2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Design B.S.
|
|
 Return to: College of Design, Art, and Performance
TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120
Plans of Study
The Bachelor of Science in Design degree program will instill a participatory design model that focuses on the designer’s ability to craft systems and teams that are uniquely adept at including the voices of all constituencies. The curriculum encourages creative problem-solving, critical thinking, data literacy, basic programming, adaptability, and collaboration, all grounded in an interdisciplinary mindset. At the core of the degree program is an investigation into the formative role of design in shaping human values and experiences, conceptualizing digital and physical products, services, brands, and experiences for numerous industries.
The program uniquely pairs a broad study in the arts, information and data literacy, computational thinking, creative problem solving through ideation, iteration, and prototyping, preparing graduates for meaningful employment across a variety of industries. It creates leaders ready to address the challenges that local and global communities face in the future by engaging in multiple marketplaces while enriching culture through creativity and innovation.
|
University Admissions - College of Design, Art, and Performance
Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following links: Required Courses: (82 Credit Hours)
State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Design B.S. (15 credit hours)
Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.010, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program. Transfer students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted. Successful completion of common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program. Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses. - ARC X211 Introduction to Architecture - 3 credit hours
- ARH X000 Art and Culture - 3 credit hours
- ART X201C Concepts and Practices I - 3 credit hours
- ART 2602 Digital Imaging - 3 credit hours
- GRA X109 Graphic Design Theory and Culture – 3 credit hours
State Mathematics Pathway - Design B.S. (6 credit hours)*
The Design B.S. uses the Mathematical Thinking in Context Math Pathway with the following requirements: Major Core Courses: 20 courses; 61 credit hours
Major Foundational Courses: 6 courses; 19 credit hours
Major Practice: 5 courses; 15 credit hours
Major Theory: 3 courses; 9 credit hours
Major Storytelling: 1 course; 3 credit hours
Major Electives: 4 courses; 12 credit hours
Students choose four (4) courses from the following list: Additional Information - Design B.S.
Major GPA (All USF courses which are applied to major requirements): 2.0
General Education GPA (All USF courses which are applied to General Education requirements): 2.0
USF GPA: 2.0
Overall GPA: 2.0 Grading Requirements
All coursework in the major must have a grade of C or better to satisfy program requirements. Residency Requirements
Department and College of Design, Art, and Performance Major Academic Residency Requirement - 50% of major must be completed at USF USF Academic Residency Requirement - 30 of the last 60 hours earned must be from USF Research Opportunities - College of Design, Art, and Performance
All undergraduate students in any degree program can participate in undergraduate research. There are a number of options to receive academic credit for a mentored research experience and to have the experience show on the official transcript. Students who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 2912 , IDS 4914 , or IDH 4910 courses. These courses will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Student Engagement in Research and Innovation (SERI) will assist students in understanding the various course options. Advising Information - Design B.S.
USF students schedule advising appointments online through USF Archivum Platform. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss course planning, degree progression, and career preparation.
For questions, DesignAdvise@usf.edu |
Return to: College of Design, Art, and Performance
|