Design Studies, Minor
Do you want to know how to turn concepts into practical ideas and gain strength in strategic thinking? Discover design thinking, human-centered innovation and interdisciplinary problem-solving. This minor introduces you to fresh ways of framing and solving problems across disciplines.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Design Studies minor description
If you are interested in design, you can earn a minor in design studies through this nonstudio-based program of study that focuses on the design disciplines offered in The Design School:
- architectural studies
- graphic design
- industrial design
- interior design
- landscape architecture
Why earn a design studies minor at ASU?
Join ASU's collaborative design community through lectures, exhibitions, workshops and interdisciplinary events. These experiences let you connect with faculty, design students and professionals while exploring how design tackles hands-on challenges.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in design studies consists of 18 credit hours, of which nine credit hours must be upper division. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
||
|
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
12 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 12 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.50
Incompatible Majors: All majors in The Design School; BA in design studies; BA in design studies (design management)
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this design studies minor prepares you for
Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
A minor program in design studies is intended to provide an overview of design processes and design thinking that can benefit any major within ASU. Many industries, including business and engineering, seek candidates who have experience with and an understanding of design thinking; those who possess this skill have a distinct method of approaching ongoing problems with new insights that lead to solutions.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
The Design School
|
CDS 101
herbergeradvising@asu.edu
480-965-4495
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
