Design Studies, BS (48 hours)
The BS in design studies is a liberal-arts major. It supplies the graduate with a strong foundation in applied design theory, which is usually combined with another major or minor academic interest. This degree does not require a minor.
The BS allows concentrations in architectural lighting design (ARLD), graphic design, or multidisciplinary design.
To earn the BS with a major in design studies, all students must complete the Design Foundation, Design Theory and Design History components, along with all relative concentration requirements selected from Architectural Lighting Design, Graphic Design, or Multidisciplinary Design.
Major Requirements
Design Foundation (18 hours; required for all concentrations)
Introduction to Creative Practice | 3 | |
fall semester only | ||
Drawing for Design | 3 | |
fall semester only | ||
Two-Dimensional Design Principles | 3 | |
fall semester only | ||
Color and Light Theory | 3 | |
spring semester only | ||
Three-Dimensional Design Principles | 3 | |
spring semester only | ||
Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 | |
spring semester only |
Design Theory (9 hours required for all concentrations)
Fundamentals of Lighting | 3 | |
Typography | 3 | |
The Digital Portfolio | 3 |
Design History (6 hours)
* Choose from the following approved upper-division Design History electives:
History of Graphic Design | 3 | |
History of Advertising Design | 3 | |
History of Interiors I | 3 | |
History of Interiors II | 3 | |
ARGD 30000+ | Other advisor pre-approved design history course | 3 |
ARLD-Concentration-Required-courses-12-hours
Digital Media in Lighting | 3 | |
Lighting and the Human Experience | 3 | |
Lighting for Interior Design I | 3 | |
Lighting for Interior Design II | 3 |
ARLD Concentration: Required Capstone course (3 hours)
Senior Thesis in Lighting | 3 |
Graphic Design Concentration: Required Course (12 hours)
Intermediate Design Practices | 3 | |
Advanced Design Practices | 3 | |
ARGD 30000+ | GRDE Approved Elective* | 3 |
ARGD 30000+ | GRDE Approved Elective* | 3 |
*Graphic Design upper-division electives:
Illustration (once only) | 3 | |
Publication Design | 3 | |
Package Design | 3 | |
Corporate Identity | 3 | |
Computer Applications to Graphic Design | 3 | |
Advanced Computer Applications to Graphic Design | 3 | |
Advertising Design | 3 | |
The Business of Design | 3 | |
Design Entrepreneurship | 3 | |
Visiting Designers | 3-6 | |
qualification required | ||
Graphic Design Internship | 3-6 | |
qualification required | ||
Special Problems | 1-21 | |
ARGD 30000+ | Other advisor pre-approved design or design history course | 3 |
Graphic Design Concentration: Capstone course (3 hours)
Portfolio Enhancement | 3 |
University Requirements
Undergraduate degree (120 hours minimum)
Upper-level coursework taken at TCU (42 hours minimum)
TCU Core Curriculum minimum requirements vary depending on the choice of courses. Some courses may count in more than one area. The maximum required is 63 hours.