Core Design Program

As one of the most comprehensive design institutions in the U.S., Iowa State’s College of Design offers degree programs encompassing a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary foundational knowledge, from thinking like a designer to embracing the research and design process. The college’s curricular structure allows students to explore all design fields offered in the college through interdisciplinary design interventions, intersections, interactions and interfaces, preparing students for their post-graduation careers.

Interdisciplinarity is introduced at the start of the College of Design experience. Required of all incoming undergraduate Design students, except those interested in Community and Regional Planning, the first-year foundational Core Design Program consists of 13 credits of design coursework, distributed across the fall and spring semesters. These studio and lecture classes help students choose the major(s) that best fit them and learn design principles that enhance communication while working individually and together in teams.