Overview

The Design programme at the University of California, Davis offers a unique, comprehensive approach to creative education within the University of California system. This curriculum is designed to foster multidisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that students are prepared to work alongside engineers, coders, and manufacturers. By integrating design thinking with practical making, the course develops well-rounded professionals ready for the modern industry.

Why Design at University of California, Davis?

Choosing this programme means joining the only comprehensive academic design unit in the entire University of California system. The curriculum is deeply research-focused, blending design history and criticism with visual literacy and creative practice. Students benefit from a collaborative environment where they can explore multiple areas of design rather than being restricted to a single path. The university provides extensive opportunities for undergraduates to work directly with faculty members on research projects and within specialised labs. Furthermore, the campus location and institutional links offer a robust platform for global learning and professional networking.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53472 per year
National fee: USD 53472 per year
Local fee: USD 14202 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates theory and practice across various studio-based disciplines. Modules may include:

Design History
Design Thinking
Visual Literacy
Exhibition Design
Fashion Design
Information Design
Interior Architecture
Sustainable Design
Visual Communications

Careers with Design

Graduates from the University of California, Davis are equipped for diverse roles in the creative and corporate sectors. The programme prepares students for professional practice in fields such as graphic design, fashion, and user interface development. Many alumni secure positions with prestigious global organisations, applying their skills in manufacturing, digital media, and environmental design. Common career paths and employers include:

Graphic Designer
UI/UX Designer
Fashion Designer
Design Historian
Product Designer
Information Designer

Notable alumni employers include major corporations such as Apple, Disney, Accenture, Gap, Inc., and Levi Strauss & Co. Additionally, the programme provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue graduate studies in architecture, art history, human-computer interaction, or advanced design research.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Great Cities

20th-Century Architecture

Contemporary Architecture

The American Home

Architecture
United States

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Davis, United States

Disciplines

Design View 840 other Bachelors in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Students who are not residents of California must earn a GPA of 3.40 or higher.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Our campus then reviews and assesses all applications as part of our UC Davis freshman application review process.

Freshman 1applicants are required to take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay no later than December 31 of the year they apply.

International students must meet the same admission requirements and will be included in the same selection process as students from the United States.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Out-of-State

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14202 USD / year

≈ 14202 USD / year

Living costs

Davis

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Davis

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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