Design
The Design Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to equip students with creative, technical, and conceptual skills across multiple design disciplines. The curriculum integrates visual communication, graphic design, digital media, user experience, and studio practice, enabling students to conceptualize and execute innovative design solutions for real-world challenges. Students engage in hands-on projects, collaborative workshops, and design research, developing both aesthetic sensibility and strategic thinking necessary to create impactful visual and interactive experiences.
Throughout the program, students benefit from faculty mentorship, exposure to professional design tools, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The program emphasizes problem-solving, critical analysis, and project management, preparing graduates to navigate diverse creative industries with confidence and expertise. Students leave the program with creative skills, technical proficiency, visual literacy, and critical thinking, ready to contribute effectively in professional design environments or pursue advanced study.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Design
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Design
- Introduction to Visual Design
- Drawing, Typography, and Layout Fundamentals
- Digital Media and Software Tools
- Design Thinking and Problem Solving
Year 2 – Intermediate Design Applications
- Graphic and Communication Design
- User Experience and Interaction Design
- Motion Graphics and Digital Production
- Applied Studio Projects
Year 3 – Advanced Design Practice
- Design for Branding and Marketing
- Experimental and Interdisciplinary Studio Work
- Electives in Specialized Design Areas
- Collaborative Design Projects
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Design Project or Thesis
- Portfolio Development and Professional Presentation
- Seminar in Emerging Design Trends
- Internship or Industry Collaboration
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Design program are prepared for careers in graphic design, digital media, user experience design, branding and marketing, motion graphics, and interactive media. Alumni may work as visual designers, UX/UI specialists, creative directors, multimedia producers, or design consultants in creative agencies, technology companies, and nonprofit organizations. The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing graduate study in design or related disciplines. Graduates combine creative expertise, technical knowledge, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, making them highly competitive in dynamic professional environments that value innovation and strategic design thinking.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of creative innovation, technical proficiency, interdisciplinary study, and professional practice over a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, studio-based learning, industry partnerships, and opportunities to develop real-world projects that bridge conceptual and applied design. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, problem-solving, and effective communication, preparing graduates to lead in creative industries, develop impactful solutions, and adapt to emerging design trends. For students passionate about shaping experiences, communicating visually, and applying design thinking to real-world challenges, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
