Luis Rico-Gutierrez - Dean
Seda McKilligan - Senior Associate Dean for Academic Personnel Success and Strategic Initiatives
Rob Whitehead - Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success
Objectives of the Curricula in Design
The College of Design is among a small number of comprehensive design schools offering outstanding opportunities for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary education.
The College of Design strives to provide each student with a broad educational background and preparation in a specific design discipline. Each program is designed to develop knowledge and appreciation of the physical and cultural environment, to stimulate creative thinking and analysis, and to prepare students for participation in a wide variety of careers.
The college’s programs also encompass many opportunities for individualized study and extracurricular activities such as visiting lectures and symposia, workshops, gallery exhibits, practicum and internship programs, field trips, and international study programs.
Graduates of the college are employed in private firms, government, industry, and education, or are self-employed as designers or artists. Opportunities for graduates include careers as architects, landscape architects, community and regional planners, graphic designers, industrial designers, interior designers, studio artists, arts administrators and environmental designers.
Organization of Curricula
Most of the undergraduate coursework in the College of Design is divided into two phases: the first-year Core Design Program and the ensuing professional (or general) degree programs.
All first-year students — except those enrolling in Art History (ARTH), Game Design (GAME), Scientific Illustration and Visualization (SCIVZ), and Community and Regional Planning (CRP) majors — complete the Core Design Program before advancing. The Core Design Program provides a rich and rigorous knowledge and skill base for the college's curricular programs. The Core creates a shared curricular language, set of experiences, and academic communities for faculty and students. Core exposes students to all design disciplines, allowing them to make more informed degree choices, apply to multiple degree programs, and experiment with interdisciplinary work.
The intense, discipline-specific professional curricula that follow the Core Design Program: Architecture (ARCH), Art (ART), Graphic Design (ARTGR), Illustration (ILLUS), Industrial Design (INDD), Interior Design (ARTID), and Landscape Architecture (LA) focus on developing students’ ability and knowledge in their major. Within these degree programs, students advance creative and professional skills through classroom and studio work, critiques of student projects, discussion with professional practitioners, and field studies. Detailed explanations of each major, and frameworks for a degree study plan are included in the catalog.
General education courses (both requirements and electives) are contained in both the Core Design Program and the degree programs. Their inclusion ensures that students receive a well-rounded undergraduate education.
High School Preparation
Although not required for admission, courses in studio arts and design that develop visualization and freehand drawing abilities are highly recommended. The following high school requirements are required of applicants wishing to enroll in an academic program in the College of Design:
- 4 years of English/Language Arts, including classes emphasizing writing, speaking, and reading, as well as an understanding and appreciation of literature.
- 3 years of mathematics, including 1 year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra.
- 3 years of science, including at least two of the following:
- 1 year of biology, 1 year of chemistry, or 1 year of physics
- 2 years of social studies
Admission Standards to Enrollment-Managed Professional Programs
After completing the Core Design Program, an additional application is required for admission into the enrollment-managed professional programs of Architecture, Art (B.F.A. only), Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture. Those who meet a minimum grade point average in designated Core courses are guaranteed admission into their program of choice. Details about admission standards, and alternative admission options, are provided throughout the orientation and advising processes.
Students may directly enter the professional programs in Art (B.A. only), Art History, Game Design, and Urban and Regional Planning upon enrolling at Iowa State University. Transfer students from two-year institutions also may directly enter these non-Core programs as well as Art (B.F.A.) and Graphic Design with necessary prerequisites.
Advising
All design students are assigned a professional advisor from orientation through graduation. The advisors have expertise in areas related to student success and should be a first point of contact for questions related to:
- curriculum requirements, progress toward degree
- academic progress report issues, making changes or substitutions in your program
- connecting you to resources, programs and support systems
- registration, general scheduling questions
- forms, schedule changes, changing or declaring majors/minors, reinstatement
- university and college academic policies and procedures.
See Academic Advising.
Honors Program
The College of Design participates in the Honors Program, which provides opportunities for outstanding students to individualize their programs of study. The University Honors Program brings together some of Iowa State University's brightest and most motivated students to take advantage of both intellectual and social opportunities. Honors scholars gain early exposure to research and leadership as well as benefit from creating an individualized educational path adding breadth and depth to their academic experience. See Honors Program.
Departments of the College
- Architecture
- Art and Visual Culture
- Urban Planning and Development
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
Requirements in the College of Design
All students in the College of Design are expected to meet the following requirements.
