Introduction to the Design + Environmental Analysis Program

The Design + Environmental Analysis (DEA) program at Cornell University is a unique and interdisciplinary field of study that combines creative design thinking with insights about human behavior and innovative materials. As a DEA student, you will take studio-based courses to approach design challenges from multiple perspectives, learning how to solve problems through design and make spaces work more effectively for those who use them.

Program Overview

The DEA program is offered through the Department of Human Centered Design and is one of the few comparable programs that are STEM-certified. The Interior Design Pathway of the Bachelor of Science in Design + Environmental Analysis granted by Cornell University is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).

Degree Requirements

The DEA curriculum is organized around three research themes: design innovation and strategy, sustainable futures, and health and well-being. Students develop expertise in their chosen area and collaborate with students and faculty in other areas through studios and interdisciplinary projects. The program requires a minimum of 120 credits, including core and thematic courses, research themes, and electives.

Core and Thematic Courses

DEA has built an international reputation for excellence in design education. Our Core and Thematic courses teach evidence-based design and research skills. Students must move through the curriculum sequentially, completing all pre-requisites prior to enrolling in subsequent numerical courses.

Research Themes

The DEA curriculum is organized around three research themes:

• Design Innovation and Strategy
• Sustainable Futures
• Health and Well-being

Courses You Could Take

Some examples of courses you could take in the DEA program include:

• Making a Difference by Design (DEA 1110)
• Introduction to Environmental Psychology (DEA 1500)
• Human Centered Design Methods (DEA 2730)

Career Paths

DEA students and alumni are part designer, psychologist, researcher, and business strategist. The breadth and depth of their unique education coupled with their practical experiences result in careers that span a range of professional opportunities. Some examples of career paths include:

• Business Analyst
• Creative Strategist
• Entrepreneur
• Ergonomist
• Facility Planner
• Furniture Designer
• Interior Designer
• Lighting Designer
• User Experience Designers/Researcher
• Workplace Strategist

Experiential Learning

Awareness of design as a social art is integral to the degree. Multiple courses have engagement and extension components through which students work on real, everyday problems in communities to gain experience creating impact. Students learn in the classroom, but also through hands-on learning, building, and making.

Faculty You'll Work With

The DEA faculty includes a diverse range of experts in design, environmental psychology, and related fields. Some examples of faculty members include:

• Jay (JungKyoon) Yoon
• So-Yeon Yoon
• Rana Zadeh
• Nooshin Ahmadi
• Leighton Beaman
• John Elliott
• Gary Evans
• Rhonda Gilmore
• Keith Green
• Ying Hua
• Saleh Kalantari
• Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao
• Eddy Kim
• Sang Leigh
• Renata Leitao
• Janet Loebach
• Roberta Militello
• Jung-hye Shin
• Nancy Wells

Student Policies

The following policies apply specifically to undergraduate students enrolled in the Design + Environmental Analysis (DEA) undergraduate degree program. DEA undergraduate students must also adhere to all Cornell Human Ecology policies and requirements.

Off-Campus Experiences

DEA’s curriculum allows students the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program off-campus while still earning academic credit.

Internships

Cornell Human Ecology does not directly award academic credit for internships. However, students may receive credit for academic work completed as a result of an internship.

DEA Honors Program

The DEA Honors Program is designed to allow a small number of talented undergraduates the opportunity to formulate and carry out an independent research investigation under the supervision of a member of the DEA departmental faculty.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to graduate with Honors, students must be in residence for eight semesters and achieve a GPA of at least 3.3.

Application Procedure

Students should apply for acceptance into the DEA Honors Program during the first semester of their junior year.

Student Awards

Department of Human Centered Design students regularly enter and are honored in local, national, and international competitions. Some examples of recent student awards include:

• Mahmoud Aboelkheir, FSAD Graduate Student: Cornell Graduate School Recruitment Fellowship and the AATCC Student Research Grant
• Maya Abrol, FSAD Junior: FSAD Outstanding Junior
• Jess Agran, FSAD Sophomore: FSAD Outstanding Sophomore
• Claire Ahn, DEA Senior: DEA Outstanding Senior
• Ellie Altman-Sagan, FSAD Senior: FSAD Honors Thesis

Designing Human Thriving

The DEA program is committed to designing human thriving, with a focus on creating spaces that support the well-being of individuals and communities. Through a combination of creative design thinking, insights about human behavior, and innovative materials, DEA students and faculty work together to create a better future for all.