Our Programs

The School of Design prepares students to create innovative, user-centered solutions at the intersection of creativity and technology.

Undergraduate programs in Visual Communication Design and Industrial Design emphasize collaboration, design thinking, and real-world application—equipping students with skills in graphic and digital media, product development, and user experience. The interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Design advances these approaches through focused, project-based study, while a structured minor and accelerated scholars program offer flexible pathways for students to deepen their expertise and pursue advanced degrees.

Design student presents a visual communication project featuring mobile app wireframes, maps, and interface mockups displayed on a wall.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design

The Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design encompasses and integrates graphic design and digital media topics and offers additional study addressing advanced concepts and a changing technological landscape with new opportunities for education and profession.

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design addresses the creation of industrial goods and services and concentrates on three principle aspects of design — process, people, and product — and incorporates the study of user-centered needs, relative to the responsible and resourceful implementation of technology innovation, materials, marketing principles, and aesthetic values.

SFSU Accelerated Bachelors + Masters

The SFSU Accelerated Bachelors + Masters program provides undergraduate students with an accelerated pathway to a graduate degree. Students in this program pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously, allowing students to earn graduate credit while in their junior and/or senior year, reducing the number of semesters required for completion of a master’s degree.

 

Visual Communication Design BS + Design MA SF Scholars Roadmap

Industrial Design (Product Design & Development) BS + Design MA SF State Scholars Roadmap

Minor in Design

The Minor in Design consists of 19 units in the Visual Communication Design pathway and 20 units in the Product Design pathway. Students must meet with an advisor to declare their pathway and determine their course of study. All of the coursework for the minor must be taken at the upper-division level.

 

Learn more about the Minor in Design.

Study Abroad

Study abroad for a year or semester while earning resident credit towards your major, minor or general education requirements.

 

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Design

The Master of Arts in Design program emphasizes problem-solving methodologies and their application to both conceptual and practical problems.