Major By Design: New Course Introduces Design Options Across Campus

There’s that deer-in-the-headlights look you sometimes get if you press a new student for decisions on a career. It’s understandable — committing to a specific track, or even choosing a major, is a big ask. For the design-inclined, USU is making that question a lot easier to answer.

A new seven-week course called Design Careers (LAEP 1010), is being introduced to help students understand the range of design careers they can pursue and the USU majors that can get them there. This unique collaboration between eight departments and four colleges on the Logan campus offers a high-level introduction to the wide variety of disciplines available, from art to technology to engineering.

“Design is an incredibly broad skill set,” said Sean Michael, course coordinator from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (LAEP). “It can be intimidating to even get a feel for what the options are. The more information students can get, the more they can try things out, and the better chance they’ll find a major that’s meaningful and a good fit for their skills.”

How do you know if your skills tend toward design? If you are someone who is creative, perhaps likes to draw, work with your hands, or enjoys solving problems in real or digital environments — then design is probably a good option, said Deandra Harps, careers coordinator and academic advisor in LAEP. But there are still over three dozen degrees and certificates focused specifically on design to choose from at USU.

The new course helps to narrow the choice to something tailored to a student’s strengths, interests and preferences, Harps said. It is taught during the second block of fall semester, offering incoming students the chance to participate. It explores these disciplines:

• Graphic Design (Art + Design): Create logos and brand identities. Design posters, packaging or social media campaigns.

• Outdoor Product Design (Technology, Design & Technical Education): Design gear and outdoor clothing. Prototype and test products.

• Interior Architecture and Design (Art + Design): Plan and design interior spaces like homes, offices or hotels.

• Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering): Design machines, engines or robotics systems. Build and test mechanical components.

• Engineering Technology (Technology, Design and Technical Education): Do hands-on work with manufacturing systems and equipment. Troubleshoot, test and improve engineering processes.

• Residential Landscape Design (Plant, Soils and Climate): Design and build landscapes and outdoor living spaces including patios, plantings and irrigation systems.

• Landscape Architecture (LAEP): Design parks, campuses and public outdoor spaces. Plan large-scale landscapes to balance ecology and human use.

• Environmental Planning (LAEP): Create land use plans with the environment in mind. Work on sustainability or community projects.

• Digital Technologies (LAEP): Create 3D models, maps and animations. Design digital interfaces, motion graphics and interactive media.

• Theater Design (Theatre Arts): Design sets, lighting or costumes for live performances. Build and manage visual elements of stage productions.

• User Experience (UX) Design (Instructional Technology): Design apps and websites focused on the online experience. Research and improve technology interactions.

“Preparing Aggies for careers in design and planning is a major strength of USU,” Michael said. “We offer more design diversity than any other school in the state.”

Helping students navigate the many choices is the goal of this new course, both for students who are new to campus and those who are otherwise ready to explore their options.