Welcome to Prospective Undergraduate Students

The Design Studies department combines opportunities for one on one learning in fields that lead to creative careers with the resources of a world class university. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus as well as the program of study that interests them. Many students transfer from other majors after spending one or more semesters at UW-Madison or other schools.

Teaching is important to the DS faculty, and programs are continually being refined as the professions change. Students learn traditional (sometimes ancient) techniques such as weaving, drawing, or printing and dying. However, those same classes often use the latest digital technology as a central part of the creative process. Computers are integrated with courses throughout the curriculum, and most students become extremely proficient at PhotoShop and other graphics programs, as well as production software such as U4ia, AutoCAD, and multimedia.

Student organizations provide opportunities to get to know other students as well as professionals who come for presentations. Leadership and collaboration are encouraged both inside and outside the classroom.

Undergraduate students go on to become leaders in fields such as apparel design, interior design, textile design as well as related fields such as marketing or production. Students also continue on to graduate school in the same fields as their undergraduate majors, or in architecture, art history or art.