Core Design Program
Cr. Fall/Spring
| DSNS 1020 | Design Studio I | 4 |
| DSNS 1150 | Design Collaborative Seminar * | 1 |
| DSNS 1310 | Drawing I | 4 |
| DSNS 1320 | Digital Design Literacy | 1 |
| DSNS 1830 | Design in Context | 3 |
| Social Science/Humanities Electives ** | 6 | |
| Math/Science Electives *** | 6 | |
| Communications | 7 | |
- *
Students enrolled in the Design Exchange Learning Community take DSNS 1100 in place of DSNS 1150.
- **
General education credits in the Core Design Program may count toward the minimum credits.
- ***
Students who intend to apply to the Architecture program must complete MATH 1450, PHYS 1310, and PHYS 1310L during their Core year. Students who intend to apply to the Landscape Architecture program are advised to take MATH 1400 during their Core year. Graphic Design applicants are advised to enroll in COMS 1060 during their Core year. Students who intend to apply to the Industrial Design program are advised to take PHYS 1010 and a math course during their Core year.
General Education
International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. cultures and communities: 3 cr.
Communications: 7 cr.
| ENGL 1500 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 2500 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 1600 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| Total Credits | 7 | |
According to the university-wide Communication Proficiency Grade Requirement, students must demonstrate their communication proficiency by earning a grade of C or better in ENGL 1500 and 2500 (or ENGL 2500H).
Mathematics, physical sciences, and biological sciences 6 cr.
Includes courses in the fields of agronomy, astronomy and astrophysics, biology, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics, and statistics.
Humanities: 6 cr.
Includes courses in the fields of classical studies, English (literature), foreign languages, history, philosophy, religious studies, as well as history/theory/literature courses in dance, music, theater, journalism, African American studies, American Indian studies, environmental studies, Latino/a studies, women’s studies, and university studies.
Social Sciences: 6 cr.
Includes courses in the fields of African American studies, American Indian studies, anthropology, economics, environmental studies, geography, human development and family studies, Latino/a studies, psychology and sociology, women’s studies, and university studies.
General Education Electives: 9 cr.
9 cr. from any of the above areas, 6 cr. of course level 3000-4000.
Undergraduate Programs
Majors
- Art, B.A.
- Art, B.F.A.
- Art History
- Architecture
- Community and Regional Planning
- Game Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Scientific Illustration and Visualization*
*The College of Design participates in this interdepartmental major.
Secondary Majors
**The College of Design participates in these interdepartmental secondary majors.
Minors in Design
The College of Design offers or participates in the following undergraduate minors:
- Art
- Art History
- Critical Studies in Design
- Design Studies
- Digital Media
- Entrepreneurship
- Geographic Information Science (GISC)
- Illustration
- Photography
- Preservation and Cultural Heritage
- Textile Design
- Urban Studies
- User Experience Design
Art
The undergraduate minor in Art offers students opportunities to explore studio art methodologies in a variety of media areas. Through hands-on artmaking, students enrich their academic proficiencies while engaging in creative practices. The minor is open to students with little or no prior experience, as well as to those with a lifelong interest in the arts. Students complete 15 credits within their Program of Study. The minor is open to undergraduates in all university majors.
Art History
The undergraduate minor in Art History offers students a broad understanding of art created by cultures from ancient to contemporary times around the world. Through a range of ArtH courses, students strengthen skills in visual literacy, reading, writing, and critical thinking, all of which are valuable and marketable. Students complete 15 credits within their Program of Study. The minor provides flexibility for students across campus to tailor their academic experience to individual interests and offers students in design-related majors such as industrial design and architecture opportunities to expand the scope of their studies. Open to undergraduates in all university majors.
Critical Studies in Design
The undergraduate minor in Critical Studies in Design offers students opportunities to engage the history, theory and criticism of visual and material culture and the built environment. In lectures and focused seminars, students explore:
- Historical and contemporary issues
- Cultural production
- Media and technology
- Design in everyday life
- Models of professional practice
Open to undergraduates in all university majors, this minor requires 15 credits of coursework. At least 6 of the 15 credits must be taken at Iowa State University in courses numbered 3000 or above. At least 3 of the 15 credits must not be used to meet any other department, college or university requirements except the credit requirement for graduation.
Requirements:
| ARTH 2920 | Introduction to Visual Culture Studies | 3 |
| DSNS 1830 | Design in Context | 3 |
| or ARCH 2200 | Contemporary Architecture | |
| or ARCH 2210 | Histories and Theories of Architecture to 1750 | |
| or ARTH 2800 | History of Art I | |
| or ARTH 2810 | History of Art II | |
| or CRP 2910 | World Cities and Globalization | |
| or CRP 2930 | Environmental Planning | |
| 9 credits from approved list (at least 6 credits at 3000-level or above) | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Design Studies
The undergraduate minor in Design Studies is constructed to facilitate design awareness among interested students and to provide a vehicle for interdisciplinary study within the College of Design. This minor is open to all undergraduate students at Iowa State University.
This minor requires 15 credits of course work: three (3) credits selected from College of Design history/theory course offerings (DSNS 1830 will not meet this requirement) and additional 12 credits selected from any College of Design course offerings*.
At least 9 credits must be 2000-level or above; 6 of those credits in must be taken at Iowa State University in courses numbered 3000-level or above. At least 3 of the 15 credits must not be used to meet any other department, college or university requirements except the credit requirement for graduation.
Students enrolled in the College of Design may not use courses required in their major degree programs or in the Core Design Program to satisfy this minor.
- *
The following courses cannot be used to meet the requirements for the Design Studies Minor: DSNS 1100, 1110, 1150, 3010, 3730, 3970, 4920.
Digital Media
Manipulation of digital media has emerged as an essential skill for design inquiry alongside traditional methods of building models and drawing sketches. To familiarize students with the use of digital media in the design process, the College of Design offers an undergraduate Minor in Digital Media. This minor is open to all undergraduate students at Iowa State University.
This minor requires 15 credits of coursework. At least three (3) credits of fundamental courses at the 2000 level must be taken in the student's primary major (see list below). At least 3 of the 15 credits must be taken at Iowa State University in courses numbered 3000 or above and may not be used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.
Fundamental Courses:
| ARCH 2300 | Design Communications I (for Architecture majors) | 3 |
| ARTGR 2750 | Graphic Technology I (prereq: ARTGR 2700; for Graphic Design majors) | 1-3 |
| ARTGR 2760 | Graphic Technology II (for Graphic Design majors) | 1-3 |
| ARTID 2630 | Graphic Communication for Interior Design II (prereq: ARTID 2610; for Interior Design majors) | 3 |
| ART 2120 | Studio Fundamentals: Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 2270 | Introduction to Creative Digital Photography | 3 |
| CRP 2510 | Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (for non-design majors) | 3 |
| DSNS 2320 | Digital Design Communications (for non-design majors) | 3 |
| LA 2110 | Digital Design Methods for Landscape Architecture (for Landscape Architecture and all majors) | 3 |
Entrepreneurial Studies
The College of Design is an active participant in the Entrepreneurial Studies Minor for undergraduate students.
The minor requires at least 15 credits from an approved list of courses, including at least 9 credits numbered 2000-level or above; 6 credits of which in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at Iowa State University with a grade of C or higher.
Geographic Information Science (GISC)
The undergraduate minor in Geographic Information Science (GISC) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with opportunities to engage the theory, processes, techniques and tools that use spatial data and computational technology to create cutting-edge analysis and mapping approaches for a wide range of fields, such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, design, community development, agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resources, sociology, criminology, anthropology, political science, environmental studies and others.
The minor is open to undergraduates in all university majors with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 prior to enrolling.
Students must complete a minimum of 15 undergraduate credits of GIS coursework to receive the minor. At least 6 of the 15 credits must be taken at Iowa State University in courses numbered 3000 or above with a grade of C or higher. At least 3 of the 15 credits must not be used to meet any other department, college or university requirements except the credit requirement for graduation.
Requirements:
| Foundations of GIS - complete the following 2 courses: | 6 | |
| Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Geospatial Analysis and Visualization | ||
| GIS Tools and Techniques - choose 3 courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Watershed Modeling and Policy | ||
| Geodesign: Planning for Sustainable Futures | ||
| Geographic Data Management and Planning Analysis | ||
| Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis | ||
| GIS Programming and Automation | ||
| Serious GeoGames | ||
| Geospatial Techniques for Nature-Based Solutions | ||
| Intro GIS for Geoscientists | ||
| Applied Geostatistics for Geoscientists | ||
| Raster GIS for Geoscientists | ||
| Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Illustration
The undergraduate minor in Illustration is ideal for students interested in illustration for books, graphic novels, magazine articles, advertising and concept art for game design and film. This minor provides the ability to tailor a curriculum that serves these varied career interests, whether you want to work in the industry or freelance as an independent studio practitioner. The minor (16 credits) is open to undergraduates in all university majors.
Requirements:
| Required Courses for minor in Illustration (7 credits) | ||
| DSNS 1310 | Drawing I | 4 |
| ART 2300 | Drawing II | 3 |
| Elective Courses - Students choose three of the following (9 credits) | ||
| ART 2330 | Watercolor Painting | 3 |
| ART 3080 | Computer Modeling, Rendering and Virtual Photography | 3 |
| ART 3300 | Drawing III: Life Drawing | 3 |
| ART 3380 | Painting II | 3 |
| ART 3560 | Relief Printmaking: Digital/Traditional | 3 |
| ART 3570 | Intaglio and Monotype Printmaking: Digital / Traditional | 3 |
| ART 3580 | Lithography: Digital / Traditional | 3 |
| ART 4080 | Principles of 3D Animation | 3 |
| ART 4300 | Drawing IV | 3 |
| ART 4310 | Character and Scene Design | 3 |
| ART 4320 | Sequential Narrative Drawing | 3 |
| ART 4380 | Painting III | 3 |
| ART 4900F | Independent Study: Illustration | 1-6 |
| ARTGR 4640 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| ARTH 4890 | History of Comics | 3 |
| SCIVZ 3230 | Scientific Illustration Principles and Techniques | 3 |
| or ART 3230 | Scientific Illustration Principles and Techniques | |
| SCIVZ 3260 | Digital Rendering | 3 |
| or ART 3260 | Digital Rendering | |
| SCIVZ 3270 | Illustration as Communication | 3 |
| or ART 3270 | Illustration as Communication | |
| SCIVZ 3370 | Application of Scientific Illustration Techniques | 3 |
| or ART 3370 | Application of Scientific Illustration Techniques | |
Photography
The undergraduate minor in Photography reflects the widespread presence and diverse applications of photography in contemporary life. From illustrating scientific principles to self-expression and fine art, the medium serves many purposes. This minor provides an opportunity for students in these programs to combine fine art and photojournalistic approaches, developing stronger, more comprehensive portfolios and gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Open to students across all majors, the minor allows individuals to incorporate photography into their academic experience, tailoring curricula to suit their interests. The Photography minor supports students pursuing careers in a variety of industries, as well as those engaging with photography as a fine art, with applications in design, journalism, marketing, public relations, and beyond.
Preservation and Cultural Heritage
The undergraduate minor in Preservation and Cultural Heritage provides students with knowledge, skills, and credentials that complement undergraduate degrees in a wide variety of majors, but especially Architecture, Interior Design, Community & Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, and History. To these ends, the Minor has two major curricular objectives:
- Provide student with a holistic understanding of historic preservation that draws from the various departments involved, yet allows for the development of expertise within a student's specific major.
- Provide a curriculum that conforms with the National Council for Preservation Education's pedagogical guidelines and the Federal government's Professional Qualification Standards for historic preservation under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61.
The minor requires a minimum of 15 credit hours. At least nine (9) credits must be numbered 2000-level or above; six (6) credits of which need to be taken at the 3000-level or above (see list below). At least 3 of the 15 credits must not be used to meet any other department, college or university requirement except the credit requirement for graduation.
For more information go to https://www.preservation.design.iastate.edu/pch-undergraduate-minor/
For any questions, please send an email to historicplaces@iastate.edu
Preservation & Cultural Heritage Minor Curriculum:
The Minor requirements are divided into three sections (see below).
Please choose six (6) credits from Section 1 (Preservation Courses), three (3) credits from Section 2 (General History), and six (6) credits from Section 3 (History and Design of the Built Environment).
| Section 1: Preservation Courses (choose two of the following) | 6 | |
| Preservation, Restoration, Rehabilitation, Cultural Heritage, and Technology | ||
| Historic Preservation | ||
| ARTID 5720 | Preservation & Cultural Heritage | 3 |
| Documenting the Historic Built Environment | ||
| Section 2: General History (choose one of the following) | 3 | |
| Greek and Roman Art | ||
| Art of Islam | ||
| Renaissance Art | ||
| American Art to 1945 | ||
| American Popular Culture | ||
| History of Modern Europe, 1789 to Present | ||
| U. S. Environmental History | ||
| History of Women in America | ||
| American Stuff, Colonial Times to the Present | ||
| Section 3: History, Design, and Planning of the Built Environment (choose two courses or one studio) | 6 | |
| One of the two courses can be an independent study course that students can take with faculty teaching courses in the Minor in Preservation & Cultural Heritage Program | ||
| Histories and Theories of Architecture to 1750 | ||
| Histories and Theories of Architecture after 1750 | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Green Art: Earthworks and Beyond | ||
| Interior Design History/Theory/Criticism I | ||
| Interior Design History/Theory/Criticism II | ||
| Financing Historic Preservation Projects | ||
| Historic Preservation Planning: Theory and Practice | ||
| Interdisciplinary Design Studio | ||
| History and Culture of Objects | ||
| History of Modern Landscapes, 1750 to Present | ||
| Gardens and Landscapes from Antiquity to 1750 | ||
Textile Design
The undergraduate minor in Textile Design allows students to focus specifically on the design and creation of textiles - a practice with applications in the fine arts, fashion and related fields. Open to undergraduates at the sophomore level and above enrolled in any College of Design major or in the Apparel, Merchandising and Design major in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Through this minor, students will:
- Learn historical and contemporary applications of textile production.
- Develop conceptual skills in textile media and techniques such as printing, dyeing and weaving for self-expression.
- Develop technical skills in both hand skills and digital tools.
- Demonstrate the ability for critical thinking through visual, verbal and written communications with an emphasis on what it means to be an artist/designer using textile media and techniques.
- Strengthen individual portfolios to position themselves for success in their chosen field after graduation.
Students must complete 16-18 credits of Textile Design coursework to receive the minor. At least nine (9) credits must be numbered 2000-level or above; six (6) credits of which need to be taken at the 3000-level or above. At least 3 of the 15 credits must not be used to meet any other department, college or university requirements except the credit requirement for graduation.
Requirements:
| Required Core (6 credits) | ||
| FDM 2040 | Textile Science | 4 |
| ART 2140 | Studio Fundamentals: Textiles | 2 |
| History/Theory (choose one of the following: 3 credits) | ||
| FDM 3620 | Global Fashion | 3 |
| ARTH 2800 | History of Art I | 3 |
| ARTH 2810 | History of Art II | 3 |
| ARTH 2920 | Introduction to Visual Culture Studies | 3 |
| Practice (choose two of the following: 6 credits) | ||
| FDM 1210 | Apparel Assembly Processes | 3 |
| FDM 4900: Independent Study | 3 | |
| ART 2080 | Color | 2 |
| ART 3450 | Introduction to Weaving | 3 |
| ART 3470 | Dyed and Printed Textiles | 3 |
| or ART 4470 | Dyed and Printed Textiles | |
| ART 4900: Independent Study | 3 | |
| Electives (choose one of the following: 2-4 credits) | ||
| FDM 3540 | Fashion History I: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | 3 |
| FDM 3560 | Fashion History II: Mid-19th Century to the Present | 3 |
| ART 2060 | Studio Fundamentals: Printmaking | 2 |
| ART 2130 | Studio Fundamentals: Painting | 2 |
| ART 3100 | Sources and Methods of Visual Art | 3 |
| ARTH 3820 | Art and Architecture of Asia | 3 |
| ARTH 3840 | Art of Islam | 3 |
| DSNS 1310 | Drawing I | 4 |
Urban Studies
The undergraduate minor in Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes urban life in a variety of settings and from different disciplinary and methodological approaches. The Urban Studies minor will allow students to explore varied and multiple dimensions of urban and community life through differing conceptual and analytical frameworks. Students can pursue interests in:
- Urban history
- Urban design
- Neighborhood revitalization
- Economic development
- Social movements
- Global urbanization
The minor is open to undergraduates in all university majors except Community & Regional Planning.
This minor requires 15 credit hours of coursework. At least 6 of the 15 credits must be taken at Iowa State University in courses numbered 3000 or above. At least 9 of the 15 credits must not be used to meet any other department, college or university requirements except the credit requirement for graduation.
Requirements:
| CRP 2010 | The City in American History | 3 |
| CRP 2910 | World Cities and Globalization | 3 |
| Nine (9) credits in three other courses from the approved list ** | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Graduate Programs
The College of Design offers graduate study in the areas shown below. Graduate study is conducted through the Graduate College. Details are found in the Graduate College section of this catalog.
Majors
- Architecture
- Community and Regional Planning
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Integrated Visual Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Sustainable Environments*
- Transportation*
- Urban Design*
Double Degree Programs
- Architecture / Business Administration
- Architecture / Community and Regional Planning
- Architecture / Sustainable Environments
- Architecture / Urban Design
- Community and Regional Planning / Business Administration
- Community and Regional Planning / Landscape Architecture
- Community and Regional Planning / Sustainable Agriculture
- Community and Regional Planning / Sustainable Environments
- Community and Regional Planning / Urban Design
- Industrial Design / Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Integrated Visual Arts / Sustainable Environments
- Landscape Architecture / Sustainable Environments
- Landscape Architecture / Urban Design
Certificates
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Gerontology*
- Preservation and Cultural Heritage
- *
The College of Design participates in this interdepartmental graduate program.