Applied Design San Diego State University

Overview

The Applied Design programme at San Diego State University provides a robust theoretical and technical foundation for aspiring artists. This degree focuses on balancing traditional craft techniques with contemporary art issues to foster unique aesthetic styles.

Students benefit from a creative learning community that encourages cross-disciplinary experimentation and professional development. The curriculum is designed to support diverse research interests, ranging from functional objects to speculative forms within a modern art context.

The School of Art and Design provides access to specialised studio facilities and a dedicated faculty with extensive research backgrounds. These resources ensure that students gain the practical skills and intellectual depth required to navigate the dynamic landscape of contemporary craft and design.

Why Applied Design at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University offers a distinctive teaching environment where innovation and experimentation are stressed equally with technical proficiency. The institution provides well-equipped studio spaces that support a wide range of processes, from traditional joinery to digital technology.

The programme features an active visiting artist series, offering students diverse interactions with renowned international professionals. These partnerships and guest lectures provide valuable insights into current industry trends and historical contexts within the global art community.

Students are encouraged to explore foreign study opportunities and cross-disciplinary work between different studios. This flexibility allows for the integration of various media, such as photography or sculpture, into a student's primary area of focus.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 14130 per year
• National fee: USD 14130 per year
• Local fee: USD 6838 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum offers several areas of emphasis for students wishing to specialise in specific studio disciplines. Modules may include:

Ceramics

• Pottery and Vessel Forms
• Sculptural Form
• Contemporary Art Issues

Furniture Design and Woodworking

• Furniture Design
• Woodworking
• Linear Design and Case Construction
• Plywood and Veneer Work
• Lathe Turning

Jewelry and Metalwork

• Jewelry and Metalwork
• Fabrication
• Casting
• Surface Embellishment
• Color Processes

Additional Studio Areas

• Painting
• Printmaking
• Drawing
• Sculpture
• Sensory Kinesthetics
• Art History

Careers with Applied Design

Graduates are prepared for professional activity as contemporary designers, makers, and independent artists. The programme provides the necessary foundation for roles in studio management, gallery curation, and specialised craft industries.

Many students pursue careers in furniture design, jewellery manufacturing, or professional ceramics. The degree also serves as a rigorous preparation for those intending to enter graduate studies or MFA programmes in the visual arts.

The Jewelry Students Co-op and other student organisations help participants gain experience in sales, funding applications, and event coordination. These practical experiences prepare graduates for the business aspects of a career in the creative arts and design sectors.