Thoughts on the University of Washington's Design Program?

Hi! I'm curious about the University of Washington's design program. Can anyone provide info about its quality, faculty, and student experiences? Are there good opportunities for hands-on experience or internships in design? Thanks!

The University of Washington (UW) has a solid design program in its School of Art + Art History + Design. It offers a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree with three areas of concentration: Industrial Design, Interaction Design, and Visual Communication Design. The faculty at UW Design are experienced professionals with diverse expertise, and their backgrounds span across multiple industries and disciplines.

The program is highly regarded and prepares students with strong foundational skills in design principles, research, critical thinking, and prototyping, among other skills. The curriculum is designed to promote collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and project-based learning, ensuring that your design education will be versatile and applicable to various fields.

UW's location in Seattle greatly contributes to vibrant student experiences and creates opportunities for hands-on experiences and internships. Seattle is home to numerous design agencies, start-ups, and well-known companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks that frequently offer internships to students in the design field.

Many students have the chance to work on real-world projects and participate in design-focused extracurricular activities, such as clubs and competitions, which help to strengthen their portfolios and professional connections.

Overall, the University of Washington's design program is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous education in the field, combined with hands-on experiences and strong internship potential. You will likely graduate with a competitive portfolio and be well-prepared for a successful career in design.