A MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM CHAIR
On behalf of the Design faculty, I want to thank you for your interest in our Design Studies program at West Virginia University. We are very proud of this new program for it will provide tremendous opportunities for students to excel in the design professions. Below is a summary including eligibility for acceptance, program requirements, and employment options.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Design Studies program at West Virginia University is a 4-year curricula with a strong interdisciplinary focus and there are no caps on the maximum number of students enrolled. The program is based on each student’s area of interest, and includes a minor to focus their studies as well as a required internship in a position related to their Design Studies focus.
ENTRANCE INTO THE PROGRAM
The Design Studies major is not a competitive entry program. It is open to all Freshmen, and to students transferring into the program as long as they meet the GPA requirement. Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA to enter the program, and must maintain an overall 2.25 throughout their time in the major. Any student whose GPA drops below the required minimum will be officially notified and put on academic probation. Students with a GPA falling below the required minimum will not be allowed to continue with Design Studies and ID major courses until their GPA has been sufficiently raised. Students meet with their academic advisor at the beginning of their program to determine a Program of Study for their academic major.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Coursework
Design Studies is a 4-year major that includes a required minor, an internship in the student’s chosen area of interest, and a final capstone experience. A total of 128 hours are required for graduation, including GEC courses, required design courses, and minor and internship hours.
As noted on the Curriculum Requirements page in this booklet, students take 23-26 credit hours of required design courses, and another 9 hours of design-related coursework tailored to their area of interest. The design core includes 6-9 hours of internship specified as a professional field experience, and a student may elect to do additional field experience for an additional 3-6 hours if approved by their major advisor.
The University requires a minimum of 41 hours within the General Education Credit areas; Objectives 1-9. English 101 and 102, and a mathematics course are required of all students. In addition, a writing intensive course beyond English 101 and 102 must be taken, as well as a course addressing foreign/minority or women/gender issues. The writing intensive course is included as a part of the Design Studies Core; ID 315 Survey of Non-Western Design. Students must choose an area of interest as reflected by their choice in an approved minor. GEC courses and recommended electives will be suggested by the advisor based on the student’s area of interest.
Students in our program are advised by the Design and Merchandising Advising Center, directed by Joy Patterson. Each student also has an assigned faculty advisor in the event that the Advising Center has questions about a particular student issue. Together we assist students in the selection of proper coursework which will further their individualized career goals.
Internship
Each student, as a requirement for graduation, must participate in a minimum of 6 credit hours of internship. Internships will be allowed only after the student has finished a minimum of 50% of their minor coursework, and completed the required 2nd year Design Studies coursework. Internship experiences will be unique to each student, and will reflect their area of interest in the design fields. For example, if a student chooses to complete a Design Studies degree with a minor in Horticulture, their internship placement may be with a professional interior plantscaping company responsible for planning and maintaining greenery for commercial structures on a contract basis. Students will work with their faculty advisor to locate and obtain an appropriate internship.
Extracurricular Activities
The West Virginia University student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is organized for professional development and student interaction. It is open to all Interior Design and Design Studies students at WVU and is an invaluable addition to one’s educational experiences. Students may also become involved in the local Habitat for Humanity group and other organizations whose missions are complementary to the Design professions. We encourage you to contact us for an appointment to discuss the program in more depth.
