Are you interested in the processes of design thinking? Do you want to know how to turn concepts into practical ideas and to gain strength in strategic thinking? Then, to build those capacities, this program might be just what you are looking for.
Students interested in design can earn a minor in design studies through this nonstudio-based program of study that focuses on the design disciplines offered in the ASU Herberger Institute:
- architectural studies
- graphic design
- industrial design
- interior design
- landscape architecture
The courses may also appeal to students who wish to pursue the study of design within the BA program in interdisciplinary studies.
At A Glance
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
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Program requirements
Degree requirements
Courses selected must satisfy the minimum requirement of 18 credit hours for the minor. Twelve of the credit hours must be in 300-level or 400-level course work; the 18 credits may be chosen from any of the categories. To enhance understanding of the subject matter, some of the designated courses are sequential in nature and require certain prerequisites. Consequently, students should carefully note the semester in which these particular courses are offered. All designated courses for the minor in design studies are lecture courses. To pursue the minor in design studies, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Designated Courses for the Minor:
Architecture and Landscape Architecture
ALA 100 Introduction to Environmental Design, HU, G, H (3)
ALA 102 Landscapes and Sustainability, HU, G (3)
APH 313 History of Architecture I, L or HU, G, H (3)
APH 314 History of Architecture II, L or HU, G, H (3)
APH 421 First Concepts: What is ... The Writing, Philosophy and Culture of Architecture, L or HU (3)
APH 494 Topic: Culture of Place in the Built Environment (3)
LPH 310 History of Landscape Architecture, HU, H (3)
LPH 311 20th-Century Landscape Architecture, HU (3)Design
DSC 101 Design Awareness, HU, G (3)
DSC 194 Topic: Design Thinking (3)
DSC 394 Topic: Design Entrepreneurship and Society (3)Graphic Design
GRA 101 Designing Life (3)
GRA 111 Graphic Design History I, HU (3)
GRA 112 Graphic Design History II (3)
GRA 225 Communication/Interaction Design Theory (3)
GRA 345 Design Rhetoric, L (3)
GRA 401 Creative Environment (3)
GRA 440 Finding Purpose (3)Industrial Design
IND 242 Materials and Design (3)
IND 243 Design for Ecology and Social Equity (3)
IND 316 20th-Century Design I, HU, H (3)
IND 317 20th-Century Design II, HU, H (3)
IND 344 Human Factors in Design (3)
IND 354 Principles of Product Design (3)
IND 470 Professional Practice for Industrial Design, L (3)Interior Design
INT 111 Interior Design Issues and Theories, HU (3)
INT 121 Introduction to Computer Modeling for Interior Design, CS (3)
INT 123 Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Building Information Modeling (3)
INT 131 Design and Human Behavior, SB (3)
INT 310 History of Interior Design I, HU, H (3)
INT 311 History of Interior Design II, HU, H (3)
INT 412 History of Decorative Arts in Interiors, HU (3)
INT 413 History of Textiles in Interior Design (3)
INT 415 Latin American Design (3)
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.50
Incompatible Majors: All majors in The Design School as well as design studies and design studies (design management)
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Students interested in pursuing a minor should consult their academic advisor to declare the minor and to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor. Students should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Career outlook
A minor in design studies is intended to provide an overview of design processes and design thinking that can benefit any major within the ASU system. Many industries, including business and engineering, seek candidates with experience and understanding of design thinking since those possessing that skill have a unique method of approaching ongoing problems with new insights which lead to solutions.