Undergraduate Program in Interdisciplinary Design
Today, and in the future, design challenges call for designers who are creative, adaptable, and comfortable working across disciplines and technologies.
The Interdisciplinary Design program prepares students to become versatile, marketable designers by combining visual communication, design strategy, hands-on making, and emerging technologies. Grounded in the practice of design, the program encourages both creativity and problem-solving, connecting graphic design, spatial thinking, materials, and evolving tools used in contemporary design.
NOTE: This major will be available for selection on the first-year student application beginning Fall, 2026.
Advisor Contact Info
Academic Program Specialist
Why get an Interdisciplinary Design degree at FSU?
The Interdisciplinary Design program prepares students to become adaptable, marketable designers by integrating visual communication, design strategy, and hands-on fabrication. Students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Design with a concentration in Design and Visual Communications. This degree is grounded in the application of design with an emphasis on problem-solving across disciplines, bridging graphic design, spatial thinking, materials and emerging technologies.
Students develop strong conceptual and visual communication skills while applying design thinking to real-world contexts, including branding, environments, systems and experiences. Through collaborative, project-based learning, students engage in research, prototyping and making, translating ideas into tangible outcomes.
This interdisciplinary direction reflects contemporary design practice, where designers are expected to think strategically, work across mediums, and move fluidly between digital and physical production. Graduates leave with a versatile skill set, a robust portfolio and the ability to contribute meaningfully to professional design studios, creative industries and entrepreneurial settings.
Admissions Requirements
Current FSU students who wish to select Interdisciplinary Design as their major should contact the Academic Program Specialist.
Prospective students who are not yet admitted to FSU should declare Interdisciplinary Design as their major on their application. This major will be available for selection on the first-year student application beginning Fall, 2026.
Note that there is no entry portfolio requirement to apply to FSU or to the Interdisciplinary Design major.
Program of Study
The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Design, with a major in Design and Visual Communication, prepares students to work across disciplines through design. Grounded in graphic design and visual communication, the program develops visual thinking, spatial reasoning, material exploration, and design strategy in response to contemporary design practice.
Coursework is organized as a progression from foundational studios and skill-based courses to advanced studios and electives that support focused exploration. Students engage with a range of design contexts—including graphic and visual communication, spatial and environmental design, experience design, fabrication, and emerging technologies—and complete a capstone experience that integrates interdisciplinary design knowledge and application.
The program consists of 68 credit hours of required coursework beyond University general education requirements.
A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation, composed of Interdisciplinary Design coursework and University general education courses.
Careers in design: the possibilities are limitless...
Graphic Designer · Creative Consultant · Brand Designer · Visual Storyteller · Design Strategist · Content Designer · Brand Strategist · User Interface Designer · User Experience Designer · Environmental Graphics Designer · Interactive Media Designer · Entrepreneur · Digital Designer · Exhibit Designer
Study Abroad Opportunities
Global experience has become an increasingly vital part of a student’s education. During the summer term after the second year of classes, students have the opportunity to experience design in another country. Summer study abroad programs, offered through Florida State University International Programs, are available in London, England, Valencia, Spain and Florence, Italy!
