FAQ

The Department of Design is accredited by the National Association of Colleges of Art and Design and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

The Department of Design includes 12 full-time professors, complemented by part-time teaching support from the local professional design community. We have approximately 150 majors, encompassing both BFA and BS candidates and approximately 75 pre-majors.

The Department offers professional degrees, and one minor designed to launch graduates directly into the industry upon completion: 

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design 
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design 
• Bachelor of Science in Design Studies 
• Concentration in Architectural Lighting Design  
• Concentration in Graphic Design  
• Minor in Architectural Lighting Design

Interior Design students can study abroad in Florence, Italy, and Paris during the spring of their third year, with courses taught in English by local professors. Applications are due in the fall of the third year through TCU Study Abroad.

The Graphic Design program offers a summer course on the business of design, rotating between major U.S. cities. Additionally, College of Fine Arts summer courses in major European cities count toward Upper Division Graphic Design Electives.

The BFA degrees require a creative internship for upper-division credit, scheduled for the summer after completing the third-year classes. BS candidates are highly encouraged, but not required, to complete a creative internship after completing the third-year classes.  

Students are invited to participate in annual recruiting events where professionals come to campus to network, leading to internships and full-time post-graduation employment opportunities. 

Internships often take place in the vibrant design hub of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. However, our students have also pursued internships in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, and various other national and international markets.

Rapid advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), present exciting opportunities for creative minds. At TCU, we view these tools as enhancements that amplify our students’ potential, rather than replacements for human creativity. Designers have always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, and we integrate emerging technologies into our curriculum while ensuring that original thought and problem-solving skills remain at the core of our program. Based on recent input from industry experts and our Advisory Councils, AI has not diminished the role of creative professionals. Instead, it has expanded their capabilities, enabling them to develop more effective, innovative and marketable solutions for their clients.

Every student is paired with a professional advisor and a faculty mentor within our department to help navigate their degree plans to stay on track with personal and professional goals.  While formal academic advising occurs at scheduled times each semester, our faculty mentors maintain open-door policies, ensuring they are readily available to address questions and provide guidance to students at any time.

Our maximum class size is 15 students. This allows us to fully utilize active learning techniques in the classroom, including group critique and individual consultation on student projects.

Students begin their journey with foundational courses such as Introduction to Creative Practice, Introduction to Computer Graphics, Drawing for Design, Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, and Color Theory, Art History and Digital Portfolio. 

As they progress, they advance to specialized courses. BFA candidates undertake a creative internship for upper-division credit, followed by capstone courses. These experiences culminate in a comprehensive preparation for their professional careers in design.

Please review the department’s computer policy.

Our design programs are rigorous and competitive, providing a rich and rewarding experience for students passionate about shaping the future of design. All students begin as pre-majors, completing a comprehensive sequence of foundational courses in their first year. This foundation builds the skills and knowledge necessary for success across all design disciplines.

To declare a major in Graphic Design, Interior Design, or Design Studies with a concentration in Graphic Design or Architectural Lighting Design, students must successfully pass a Qualifying Examination. This process evaluates projects, sketchbooks, and professionalism holistically, ensuring each student is prepared to thrive in our demanding and rewarding degree programs. While students receive a grade in each foundation course, these grades do not guarantee acceptance into the program. Individual course grades assess performance based on specific criteria such as attendance, homework, quizzes, and class participation. While a student may earn a strong grade in a course, this does not necessarily indicate the overall competencies required for program acceptance.

The Qualifying Examination takes a holistic approach to evaluating student progress, focusing on consistency in growth, craftsmanship, risk-taking, and the comprehensive application of design principles across all courses. This broader assessment measures a student's ability to integrate and apply design concepts beyond isolated coursework. The criteria and rubrics for the Qualifying Examination are clearly communicated to all pre-majors in advance to ensure transparency in the evaluation process.

A portfolio is not required for admission. However, we strongly recommend that prospective first-year and transfer students take advantage of uploading an optional portfolio.

Yes, you can transfer into the program. Please view our Transfer Admission Policy for complete details.

The department offers several talent-based scholarships. These scholarships are separate from, and may be combined with, grants and scholarships provided by the University. Once enrolled, additional funding is available to support student travel, competition entries and various other activities. Please visit the Scholarship & Aid page for more information.