Bachelor of Arts in Design
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The Bachelor of Arts in Design program offers students a unique opportunity to channel their creativity into a fulfilling career path. It blends hands-on creative experience and theoretical learning to equip students with a broad understanding of design principles, practices, and methodologies. Created to offer a variety of career opportunities, this program includes instruction in a variety of design fields, such as graphic design, interactive media, user experience (UX) design, and visual communication.
Program Overview
This four-year undergraduate program requires 122 total semester credits (typically completed in eight semesters for freshman entry). Each student will be required to complete an internship relevant to the field of design, and students will graduate with a robust portfolio, highlighting their area or areas of primary interest.
Why Study Design at Northwest University?
1. Faith-Filled Community: God is the ultimate Creator, and we are inherently equipped to be designers and creators ourselves. At NU, we’ve built a creative learning community that seeks God in all we do. Here, students grow in their careers and in Christ.
2. Small Class Sizes: A hallmark of Northwest University classes is our focus on maintaining small class sizes. As a result, every student will be known by not only their graduate cohort but also faculty members and administrators.
3. Versatile Career Paths: Graduates will have access to a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. This diversity allows for greater flexibility in career choices and the ability to adapt to changing job markets.
4. Creative Skill Development: This program fosters creativity, encouraging students to develop their unique style and voice in the design world. It provides a foundation in design principles, theory, and practical applications, enabling students to bring their ideas to life effectively.
5. Technical Proficiency: Students will become skilled in industry-standard software and technologies, making them competitive in the job market. This technical proficiency is crucial for executing design projects efficiently and to a high standard.
6. Problem-Solving Skills: Our design program emphasizes creative problem-solving and critical thinking, skills highly valued in any profession. Students learn to consider various perspectives and solutions, which is applicable in design and other fields.
7. Portfolio Development: Students will complete a robust portfolio by the time they graduate, an essential showcase of their skills and experience when interviewing with potential employers. This portfolio is a tangible asset that can open doors to job opportunities and freelance work.
8. Adaptability to Future Trends: The design field is constantly evolving with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. At Northwest University, we prepare our Design students to stay ahead of trends, adapt to new tools and methodologies, and remain relevant in their careers.
We’re in Good Company
We are neighbors to some of the most successful companies of the 21st century, including Microsoft, Google, Boeing, and Amazon. These game-changing corporations are great places to intern or work once you graduate. It’s no wonder why our home, Kirkland, was voted by Money Magazine as the fifth best place to live in the U.S.
Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the iterative approach of “design thinking” methods to create original designs which effectively communicate intended messages.
2. Solve complex design problems through the application of innovative thinking and mastery of design tools.
3. Critically analyze and evaluate design work to understand and articulate the effectiveness of design elements and principles in various contexts.
4. Design complex design solutions in the context of team-based projects.
5. Develop a portfolio of design work that showcases skills to a potential employer or client.
6. Articulate how the student’s faith informs his or her work in a field of design.
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
