Design as a field of study is generalist and integrative, includes numerous practical and outcomes-oriented projects and combines knowledge of technological, aesthetic, human, environmental and economic concerns. The School of Art and Design provides a complete center of theoretical and practical study of design of visual communication, industrial products, and interior architectural environments. All the design programs at SJSU have an excellent reputation in their respective disciplines. The Design Area includes 9 full-time and 20+ part-time faculty.
External support for the Design Area is substantial and the professional community donates a great amount of time for critiques, mentoring and sponsoring projects. Individual design programs contribute to, and benefit from a critical mass and synergy that helps students and faculty address the broad scope of design needs for our metropolitan and statewide public and business interests. Our graduates have made substantial contributions to the competitiveness and success of this area's economy.

Facilities for the design programs include 11,000 sq. ft. of studio space including two fully equipped computer labs and a Design Research Center. Computer equipment reserved for design students includes one SGI lab for Industrial Design students and a general Macintosh lab for design students. The Macintosh lab includes 6 PowerComputing Power Center 150s and 8-10 assorted models. The Industrial Design lab includes 15 SGI's and several Macintosh computers. Additionally, the design area is supported by the School shops, an award winning 4000 sq. ft. fully staffed facility including metal, plastic, and wood working equipment, walk-in spray booths, and vacuform equipment. Adjacent to the design facilities are the University's Graphic Services labs, which provide hardcopy, color laser, slide, and video editing equipment at very nominal rates.

A student interested in the design field may graduate with a bachelor's degree in Art with a concentration in General Design Studies or a more specific Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic, Industrial, or Interior Design. Minors are also offered in each of these fields. Student demand regularly exceeds the capacity of the programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, and admission to the Bachelor of Science and Masters levels programs is by portfolio review. Due to its selectivity and the limited resources available to the School, only a very small number of applicants are admitted to the graduate design programs, mostly in Industrial Design. At the undergraduate level, admission to each of the design programs is through a portfolio review administered as the student reaches upper division standing.

For more information contact:

Deborah Wijas
Design Office, ART 118
School of Art and Design
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0089
Phone: (408) 924 -4343
Fax: (408) 924-4326
Email:Deborah.Wijas@sjsu.edu

For complete information on art and design program requirements, see the College of Humanities and the Arts, School of Art and Design in the San Jose State University catalog.