About Design Studies at CSUSB
Design Your Own Path
If you’re passionate about design but want the flexibility to explore your other interests, the B.A. in Design Studies at CSUSB could be the perfect fit.
This program teaches you how to use design as a powerful tool for communication and problem-solving, while giving you the freedom to shape your academic experience. You’ll build a strong foundation in design theory, history and practice — and discover how design influences culture and creates impact.
You’ll also have the opportunity to create work in areas like:
- Branding and graphic design
- Illustration and animation
- 3D design
- User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
The Design Studies program empowers you to think critically, design responsibly and create with purpose — preparing you for a wide range of creative careers in today’s ever-evolving world.
Careers in Design Studies
These are just a few of the titles you might hold once you’ve earned your B.A. in design studies:
- UI/UX designer
- Graphic designer
- Branding specialist
- Animator/special effects artist
- 3D designer
- Illustrator
- Artist
- Art/creative director
- Industrial designer
- Commercial designer
- Web designer
- Digital marketer
- Motion graphics designer
- Game artist
- Production artist
Sample Courses
Digital 3D and Time-Based Media
Integration of digital 3D, immersive-video, 2D or 3D animation, virtual reality, and/or motion graphics for communication. Applied research, project planning, scripting, storyboarding, and storytelling techniques to create contemporary projects for the field.
Web and Application Design
Integration of research, analysis, and technical skills to design effective, compelling digital experiences across different mobile platforms, the web, and the Internet of Things.
Virtual Reality
Provides laboratory experiences where students develop immersive, interactive, and animated 3D computer applications using authoring tools for creating unique applications in the arts, engineering, humanities, medicine, science, or any other area.
Meet Professor Matthew Poole, MFA
Opportunities for Students
At CSUSB, your ideas have space to grow — and the resources to come to life.
The Visual Resource Center (VRC), located in the Department of Art & Design, is your go-to space for research, inspiration and creative exploration. The VRC houses:
- A digital and analog collection of images, books and material samples
- The Innovative Materials Library, showcasing emerging design materials
- Over 30,000 digital images of artworks from around the world
- A robust selection of books, journals and references in art, design and visual culture
Beyond the VRC, you’ll have full access to state-of-the-art creative facilities in:
- Painting, printmaking and sculpture
- Ceramics, glass and woodworking
- Photography, video and digital design
- Furniture and 3D design
Students can also take advantage of CSUSB’s photo equipment lending program, giving you access to professional gear for class projects and personal work. And if you’re passionate about photography and visual storytelling, you can submit your work to dotphotozine, a student and alumni publication that celebrates emerging talent.
Whether you’re exploring new techniques or producing a final portfolio, CSUSB gives you the tools to experiment boldly and create with confidence.
Similar to Design Studies
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.