Design

About this Area

Design is about more than creating visually compelling work. It's about asking thoughtful questions, understanding the people and communities you're designing for, and developing creative solutions to real-world challenges. Through hands-on projects, research, collaboration and emerging technologies, you'll build expertise in visual communication while learning to think critically, communicate ideas effectively and create work with purpose. Along the way, you'll gain experience working with clients, develop a professional portfolio and graduate prepared for careers in a rapidly evolving design industry.

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Program Offerings

Discover Design Degree Programs

Whether you’re seeking intensive professional preparation or the flexibility to combine design with other academic interests, you’ll find a pathway that aligns with your goals. Because the programs share a common foundation, you can refine your interests and move between degree pathways as your creative practice and career aspirations evolve.

Fall 2027 Majors & MinorsTransfer Applicants & Current Students

Beginning in Fall 2027, you can explore flexible degree pathways within the Cornish Design Department.

Design BFA, BA or Minor or Interaction (UX) Design Minor

Choose the Design BFA for immersive professional training, the Design BA for greater flexibility to combine design with other academic interests, the Design minor to complement another major, or the Interaction Design minor to build expertise in designing digital experiences. Because these degrees share a common foundation, you can move between options as your creative goals evolve and learn the skills to create thoughtful, impactful design.

Apply for Fall 2027

Whether you’re hoping to transfer to Cornish or are already enrolled at Cornish College of Arts at Seattle University, here are the many ways you can study design during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Design, BA

Build a strong foundation in visual communication while combining design with other academic interests through a flexible degree that encourages interdisciplinary learning. You’ll develop creative problem-solving, research and technical skills through hands-on projects that prepare you for careers in design or graduate study.

Design, BFA

Develop the creative and technical skills to solve real-world design challenges through hands-on studio courses, client-based projects and emerging technologies. Experienced faculty and peers will help you refine your process and build a professional portfolio that prepares you for a creative career.

Interaction (UX) Design, BFA

Design intuitive digital experiences that improve how people interact with technology through a program grounded in user research, interface design and human-centered problem solving, while building expertise in app and website design and emerging technologies.

Apply for the 2026/2027 Year

“For 8 years, I worked as a neuroscientist, but in 2022, I realized my passion was in design. Cornish has allowed me to merge both passions in a way I never imagined.”Zoe Sloan, Design BFA Class of 2025

Application Process

See What’s Required to Apply

Choosing a college is about finding the program that best supports your goals. At Cornish, we look for students who are passionate about their area of study and eager to grow.

Learn More About the Application Process

All applicants must submit a Seattle University application, application fee or approved waiver, recommendations, and a writing sample. Review the specific requirements for your Cornish program before you apply.

How to Apply

See Audition Requirements

If you’re applying to a BFA program, you’ll submit a portfolio as part of your application. Portfolios give Cornish the opportunity to see your artistic interests, potential, and commitment to your creative practice. You do not need to create new work specifically for your portfolio; your strongest recent work is often the best representation of your abilities and interests. BA degree program applicants do not have to submit a portfolio.

Design Portfolio Requirements

Design

Faculty + Staff

Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of creatives, Cornish faculty combine extensive professional expertise with a passion for teaching students how to develop the skills, confidence and vision to succeed in the arts.