M.S. in Computer Science
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program at Western Washington Universi...
B.F.A. in Design
Bellingham, Washington
INTAKE: Jan, Mar & Sep
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Design at Western Washington University (WWU) is a comprehensive program that emphasizes a blend of creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking. Designed for students aiming to pursue careers in various design disciplines, this program offers an immersive educational experience that fosters artistic expression while addressing real-world design challenges. The curriculum prepares students to think innovatively and adapt to the evolving landscape of design.
Curriculum: The B.F.A. in Design curriculum at WWU is thoughtfully structured to cover essential design principles, theories, and methodologies. Students engage in a variety of courses, including graphic design, industrial design, and interaction design, enabling them to develop a well-rounded skill set. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through studio courses, where students can apply their knowledge to projects that reflect current industry practices. Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas of interest, providing opportunities to tailor their educational experience to their career aspirations.
Research Focus: WWU encourages B.F.A. in Design students to engage in research that explores contemporary design issues and trends. Faculty mentorship and collaborative projects enable students to investigate topics such as sustainable design practices, social impact design, and the role of technology in shaping design solutions. This research focus not only enriches the educational experience but also equips students with critical insights that can inform their future design work.
Industry Engagement: The B.F.A. in Design program prioritizes industry engagement, providing students with opportunities to connect with professionals through internships, workshops, and guest lectures. Collaboration with local businesses and organizations enhances students' learning experiences and helps them build valuable professional networks. By working on real-world projects, students gain practical experience and insights into the expectations and demands of the design industry, better preparing them for successful careers.
Global Perspective: WWU's B.F.A. in Design program incorporates a global perspective by encouraging students to explore design practices from various cultural contexts. Through projects that address global challenges, students learn to appreciate diversity in design and understand its impact on a broader scale. The program also promotes participation in study abroad opportunities and international collaborations, preparing students to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26613
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 62 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Truecopy Credentials evaluation will be required
Western Washington University (WWU) is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, the university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic merit, promote cultural diversity, and alleviate financial barriers, enabling international students to pursue their educational goals at WWU.
International Student Scholarships: WWU provides dedicated scholarship opportunities for international students, acknowledging their unique contributions to the university community. These scholarships may be merit-based, considering academic achievements and accomplishments, or need-based, taking into account the financial circumstances of the applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships at WWU recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement. Eligibility criteria may vary, and scholarships may be awarded based on factors such as GPA, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Need-Based Scholarships: For international students facing financial constraints, WWU offers need-based scholarships to help ease the burden of tuition and related expenses. These scholarships consider the demonstrated financial need of the applicant, and recipients may be required to submit financial documentation as part of the application process.
Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: WWU values diversity and encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for diversity and inclusion scholarships. These scholarships aim to create a more inclusive learning environment and celebrate the varied perspectives that international students bring to the university community.
B.F.A. in Design program at Western Washington University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in various design careers. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and practical application, graduates are well-prepared to enter the dynamic and ever-evolving field of design.
Graphic Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, creating visual content for various media, including print and digital platforms. They work on branding, marketing materials, advertisements, and more, utilizing design principles to effectively communicate messages.
User Experience (UX) Designer: With the increasing focus on digital products, many graduates become UX designers. They focus on enhancing user satisfaction by improving the usability and accessibility of websites and applications through user research, testing, and interface design.
Product Designer: Graduates often find roles as product designers, where they conceptualize and create products that meet user needs. This involves collaborating with engineers and manufacturers to develop functional and aesthetically appealing designs for consumer goods.
Web Designer: Many B.F.A. in Design graduates become web designers, responsible for creating and maintaining websites. They ensure that sites are user-friendly, visually engaging, and aligned with the client’s brand identity.
Motion Graphics Designer: Some graduates specialize in motion graphics, creating animated content for film, television, and digital media. They combine artistry and technology to produce engaging visual stories that captivate audiences.
Interior Designer: Graduates may choose to enter the field of interior design, where they plan and design interior spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. This role involves working with clients to create environments that enhance living and working conditions.
Brand Strategist: As brand strategists, graduates help organizations develop and refine their brand identity and marketing strategies. This role requires a deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, along with strong design skills.
Design Educator: For those interested in teaching, some graduates pursue careers in education, instructing future designers in high schools, community colleges, or universities. This path allows them to share their passion for design with students.
Freelance Designer: Many graduates opt for freelance work, providing design services to a variety of clients. This career path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different industries.
Exhibition Designer: Some graduates become exhibition designers, responsible for creating engaging spaces for museums, galleries, and trade shows. They design exhibits that educate and inspire visitors, using storytelling and visual communication techniques.
