We take pride in our professionally oriented programs, many of which have a long history at Syracuse University. We offer undergraduate degree programs in communications design, design studies, environmental and interior design, fashion design and industrial and interaction design and graduate degree programs in design and museum studies. Concern for sustainable design practices, social issues and excellence in professional practice forms the core of our programs.
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Check out our latest work and see what we're up to in the studio!
Learn from Industry Experts
Our faculty are active professionals who practice in their fields while they teach. They are dedicated to ensuring that you reach your potential and give you one-on-one instruction in your studio classes.
Our school maintains a special relationship with the Syracuse community through the activities of our various student groups (including chapters of professional design organizations) that continually work on projects with not-for-profit agencies as well as funded research design collaborations.
Eight Floors Dedicated to Design
Our programs are housed in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, the University’s building in downtown Syracuse, which allows our students and faculty to benefit from a city atmosphere and interactions with local design firms. First-year design students may choose to live in our Design Learning Community, an academically and socially supportive residential environment on Main Campus.
We also encourage our students to reach beyond the local community and study abroad at one of the University’s many international centers, including Florence, Italy, and London, England.
Professionally Oriented Programs
Integral to our curricula are opportunities to acquire career development skills critical for professional designers. Professional practices are addressed in many of our courses, while visiting and resident designers provide unique insight into their respective disciplines. Internships provide invaluable experience in a real-world setting. Undergraduate students may choose to minor in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises, which includes coursework in essential business tools.
Design students present their portfolios each spring at events in New York City. Fashion design majors present their senior collections at the annual on-campus fashion show and may have their collections selected for the annual New York City fashion show.
A First-Year Experience
The school’s first-year experience is a prerequisite for all of the undergraduate degrees. It provides a focused, design-studio-based education in the first year that is critical to the development of a solid understanding of the fundamental elements of the design disciplines. Equally important during this first year is the introduction and critical investigation of the commonalities and variances between the design disciplines housed within the School of Design. Students learn basic visualization and making skills as well as an ability to apply iterative thought and action processes to a given problem. In addition, students receive a focused introduction to the ethical and philosophical grounding of the various design professions. For full details, design supply lists and computing recommendations, see First-Year Design Student Resources.
Undergraduate Programs
Communications Design B.F.A.
Translate ideas and information through a variety of visual mediums.
Design Studies B.S.
Gain the skills to become an innovative leader of cultural change in our global community.
Environmental and Interior Design B.F.A.
Solve problems in a broad range of built environments.
Fashion Design B.F.A.
Become a highly skilled fashion design professional.
Industrial and Interaction Design B.I.D.
Take a strong, process-oriented approach to design development.
Graduate Programs
Design M.A.
Obtain a graduate degree in design in one year. Currently only open to School of Design undergraduates in B.S. or B.F.A. programs. Students apply in their junior year for admission into the program.
Design M.F.A.
Work collaboratively on the world’s significant problems for the greater good.
Museum Studies M.A.
Combine hands-on training, research, scholarship, and design.
Let's Get Started
Ready to apply or need more information? The College of Visual and Performing Arts' Office of Recruitment and Admissions is here to help with any questions you may have about the School of Design, including admissions requirements and opportunities to visit us.
