BA Design FAQs

Students must meet all CSULB admissions requirements. For more information, please contact Admissions.

Students who meet CSULB eligibility requirements may transfer with a minimum number of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units. Students who transfer are required to complete some lower division (100- and 200-level) and all upper division (300- and 400-level) Design and Art courses at CSULB. No upper division courses may be transferred. For more information, please contact Admissions or visit ASSIST for a list of classes they may transfer from other California schools.

Some courses at other institutions may count toward the degree requirements. Visit ASSIST for a list of courses from other California schools that qualify for credit at CSULB. Courses taken at institutions outside of California may also count if the coursework is equivalent in quality and content to the same or similar course offered by CSULB. Valid transcripts and examples of work completed are required as proof of completion of out-of-state courses and may be approved at the discretion of the Program Advisor and appropriate faculty. If you feel you qualify, please contact the Program Advisor and bring a copy of the course description from the catalog of the other institution in addition to examples of your coursework. Catalogs are often available online.

At this time, there is no portfolio requirement for lower division courses; however, students must complete all lower division Design and Art courses with a grade of “C” or better before advancement to upper division courses. This requirement is subject to change. Refer to the current University Catalog for the latest information.

The flowchart is a guideline for planning a course schedule. The flowchart is subject to change and is not an official list of required courses. A list of required courses is found in the University Catalog and is available online. Students may enroll in any program course if they meet the prerequisites listed on the flowchart or in the catalog. Courses may be taken out of sequence from the flowchart; however, the department recommends that students follow the latest flowchart as closely as possible. Updates to the program are for the benefit of the student and it is the responsibility of the student to plan their own schedule. Not all courses are offered every semester. Some courses offered are designated for students in other programs. The flowchart is divided into eight semesters but is not a guarantee that students will be able to complete the degree requirements in that time frame.

Yes, CSULB is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). NASAD, founded in 1944, is an organization of schools, colleges and universities. It has over 200 accredited institutional members and establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials.

Students with a B.A. in Design may enjoy the following careers: Display/Exhibition Designer, Furniture Designer, Lighting Designer, Model Maker (3D Virtual/Physical), Package Designer, Technical Illustrator, Commercial Artist, or Architectural Illustrator. Students may pursue other careers, such as Automobile Design with additional education or experience. For more information, see CSULB Careers.

Many schools accept students who have received their Bachelor of Art degree into graduate programs. Contact the prospective institution for their admission requirements.

The advisors in our Program do not offer advice on GE requirements. Please contact Academic Advising for questions regarding GE requirements.

The majority of required courses are offered during the day. The program is considered to be a full-time program. Many of our classes are offered on a two- or three-day schedule.

Each semester is 16 weeks long and most courses meet twice per week for about three hours each meeting. Full-time enrollment is typically four courses per semester, but students may take fewer than four courses per semester. International students are required to carry a minimum number of units per semester. For more information, contact the International Student Office. The department recommends that students follow the flowchart.

Yes. Many of the courses from the Interior Design and Industrial Design programs count toward the B.A. Design program. Compare course requirements in the current CSULB catalog.

Yes. General Design students take many of the same lower division design courses as the Interior Design and Industrial Design programs. To enroll in upper division Interior or Industrial courses, all students must first pass a portfolio review process with specific requirements. See the Frequently Asked Questions section of the other programs for more information.

Yes, but none directly sponsored by the department. Students may receive course credit for an approved internship.

Yes. Students have access to study abroad courses usually offered in the summer and may participate in field trips to major design studios and corporations.

The Design Department recommends computer specifications for those who would like to provide their own computer when taking the lab classes.