Career-Focused Bachelor of Science in Design

Johnson and Wales University

The Career-Focused Bachelor of Science degree program in Design offers a condensed and focused path for students eager to enter the creative industry quickly, without sacrificing the depth and quality of their education. The streamlined structure of the program allows students to earn a complete, comprehensive degree in a shorter period than a traditional bachelor's degree program requires. Visual design foundation courses blend with real-world, project-based learning to prepare students for dynamic careers in graphic design.The program focuses heavily on experiential learning, with fewer elective courses but in-depth project-based courses. This experiential learning is highlighted with real-world experience in the Design Team course. In Design Team, advanced-level students apply their knowledge to real-world problems through experiential education. Working from the John J. Bowen Center for Science and Innovation, students provide design solutions for community partners. Students hone their design skills by creating, editing and presenting visual collateral that includes branding/logo design print peripherals, including pamphlets, posters, organizational identity kits, and infographics motion graphics and websites. Students work in project teams supervised by faculty.Additionally, students complete the Design Capstone course, which guides them through the assembly of a comprehensive digital and physical portfolio that demonstrates their increasingly sophisticated mastery of design. With faculty guidance, students gather, revise and organize their best work as well as enhance their portfolios with additional advanced design projects. In the final week of the course, students present and defend their work to a select group of faculty and visiting industry professionals at the annual Design Student Reveal Exhibit.The Work Integrated Learning requirement ensures that students graduate with essential skills and confidence that prepare them for leadership roles in the workforce. Other opportunities such as study abroad, national competitions and school exhibitions are also available to qualified students and complement the college experience.Students in this degree program prepare for a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries where graphic design and UI/UX (web) design intersect. Sample job titles in this rapidly changing professional market include graphic designer, digital designer, visual designer, UI/UX (user interface) designer, web designer, creative/art director, digital designer, interactive designer, multimedia designer and more.