are to educate students in a broad spectrum of design applications and academic studies. Students will consider the impact and influence of design in the context of the overall professional world, including many disciplines that intersect the design fields, including engineering, marketing, entrepreneurship, product development and other fields.

  • Understand and articulate the historic and contemporary roles of design in global society and culture.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking, diverse methodologies and research synthesis in the design process from concept to consumer.
  • Articulate the philosophical and ethical implications of design activity on society, culture, the environment and professional practice.
  • Understand and articulate the complex and evolving roles that design practitioners play in innovation, business and organizational development, and identify their desired role within that context.
  • Demonstrate skills in research, writing and idea generation relevant to the design sector, including written assignments as well as individual and group presentations.

Learn more about this program

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