In this unique interdisciplinary program, students explore the links between many different areas of art and design, including architecture, products, furniture, public art, and creative placemaking. The curriculum focuses on the concept of design thinking—a fundamental process of problem-solving that addresses social challenges and the tangible needs of users. While other majors emphasize specialization, the Comprehensive Design major fosters a multifaceted understanding of the design process and equips students with valuable skills to reach across disciplines and collaborate with individuals from varied backgrounds.
Upon completion of this major, graduates will be prepared to enter a professional graduate degree program such as our J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program (M.Arch), continue studies in art and design, or begin a career in a variety of design professions.
A hands-on, multifaceted approach to the design process
Is it for you?
The Comprehensive Design B.S. degree attracts students with a variety of backgrounds and interests in art and design.
Students typically possess some of the following qualities:
- Artistic ability and interest in one or more disciplines such as architecture, product design, drawing, graphic design, photography, sculpture, ceramics, furniture design, or fashion design
- Interest in sustainability, ecological living, and social awareness
- Technical ability for developing digital fabrication and computer skills, including computer-aided design (CAD) programs, laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing, and more
- Affinity for both the arts and the liberal arts disciplines, including the history of art and architecture
- Organizational and decision-making skills as well as the ability to work well with others on a team
B.S. in Comprehensive Design curriculum
In addition to the CASE Credit Hour and Residency Requirements, students must complete the following requirements:
- Foundations
- CASE English Composition
- Mathematical Modeling
- CASE Foreign Language. Choose from:
- CASE Foreign Language: proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the second year of college-level coursework.
- Proficiency in a single foreign language through the first semester of the second year of college-level coursework in addition to the completion of IUB GenEd World Cultures requirement.
- CASE Intensive Writing
- CASE Breadth of Inquiry
- Arts and Humanities: 4 courses
- Social and Historical Studies: 4 courses
- Natural and Mathematical Sciences: 4 courses
- CASE Critical Approaches
- CASE Public Oral Communication
- CASE Culture Studies
- Diversity in the United States
- Global Civilizations and Cultures
Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design coursework + more
Students pursuing the B.S. in Comprehensive Design must also complete the following requirements:
- SOAD-A 100 Pathways: Introduction to Art, Design and Merchandising
- SOAD-A 101 Creative Core: Color
- SOAD-A 211 Cross-Disciplinary Workshops in Art, Design, and Merchandising (complete 2 times with a different topic)
- SOAD-A 201 Forum of Exchange I (complete 2 times for a total of 2 credit hours)
- SOAD-A 401 Forum of Exchange II (complete 4 times for a total of 4 credit hours)
Complete any two (2) Art History (ARTH) courses at the 300–400 level
- SOAD-C 181 Design: Creative Revolution
- SOAD-C 280 Introduction to Comprehensive Design
- SOAD-C 380 Topical Issues in Comprehensive Design
- SOAD-C 381 Topical Issues in Collaborative Design
- SOAD-D 304 Critical Theory, Writing and Thinking for the Studio Practice
- SOAD-C 480 Special Problems in Comprehensive Design
- SOAD-C 481 Intensive Seminar in Comprehensive Design
- SOAD-X 373 Internship in Professional Practice
Students must complete a semester-long immersive design experience in which students choose between supervised studio work with a professional designer, participation in a study abroad program, a design-related internship in the private sector.
The degree culminates in a two-semester independent capstone experience in which you devise, research and execute your own project to demonstrate linkages between art and design disciplines of your choice.
View a full list of courses and descriptions
See Comprehensive Design degree-specific laptop requirement information.
Enhance your major
Sketch + render + build
When pursuing a major Comprehensive Design, you'll investigate both analog and digital applications of drawing, 2D composition, and 3D construction, utilizing more complex methods to realize your designs.
You will develop free-hand sketching and hard-line rendering skills, and create prototypes of objects and spaces using traditional building techniques while also employing the latest 3D modeling and 3D printing technology.
Work productively in teams of artists + designers
Creative collaboration is a skill that takes years to master. You will have the ability to respect, understand, and critically evaluate work across the disciplines of art, design, and merchandising. And you will gain a thorough understanding of the skills needed to solve problems unique to the industry.
Comprehensive design internships
Many students begin exploring internship opportunities as early as their first year, though many employers prefer students who are juniors or seniors.
IU provides networking opportunities and career services through the College of Arts and Sciences Walter Center for Career Achievement. Students can schedule an appointment to meet with a career coach affiliated with their major to discuss the process of researching internships and preparing effective resumes and cover letters.
Additionally, the Comprehensive Design faculty provide opportunities for networking with industry professionals through job shadowing, field trips, and guest speakers in the classroom. They are also available, by appointment, to assist in resume and portfolio preparation for internships.
Learn more and apply
Schedule a visit to explore your options. Complete information about the requirements of the major can be found in the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.
Apply now