Department of Design
"The University of Kansas Department of Design encompasses rich traditions of the past and embraces emerging paradigms that are defining design of the future." –Greg Thomas, Professor of Design
Exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide an environment that cultivates an optimal educational experience in each area of study. Our curricula speak to a myriad of options for designers and artists, including new offerings in both undergraduate and graduate areas that are the first of their kind in the region. Our students gain insights from world-renowned lecturers, collaborate with industry partners and art venues for real-world experiences, and have opportunities with other institutions around the world that provide enhanced global awareness.
Enrollment
Approximately 450 undergraduate majors are enrolled in the Departments of Art and Design. Approximately 125 are in the freshman class, while 325 are upper-level design majors.
Average class size is 18 students. Classes meet for longer time periods than do general educational courses due to the nature of studio work.
Students from other disciplines may take classes through special permission of the department as space allows.
Additional Offerings
The department offers the Hallmark Design Symposium Lecture Series, sponsored by an endowment from Hallmark Cards, Inc., in which designers and artists from around the world are brought in to speak about their craft. Together with the Symposium, the Professional Practice Series brings noted designers to campus and also incorporates "hands-on" workshops to enhance student experiences.
The department also offers students a chance to obtain real-world experience by participating in "Sponsored Topic Projects" with companies such as Nokia, Herman Miller, Huhtamaki and others. These projects enable students to work in teams on projects with real client input, providing not only good portfolio material, but also numerous opportunities to be recruited for an internship or full-time position by some of the most influential companies in the market. The Center for Design Innovation (CDI) engages in these research projects at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and we anticipate increased opportunities for students in off-campus settings. Many of the projects will be cross-disciplinary as we continue our collaborations with other schools at KU: Architecture and Urban Planning, Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Department of Theatre and Film), Engineering, and Journalism.
The department believes in the need for our students to have increased global awareness in order to develop stronger design skills, so it offers study abroad opportunities in several countries, including Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Taiwan. And, new alliances are being formed with educational partners in Australia, Japan and Singapore.
