Program Overview

Introduction to the Design Program

The Department of Design, housed in the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Washington University, offers a robust and ever-evolving curriculum grounded in the tradition of producing thoughtful, creative, and discerning designers. The program takes a holistic approach to education, emphasizing a personal, mentoring, and trustworthy studio experience.

Program Overview

The Design program promotes the combination of personal expression with critical thinking, making connections between culture and design, and emphasizes being responsible stewards of the industry. Students are guided in their exploration of the design process, identifying and analyzing problems, brainstorming unique and creative fixes, and ultimately implementing those solutions into impactful results.

Design BFA Pre-Major

The Department of Design holds admissions into the Design BFA pre-major once a year, during late March. Each cohort of accepted candidates begins the program the following fall with the foundations of the design curriculum. These new pre-majors dive head-first into a rigorous lineup of ideation, design theory and history, typography, 2D and 3D fundamentals, and technology.

Design BFA Major

Following a second portfolio review, students accepted into the Design BFA Major begin their upper division classes. Students dive into a deeper exploration of specific design disciplines, including print and publication design, expressive typography, motion design, crafting packaging with shelf appeal, and building engaging interactive experiences.

Curriculum Overview

The Design Major curriculum includes:

• Pre-Major/Design Minor (26 credits):
  • DSGN 186 Entry Portfolio Prep (3)
  • DSGN 111 Design View (3)
  • DSGN 211 Foundations of Visual Communication (3)
  • DSGN 210 Design Technology (5)
  • DSGN 212 Graphic Design 1 (5)
  • DSGN 213 Drawing (5)
  • DSGN 230 Introduction to Typography (5)
• Design, BFA (115-122 credits):
  • DSGN 312 Graphic Design in the 20th Century (4)
  • DSGN 351 Print and Finish (5)
  • DSGN 362 Motion 1 (5)
  • DSGN 331 Type 2 (5)
  • DSGN 363 Motion 2 (5)
  • DSGN 310 Principles of Interaction Design (3)
  • DSGN 340 Graphic Design 2 (5)
  • DSGN 371 Digital Design 1 (5)
  • DSGN 372 Digital Design 2 (5)
  • DSGN 341 Graphic Design 3 (5)
  • DSGN 382 Professional Practices (4)
  • DSGN 483 Senior Seminar (6 x 4 classes = 24)
  • DSGN 481 BFA Workshop (2)
  • DSGN 486 Portfolio (6)

Electives

Electives may be taken any quarter when offered and include:

• Art History (3 credits): Any 200-level Art History course
• Professional Development (3-10 credits):
  • DSGN 489: Internship (1-10)
  • DSGN 390: Strategic Marketing for Designers (3)
  • DSGN 368: Prof. Practices for Illustrators (3)
  • DSGN 375: Summer Design Abroad (7)
  • or approved study abroad equivalent
  • DSGN 490: Visual Lab (3)

Student Profile

The ideal candidate is an inquisitive, bold, and eager student, open to learning, experimenting, failing, and thriving in the design world. They have an undeniable creative streak and are hungry to develop their skills towards a career in any variety of design professions.