Design Studies is a flexible, student-focused curriculum that is open to all freshmen and to students transferring into the program as long as they meet the GPA requirement of 2.0 overall. Our unique program combines coursework in studio-based design and other multidisciplinary courses that match your interests.
You will meet with an academic adviser at the beginning of the program to customize your curriculum. To graduate with a BS in Design Studies, you complete 120 credit hours, including:
- A first-year seminar, which is an introduction to the university, the major and college life
- General education courses in topics including English, math and science
- Major courses in topics including design thinking, sustainable living and design ethics
- Design-related electives in topics ranging from visual communications to product design
- Six credit hours of internship, typically completed during the summer between a the third and fourth years
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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DSGN 220:
Design Thinking
This course establishes the value of design thinking, identifies the components of the design thinking process, and helps students develop proficiency by using the process in multiple contexts.
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DSGN 160:
Visual Communications
Using the design process, this course explores the issues of clarity in graphic communications through 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional representations using computer graphic software. The course also addresses the physical and psychological aspects of human emotions, and non-western social norms and their influence on design process and outcome.
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DSGN 280:
Sustainable Design and Development
Get an overview of social, environmental and economic aspects of the built environment, including site considerations, infrastructure, green buildings, marketing, financing and community. The course sometimes includes local field trips.
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DSGN 300:
Product Design
This course follows observational techniques of people as well as materials/manufacturing technology to design better consumer products. Sketching, model making, and prototyping techniques will be introduced and practiced to display and analyze possible effectiveness of the design solution. In-class lecture, discussion and studio work is augmented by out-of-class work towards presentations to the group.
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DSGN 470:
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Systems
A detailed study of the LEED green building certification systems, including the various green systems, codes and standards referenced by LEED.
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
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Honors
Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first-
and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.
Explore Honors
