BachelorRecommended

Bachelor of Design Studies

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, United States
4 years
English
On campus
Bachelor

About the program

Two-year post-professional design degree with no studios.

Program highlights

Internship available: no
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Develop creative and critical approaches to Design Studies. Produce
Evaluate
And present work while reflecting on technique
Audience
And artistic context.

Career outcomes

Public service
Academia
NGOs
Innovative ventures
Design practice

Curriculum

Four semesters of coursework with no studios. After choosing a domain (Ecologies
Narratives
Publics or Mediums) and completing core research methods courses
Students build an individual trajectory across Harvard
Then work together on collaborative advanced research in the third semester.

Entry requirements

Academic

Secondary school credentials with certified English translation
SAT/ACT optional
English proof (IELTS 6.5
TOEFL iBT 80
PTE 54 or Duolingo 120) unless exempt.

Accepted academic background

Secondary school credentials by country (country tool on the international requirements page), Official transcripts with certified English translation, SAT/ACT optional

Language tests

IELTS 6.5
TOEFL iBT 80
PTE Academic 54
Duolingo 120

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts

How to apply

Check first-year or transfer requirements and deadlines. Fall 2027 early action is 2 November 2026 and regular decision 1 February 2027. Apply on the Common Application and pay the 170 USD fee (70 USD plus 100 USD international evaluation fee). Upload official transcripts with certified English translations and English test scores or an exemption. SAT/ACT are optional. After admission
Receive the I-20 and apply for the F-1 student visa with proof of funds.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$38,236 USD
Application fee	$170 USD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Chicago
Faculty or school	College of Architecture, Design, And the Arts
Department	Design
Teaching language	English
Credit value	120
Study pace	_
Post-study stay	1 year
Scholarship note	Students may be considered for available scholarships or funding if they meet the relevant award criteria; availability and eligibility should be confirmed with the institution.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
August 2027
Apply by
1 Feb 2027
79 days left

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 4 years.