The Department of Design at UC Davis

From the clothes we wear and the furniture we use, to the myriad forms of communication that help us find our way, design is central to how we express our values, define ourselves and live our lives. Design is cultural, enriching our lives with form, shape, and meaning. Design is powerful, creating new environmental solutions that are sustainable and socially responsible. And design is vital to the array of innovative products that have become the economic engine of the world's marketplace. Design is at the nexus of culture, science, technology and creativity. At the center of this dynamic field of study and transformation is the Design Program at UC Davis.

The program focuses on four key areas of design: exhibition design; interior architecture including lighting and furniture design; textile and fashion design; and visual communication including graphic and multimedia design. The Design major at UC Davis is the only professionally-oriented, design driven undergraduate and graduate program in the UC system.

News & Announcements

New Policy for Declaring Major
Click Here to see Preparatory Requirements (effective Fall 2012).

OH! Design: Open House!
May 5, 2012
The UC Davis Department of Design invites you to an open house to reconnect with faculty, staff, students, friends and alumni; visit our new building; and celebrate our departmental status.

From Collections to Studio Space: Discussing the UC Davis Design Collection with Jo Ann Stabb
by Kristina Calvillo, Design Museum Intern W '12
This article reveals the history and development of the Design Collection, and how it shapes design education at UC Davis.

Make a Gift
Your tax-deductible gift to the UC Davis Department of Design supports outstanding academic programs and initiatives.

Inaugural meeting of
CA Design MRG
A multi-campus research group exploring the influence of design on culture and the role of California as a site of innovative design.

Graduate Studies in Design UC Davis offers a two-year Master of Fine Arts degree in Design. Apply by December 15!

Design News Scroll The most current events are posted in the news-scroll. Be sure to check the news and events for all dates and announcements

UC Davis Department of Design Want to learn more about the UC Davis Department of Design, what we do, and our accomplishments? Check out the video on our about page!