Queens College’s Design program combines knowledgeable faculty with industry standard software and the creativity of a studio-based learning environment. With our three concentrations in Communication Design, Animation & Illustration or Interaction Design, students can specialize in techniques and approaches that prepare them for a multitude of design-based careers, including graphic designers, software and web developers, animators, marketing and advertising specialists, or product designers. Whether you’re interested in pursuing more hand-drawn approaches that utilize traditional media, or you want to immerse yourself fully in digital media and software, our Design program has the flexibility and diversity for each student to hone their vision. Additionally, our program has an extensive network of internships that allow students to get real-world experience as a designer while receiving college credit and building their resume.
F.A.Q. (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
How do I declare my major?
The Design BFA has an entrance requirement of an overall 2.75 GPA.
Please send your unofficial transcript and a filled out Major
Declaration form to [email protected].
Do I need a computer?
Yes. A personal laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud software is required for the major, as you will need it to work on your projects both at home and in courses.
What are tracks of study?
For students who wish to strengthen their skills within a particular area of the Design major, we recommend a track of study through the selection of 5-8 design electives from the following list.
- Animation: DESN 157, 187, 188, 192, 207, 210, 213, 214, 215, 217, 221, 247, 249, 257, 266, 277, 278, 279, 287, 290, 296, 347, 358, 359, 370, ARTS 393.
- Communication Design: DESN 173,188, 195, 205, 207, 210, 212, 213, 243, 248, 249, 250, 257, 263, 265, 269, 270, 277, 278, 279, 286, 289, 290, 296, 370, ARTS 393.
- Illustration: DESN 157, 172, 187, 188, 192, 195, 213, 215, 247, 248, 249, 251, 257, 259, 266, 279, 287, 290, 296, 347, 359, 370, ARTS 393, ARTS 151.
- Interaction Design: DESN 157, 172, 188, 195, 205, 207, 210, 212, 213, 214, 217, 221, 243, 249, 250, 257, 263, 265, 269, 270, 277, 278, 279, 286, 290, 314, 370, ARTS 393
Tracks of study are optional, and most students use their design electives as a means to discover the range of activities related to the field of design.
What classes should I take?
Please refer to the Design Fact Sheet for a complete list. In summary, you need 2 Art History Core Courses, 11 Required Courses, and 8 Electives (at least 4 of the 8 must be taken from the upper Division courses DESN 247 or higher).
When should I register for classes?
As soon as possible! Design courses fill up quickly, so be sure to register as soon as your registration begins. Registration dates and times will be available on CUNYFirst.
When is the Portfolio Review?
All Design majors are required to submit a portfolio right after taking DESN 241 – Design I. It will be reviewed by the faculty advisors and must be passed in order to advance in the program. Submission requirements are listed on the QC Design Blog.
What are the Special Topics for DESN 370?
Topics will be announced each semester on the QC Design Blog before registration. DESN 370 can be taken up to 3 times for credit (if the topic is different).
Can I take one course as both a Required Course and an Elective?
No, it will only count for one requirement or the other. One course will go toward one requirement only.
I would like to speak with a Design Advisor.
Reach out to [email protected] to make an appointment with an advisor.
Do I have to take the new requirements in the Design program?
Students who declare their major in Design starting from Fall 2024 will follow the curriculum of the Design Fact Sheet that is currently posted (approved 4/26/2024).
The following changes have been made from the previous curriculum:
- DESN 214 is no longer a required course
- DESN 222 is now a required course. It was previously listed as DESN 286
- DESN 193 has a name change from Intro to Digital Animation to Motion Graphics I
- DESN 290 has a name change from Motion Graphics to Motion Graphics II
Students who declared their major in Design before Fall 2024 will continue to follow the previous curriculum.
- If you have taken DESN 193, DESN 286, or DESN 290 already, taking them again under their new names/codes will count as a repeated course and replace your previous grade and credits for the class.
- If you have taken DESN 193 – Intro to Digital Animation, you do not need to retake it as Motion Graphics I
- If you have taken DESN 290 – Motion Graphics, you do not need to retake it as Motion Graphics II
- If you have taken DESN 286 – Interaction Design, you do not need to take DESN 222 – Interaction Design.
- If you have not taken DESN 286 – Interaction Design AND you have taken DESN 214 – Web Design I, you do not need to take DESN 222 – Interaction Design. If you would like to take Interaction Design, it will count towards your Design Electives.
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