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. Please see the Department of Design for more information on declaring the Design Studies BS.
The BS allows concentrations in Architectural Lighting Design (ARLD) and Graphic Design (ARGD).
To earn the BS major in Design Studies with a concentration in Architectural Lighting Design, all students must complete the Design Foundation, ARLD Design Theory, and Design History courses, as well as ARLD Required Courses, ARLD Electives, and ARLD Capstone components.
To earn the BS major in Design Studies with a concentration in Graphic Design, all students must complete the Design Foundation, GRDE Design Theory, and Design History courses, as well as GRDE Required Courses, GRDE Electives, and GRDE Capstone components.
BS major in Design Studies with a concentration in Architectural Lighting Design
Major Requirements:
Design Foundation (18 hours)
Introduction to Creative Practice | 3 | |
Drawing for Design | 3 | |
Two-Dimensional Design Principles | 3 | |
Color and Light Theory | 3 | |
Three-Dimensional Design Principles | 3 | |
Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 |
ARLD Design Theory (6 hours)
Fundamentals of Lighting | 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 | |
Design History I | 3 | |
Design History II | 3 | |
ARGD 30000+ | Chair-approved, upper-division design or design history course | 3 |
ARLD 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 Upper-Division Electives (3 hours)
Choose 3 hours of the following upper-division elective courses:
The Business of Design | 3 | |
Design Entrepreneurship | 3 | |
Lighting Design | 3 | |
Lighting Design for Dance | 3 |
ARGD 30000+ | Other chair-approved, upper-division design or design history course | 3 |
ARLD 30000+ | Other chair-approved, upper-division design or design history course | 3 |
INDE 30000+ | Other chair-approved, upper-division design or design history course | 3 |
ARLD Capstone (3 hours)
Senior Thesis in Lighting | 3 |
BS major in Design Studies with a concentration in Graphic Design
Major Requirements:
Design Foundations (18 hours)
Introduction to Creative Practice | 3 | |
Drawing for Design | 3 | |
Two-Dimensional Design Principles | 3 | |
Color and Light Theory | 3 | |
Three-Dimensional Design Principles | 3 | |
Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 |
GRDE Design Theory (6 hours)
Typography | 3 | |
The Digital Portfolio | 3 |
Design History (6 hours)
History of Graphic Design | 3 | |
History of Advertising Design | 3 | |
Design History I | 3 | |
Design History II | 3 | |
ARGD 30000+ | Other chair-approved, upper-division design or design history course | 3 |
GRDE Required Courses (6 hours)
Intermediate Design Practices | 3 | |
Advanced Design Practices | 3 |
GRDE Upper-Division Electives (9 hours)
Choose 9 hours of the following upper-division elective courses:
Illustration (once only) | 3 | |
Publication Design | 3 | |
Package Design | 3 | |
Corporate Identity | 3 | |
Computer Applications to Graphic Design | 3 | |
Advertising Design | 3 | |
The Business of Design | 3 | |
Design Entrepreneurship | 3 | |
Visiting Designers* | 3 | |
*Qualification required | ||
Special Problems | 1-21 | |
ARGD 30000+ | Other chair-approved, upper-division design or design history course | 3 |
GRDE Capstone (3 hours)
Portfolio Enhancement | 3 |
University Requirements
Undergraduate degree (120 hours minimum)
Upper-level coursework taken at TCU (36 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.