Types of Design Degrees & How To Choose

Design is a thrilling field where creativity meets practicality, offering countless opportunities to shape the world around you. From building immersive digital experiences to crafting tangible products, design allows you to pursue your passions.

Understanding the many design degree options can feel overwhelming, but it's also an exciting chance to discover where your talents truly shine. From technical degrees like a Bachelor of Science (BS) to creative-focused paths like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or an MFA, each program offers unique opportunities to grow.

Levels of Design Degrees

Design degrees come in a variety of academic formats, each suited to specific career goals and creative paths. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision.

Bachelor of Science

A Bachelor of Science in design emphasizes technical and analytical skills, combining creativity with science and technology. This degree is ideal for fields such as UX/UI design, product design, or architecture, where technical precision is critical.

Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts in design offers a well-rounded education, integrating creative coursework with liberal arts studies. It provides flexibility for students interested in exploring multiple disciplines and is suitable for careers requiring both artistic and theoretical knowledge.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

A Bachelor of Fine Arts focuses on intensive studio work and creative skill development. It's ideal for students pursuing careers in fashion design, graphic design, or other highly artistic fields.

Master of Science and Master of Arts

A master's program in design allows for deeper specialization in a particular area. Whether you aim to lead projects, teach, or develop expertise in a niche, this advanced degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel.

Master of Fine Arts

The MFA is a terminal degree in the arts, offering the highest level of professional training. Designed for those aspiring to master their craft or work in academia, this program often focuses on pushing creative boundaries and advanced artistic research.

Types of Design Degrees

At each level of design degree, you can focus on one of the following types of design. Whether you enjoy creating physical products, crafting digital experiences, or transforming spaces, you can find a design program tailored to your passions.

Architecture Design

Architecture design combines the art of creating aesthetically pleasing buildings with the science of engineering. In this program, students gain a strong foundation in architectural theory, drafting techniques, 3D modeling, and sustainable design principles. These skills prepare graduates of architecture design bachelor's degrees for dynamic careers as architects, urban planners, or interior architects, where they can bring visionary ideas to life while addressing functional needs.

Audio Production & Sound Design

This degree emphasizes the art and science of sound creation and manipulation for various mediums, including music, film, video games, and multimedia projects. Students gain hands-on experience in audio engineering, sound effects design, and mastering digital audio workstations, which are essential tools in the industry.

Character and Environment Design

Primarily for those interested in animation, video games, and films, this degree teaches character modeling, environment creation, and visual storytelling. Students often use software like Maya or Blender and can become concept artists or 3D modelers.

Communication Design

Communication design majors bridge the gap between graphic design and effective messaging, focusing on conveying ideas visually and strategically. Students engage in courses such as branding, typography, and digital marketing to build a comprehensive skill set. With this degree, you can explore diverse career opportunities, including roles as a brand strategist, marketing consultant, or creative director.

Digital Design

Digital design bachelor's degrees emphasizes creating interactive and visually engaging digital experiences. Students gain expertise in motion graphics, web design, and augmented reality, enabling them to craft innovative solutions in the digital realm. With these skills, graduates pursue careers in app development, virtual reality design, or interactive digital storytelling, pushing creative and technological boundaries.

Drafting Design

Drafting design emphasizes the principles of technical drawing and the use of CAD (computer-aided design) software. This degree equips students with the skills to create precise technical plans and models essential for engineering, construction, and product development. Coursework typically includes drafting standards, 3D modeling, and blueprint interpretation, preparing students for detail-oriented design challenges.

Fashion Design

Fashion design is a creative discipline focused on designing and producing clothing and accessories that blend aesthetics with functionality. The degree program offers courses in textile science, pattern making, fashion marketing, and sustainable design practices. Students gain hands-on experience through projects and internships, preparing them for a dynamic and innovative industry.

Furniture Design

Furniture design seamlessly merges aesthetics with functionality, emphasizing the creation of visually appealing yet practical pieces. Through this degree, students explore woodworking techniques, material science, and foundational design principles, all aimed at mastering the art of furniture crafting.

Game Design

Game design immerses students in the mechanics of creating video games, covering every stage from concept to production. This degree program typically includes courses on game development, scripting, user experience design, and prototyping. By mastering these skills, students gain the ability to design engaging and interactive gaming experiences across various platforms.

