Skip to main content

Design StudiesMajor

This flexible, interdisciplinary program prepares you to work in creative industries and provide innovative solutions to challenges facing our world today.

Overview

What is Design Studies at WVU like?

Description

Design Studies is for students interested in working in creative fields, using design thinking to provide innovative solutions to challenges facing our world today. It is an interdisciplinary program with linkages to sustainability, journalism, preservation, event planning, business, electronic media and a host of other professions.

This flexible program accommodates a wide range of interests and career paths with the design process as a focus. Parts of the program can be customized to meet your interests and goals.

Design is emerging as an exciting new career within the global economy and merges creativity with practical application. Design Studies prepares you to fully engage in this exciting professional arena.

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Apply NowRequest InfoVirtual TourVisit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Design Studies at WVU unique?

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Our students go on to have successful careers as design coordinators, creative marketing specialists and events coordinators. Many of them work for companies like Amazon, Dura Edge, Hamilton Beach Brands, Stitch Fix and California Closets.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Design Studies major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Design Studies at WVU?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cost and Aid

How much does Design Studies at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Design Studies can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Design Studies at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Design Studies major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Apply Now

Request Information

Want to know more about Design Studies at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

Request Info

Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

Virtual TourVisit WVU

Information for

Interested in talking to someone about WVU?

Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Schedule a Call with a Student Ambassador
Contact WVU Admissions