B.F.A. and B.A. in Design

At UT Austin, Design students immerse themselves in studio-based learning that combines creative experimentation with practical problem-solving. You’ll develop skills through collaborative projects, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and digital tools:

• Studio courses where you design real-world projects, including branding, product design, and digital media, encouraging hands-on creativity and teamwork.

• Access to the Design Lab, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other prototyping technologies for physical model making.

• Use of industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and Rhino 3D for digital design and visualization.

• Group projects that simulate professional design processes, often involving clients from local businesses or university departments.

• Internship opportunities coordinated through the program, placing students with design firms, tech companies, or cultural institutions in Austin’s vibrant creative scene.

• Field trips and workshops hosted in collaboration with local museums and design studios to provide industry insights and networking.

• Access to UT Libraries and the Visual Arts Center, supporting research and creative development.

UT Austin’s Design program produces forward-thinking creatives who enter fields like visual design, interaction design, product development, and creative direction.
Career-building at UT Austin includes:

• Design Lab mentorships: Work with faculty and visiting professionals on real-world briefs in the Center for Integrated Design.

• Strong placement rates: 90%+ of graduates find employment or pursue further study within a year. Entry-level salaries range from $55,000 to $70,000, especially in UX/UI roles.

• Industry connectivity: Students intern or work with firms like IBM Design, Adobe, and Dell—many through UT’s Design in Practice program.

• Professional recognition: The program is NASAD-accredited, ensuring national quality standards.

• Capstone project advantage: Each student completes a portfolio-ready final project with industry input, which serves as a direct entry point into creative employment.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue M.F.A. degrees in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or Strategic Design at top schools including Parsons, RISD, or UT Austin’s own graduate programs.