Graphic Design

Graphic design focuses on creating compelling visual communication across various mediums such as print, digital media, and branding. Through coursework, students master essential design tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator while developing skills in typography, layout design, and color theory.

Interactive Media Design

Interactive media design integrates technology with storytelling to create engaging and dynamic experiences. Students delve into topics like augmented reality, UX design, and multimedia projects, gaining hands-on expertise in cutting-edge tools and methodologies. This degree equips learners with the ability to craft innovative, user-centered designs that transform how people interact with digital content.

Interior Design

Interior design seamlessly integrates aesthetics and functionality to transform indoor spaces into harmonious and practical environments. Students delve into space planning, color theory, and sustainable design principles, gaining the expertise to craft spaces that are both beautiful and efficient.

Jewelry Design

Jewelry design emphasizes the artistry and craftsmanship of creating wearable pieces that reflect personal style and innovation. Students engage in courses covering gemology, metalworking, and CAD for jewelry design, developing skills in both traditional techniques and modern technologies.

Packaging Design

Packaging design blends branding strategies with functional aspects of product packaging to create visually appealing and practical designs. Students delve into material science, graphic design principles, and marketing strategies, acquiring the skills to design packaging that communicates brand identity and meets consumer needs.

Product Design

Product design emphasizes the creation of functional and visually appealing consumer goods that improve daily life. Students engage in coursework covering prototyping, material science, and ergonomics, equipping them with the skills to design user-centered products.

Spatial Experience Design

Spatial experience design focuses on crafting immersive and interactive spaces that captivate and engage users. By blending principles of architecture, technology, and design, students learn to create environments that tell stories or evoke emotions. This program develops skills in spatial planning, lighting, and sensory design, preparing graduates for unique design challenges.

Textiles Design

Textiles design revolves around creating innovative patterns and fabrics for applications in fashion and interiors. The program immerses students in techniques such as weaving, dyeing, and digital printing, fostering both creativity and technical expertise.

Toy Design

Toy design explores the creation of playful and educational products that captivate children and inspire learning. Students study courses like product development, child psychology, and prototyping, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the design process.

UX & UI Design

UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design concentrate on crafting digital interfaces that are intuitive and visually appealing. Students gain skills in wireframing, usability testing, and software tools essential for designing user-friendly experiences. This degree merges technical knowledge with creative problem-solving, fostering expertise in enhancing digital interactions.

Web Design

Web design is centered on creating functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing websites. Students explore courses in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design, developing a strong foundation in both aesthetics and technical skills.

How To Choose the Right Design Degree

Choosing the right design degree requires self-reflection and research. Here are key factors to consider if you still need help figuring out which design degree is best for you

Identify Your Interests

Reflect on which design fields truly resonate with your creativity. Are you inspired by crafting intricate visuals, developing tactile, functional objects, or transforming digital spaces into intuitive experiences? Understanding your passions and what drives your enthusiasm will help you navigate the vast array of design degree options and choose a rewarding path.

Consider Your Strengths

Assess your skills to determine the best design path for you. If you have a knack for drawing and visual storytelling, consider fields like graphic design or animation, where these talents shine. For those who enjoy tackling complex challenges, problem-solving disciplines like UX/UI design or architecture may offer the perfect fit.

Explore Career Goals

When researching potential careers linked to each degree, focus on understanding job demand, earning potential, and daily responsibilities. Explore industries where these degrees are most applicable and assess long-term growth opportunities. This research will help you gauge the alignment of your academic choices with career goals, ensuring a rewarding professional path.

Evaluate Program Content

Explore the course offerings and hands-on projects in each degree program to gain insight into what you'll learn and create. Evaluate whether the curriculum aligns with your interests, career aspirations, and desired skill set. A well-matched program ensures that your education supports your professional goals and prepares you for future success.

Consider Practicalities

Consider the cost, location, and duration of the program to ensure it fits your financial situation and lifestyle. Assess tuition fees, potential living expenses, and available scholarships. Additionally, explore online or hybrid formats, which offer greater flexibility and convenience, especially if you need to balance studies with work or other commitments.

Seek Guidance

Engage with professionals in the field to learn about real-world applications of different design programs and career paths. Attend campus open days to experience facilities, meet instructors, and explore program details firsthand. Additionally, consult academic advisors for tailored guidance based on your interests, helping you make informed decisions about your education.

Find a Design Degree

Reach out to one of the colleges with design programs here on Learn.org to learn more about a degree that you're interested in.