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Design Studies Major

Study Design Studies at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate prepared to create design work that communicates effectively and meets client and customer needs. You’ll develop a wide range of visual products including branding and identity, editorial design, vector and digital illustration, and user interface and experience design. You’ll work on projects that promote humanitarian organizations, confront social issues, and encourage responsible interaction with life’s challenges.

Program at a Glance

The School of the Arts develops students’ talents through rich artistic experiences and comprehensive training in their chosen artistic discipline.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • October 25, 2024
  • December 6, 2024

Application Deadline

  • Fall 2024: February 15, 2024 (priority deadline)
  • Spring 2024: December 1, 2023 (priority deadline)

Learn How to Apply

Program Information

  • Program Units: 50

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Develop a wide range of visual communication products.
  • Work on projects that promote humanitarian organizations, confront social issues, and encourage responsible interaction with life’s challenges.
  • Ask the “what if” questions that motivate creativity.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

Program Details

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

How to Apply

Priority Deadlines

Fall 2024 Applicants

February 15, 2024, is the priority deadline for the Fall 2024 Design Scholarship Application. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application by the deadline to ensure consideration.

Spring 2024 Applicants

December 1, 2023, is the priority deadline for the Spring 2024 Design Scholarship Application. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application by the deadline to ensure consideration.

Plan a Visit

Applicants are encouraged to visit a class or meet with one of our professors. Just fill out a COTA Visitation Form to visit us virtually! We look forward to meeting you.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

School of the Arts Design Scholarship

The School of the Arts Design Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

This talent-based scholarship is renewable up to eight semesters and can be awarded in addition to any other academic merit scholarships and need-based aid.

 

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Terry Dobson

Terry Dobson

Professor, Department of Design

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

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School of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios

APU’s School of the Arts hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight on May 4 at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving students a chance to showcase their work in front of industry talent representatives and casting directors.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Related Programs

Art Major

  • Azusa

Animation and Visual Effects Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Animation, Visual Effects