Academics
Our program gives students the ability to apply their interests to one of many pathways through our engineering major.
Design’s Program Sheets vary based on which of the three Methods depths you choose. The most current Methods class options can be found on the Design SoE Undergraduate Handbook Page. Similarly, some of the SoE Math, Science, and SoE Fundamentals courses vary depending on which of the three Methods depths you choose. Design students should review the notes on our Design Program Sheets, and SoE Handbook Page, to understand what stipulations are in place around these. The categories include:
Students can chart a personal pathway through the degree. Students do this in the following ways:
Explore the Design major by taking Design 1, an exploratory Design class, alongside other intro courses (see Prospective Students page).
Fulfill the General Engineering Requirements by selecting courses from the list of options (see useful links below). These courses provide a rich breadth and depth that are essential in supporting your work in the design core and in your methods depth classes, and equip you to be a designer strong in making abilities.
Engage in our Design Core by taking all the required classes in this foundational upper-division sequence.
Select a Methods Depth from the available options and choose specific courses within that depth.
Choose a Domain Focus Area based on your interests and preferences, selecting courses from the provided appendix of options.
Culminate your academic journey by completing the Capstone, including the final projects.
A Methods Depth allows students to take classes across the university to sharpen making skills and abilities and gain professional fluency. Students choose one of three Method Depths tracks listed below. Within each method you will take three classes with a focus on foundational understanding and application.
Physical Design + Manufacturing
“Making in the Physical World”
This method ranges from classes on materials and mechanisms to understanding what is possible with physical design, to manufacturing processes and supply chain logistics to understand how physical design is implemented. Students will work with faculty who have a close partnership with the Product Realization Lab (PRL). Classes in this method will help students understand what they are excited about making. Students will draw from physics and mathematical modeling to build and understand material properties. You will engage with analyzing and calculating to help determine what you will build, and choosing the right materials for what you want your product to do.
Artificial Intelligence + Digital User Experience
“Digital Design”
This method ranges from foundational classes on programming methodologies and human computer interaction to applied courses on digital prototyping, user experience design, and incorporating AI and data science. In this day and age, we are constantly interacting within a digital space. The digital world is increasingly controlling the physical products we interact with. This method aims to understand digital design and its importance for the development of our world. Class offerings include several courses on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science focused on different techniques of AI from vision to language. Students will get to focus on the technology of AI paired with understanding the design process which influences the user interface and user interaction.
Human Behavior + Multi-stakeholder Research
“Building with Data”
This method depth is an opportunity for students to develop an understanding on how to use research to modify and evolve design directions as they manifest in the world. This method uses qualitative and quantitative methods to better understand people – who we are, what we do, and why we do it. A better understanding of people will help better design products, inventions, and policies for our world. Classes focus on communication, data science, and psychology to help understand how to design for the human experience.