BA in Design in Davis United States | University of California Davis

UC Davis features the sole comprehensive Design Department in the University of California system, where students explore diverse design disciplines rather than specializing in just one. This approach reflects design's inherently interdisciplinary and cooperative nature. Graduates enter the workforce ready to collaborate with professionals across fields—from engineers and programmers to manufacturers and end-users. The program attracts those seeking to enhance both their creative abilities and interpersonal skills while mastering various design specialties. As the UC system's only all-encompassing design program, UC Davis offers a research-driven undergraduate (B.A.) program that combines design history, theory, and critique with hands-on practice in design thinking, creation, writing, visual communication, and innovation. Studio courses cover exhibition, fashion, information systems, interior architecture, product design (including lighting and furniture), textiles, visual communications (digital, environmental, and print), and sustainable design.

All design majors complete foundational courses: Introduction to Design, Design Drawing or Drafting and Perspective, Form & Color, Graphic Design & Computer Technology, plus one DES 040 series course in Design History/Theory/Criticism. Students then pursue specialized preparatory coursework before advancing to Depth Subject Matter classes that: (1) expand design principles and technical skills, (2) develop critical thinking through history/theory courses, and (3) provide intensive studio experience with research-based projects. A culminating capstone course is available.

The department strongly recommends design internships with firms, museums, and related businesses. Alumni progress directly to graduate studies or careers in exhibition design, fashion, information systems, interior architecture & products (lighting & furniture), textiles, visual communications (digital, environmental & print), or sustainable design. Many launch entrepreneurial ventures through freelance opportunities. The program actively promotes international design education through sponsored study-abroad initiatives.