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The BA in design studies is a four-year, nonstudio program of study in design that focuses on the design disciplines offered in the ASU Herberger Institute:
- architectural studies
- graphic design
- industrial design
- interior design
- landscape architecture
This is a highly flexible program of study, much like a liberal arts degree, in which students select design and design-related courses offered in the institute and throughout the university. Students acquire a breadth of design knowledge via courses taken from three categories: communication for design, design history and general design.
It provides a design education, general and specific, to students who seek opportunities in the broader design sector or in graduate education.
Students may undertake the program in one of two specific concentrations: design studies, which allows students to discover the myriad possibilities of design as a subject area as well as the flexibility that it provides for further exploration; or design management, which offers a selection of courses in management and human communication that complement design.
At A Glance
Design Studies, BA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
Although a specific career path is not the principal intention, graduates of the program have become involved in sales and marketing in the design sector; others have gone on to graduate studies in architecture and planning. Other possible career paths include journalism and education.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 8.4% | $70,530 |
| Architectural Drafters | 8.1% | $52,870 |
| Archivists | 14.3% | $51,760 |
| Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists | 8.9% | $48,590 |
| Electrical Drafters | 6.8% | $59,690 |
| Civil Drafters | 8.1% | $52,870 |
| Designers, All Other | 5.8% | $55,930 |
| Drafters, All Other | 8% | $50,290 |
| Graphic Designers | 4.2% | $48,700 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | 4.4% | $65,970 |
| Instructional Designers and Technologists | 10.5% | $63,750 |
| Instructional Coordinators | 10.5% | $63,750 |
| Mechanical Drafters | 5.2% | $55,130 |
| Curators | 14% | $53,770 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 12.4% | $40,670 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 10.3% | $53,090 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 4.7% | $64,940 |
| Electronic Drafters | 6.8% | $59,690 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation