Design
The Bachelor of Design is a 122.5 credit undergraduate degree program focused on the interdisciplinary nature of design and the power of the design studio as a place and method for generating ideas and solving problems. The core of the degree program is a series of forums and studios intended to connect history, theory and practice, and give students hands-on experience grappling with design challenges that vary in complexity and scale. Thematic course modules are taught by faculty from multiple design disciplines.
The Bachelor of Design offers opportunities for students to engage design thinking in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The curriculum developed out of a shared philosophy that designers have the capacity to generate ideas and think creatively about society's increasing economic, social and environmental challenges. Innovation and entrepreneurship are encouraged and valued. BDes graduates are prepared for a wide range of career paths and graduate programs. The curriculum allows students to pursue double majors to couple design thinking with other discipline of interest, such as advertising, business, engineering, or journalism. Transfer students can also enter the program and complete the degree in as few as four semesters for students with an associate's degree or the equivalent. Upon completion, students may enter graduate programs in the design professions or other fields in which design thinking and critical analysis are valued.
http://www.design.iastate.edu/design/curriculum.php
Check the Schedule of Classes for availability for DES courses.
Curriculum for Bachelor of Design
Total Degree Requirement: 122.5 cr.
Only 65cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 6 cr. in Design History/Theory/Criticism credit and 6 cr. in Design Skills credit; 16 technical cr.; 21 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA average; Completion of all requirements listed below.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications: 10 cr.
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| 3 credits selected from: | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 10 | |
*Mathematics/Physical Sciences/Biological Sciences: 9 cr.
9 cr. from approved list
*Social Sciences: 9 cr.
9 cr. from approved list
*Humanities: 9 cr.
9 cr. from approved list
*At least 3 credits in Mathematics/Physical Sciences/Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, or Humanities must be above 300-level.
Design Core Program: 11.5 cr.
| DSN S 102 | Design Studio I | 4 |
| DSN S 115 | Design Collaborative Seminar | 0.5 |
| or DSN S 110 | Design Exchange Seminar I | |
| DSN S 131 | Design Representation | 4 |
| DSN S 183 | Design Cultures | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11.5 | |
BDes Concentration: 29 cr.
| DES 230 | Design Thinking | 3 |
| DES 250* | 6 | |
| DES 240** | 4-6 | |
| DES 340** | 6-8 | |
| DES 491 | Portfolio and Professional Preparation | 4 |
| DES 495 | Capstone Experience | 4 |
| *2 cr. of DES 250 can be substituted with approved equivalent. | ||
| **Studio distribution as follows: 4-6 cr. DES 240 and 6-8 cr. DES 340 | ||
| Total Credits | 27-31 | |
Design Skills: 12 cr.
| DSN S 232 | Digital Design Communications | 3 |
| Select 9 credits from approved list | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Design History/Theory/Criticism: 12 cr.
12 cr. selected from approved list.
Minor and/or Electives: 21 cr.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
DES 230. Design Thinking.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Introduction to the phenomenon of design thinking as it appears in various design fields, including methodologies of reasoning and problem solving; patterns of creativity and individual style; and the interaction of art, science, and technology.
DES 240. Design Studio I.
(0-8) Cr. 2.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: DSN S 102, DSN S 131 and DSN S 183
Half-semester course. Studio projects develop students' ability to generate ideas and communicate those ideas visually, orally, and through writing. Field trips.
DES 250. Design Forum.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: DSN S 102, DSN S 131, DSN S 183 and credit or concurrent enrollment in DES 230
Introduction of themes and issues that are relevant to the design fields through theoretical readings, case studies, and visiting lecturers.
DES 340. Design Studio II.
(0-8) Cr. 2.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 4 credits of DES 240
Half-semester course. Studio projects of increasing complexity requiring interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary challenges and opportunities. Continued development of students' abilities to generate ideas and communicate those ideas visually, orally, and through writing. Field trips.
DES 491. Portfolio and Professional Preparation.
(2-4) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: 4 credits of DES 240 or permission of the instructor
Preparation of printed and online portfolio of student work and materials for job search and/or graduate school applications. Guidance for interviewing, professional networking, business etiquette, and resume writing. Workshops and lectures.
DES 495. Capstone Experience.
(1-6) Cr. 4.
S.
Prereq: restricted to DES majors; 2 credits of DES 340
Individual projects designed by students in consultation with faculty instructor and mentor. Demonstration of student skill sets and knowledge of project planning and development.
