Welcome to Design at SFSU

The School of Design serves a diverse body of students in the areas of Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Our curriculum emphasizes design process as a means of problem-solving, and our classes help students to build the technical, conceptual, critical,  and collaborative skills required in design professions.

Our Programs

Student holds a folded cardboard prototype during a hands-on design activity in a classroom.

Learn as you make

Designers are makers. Our facilities promote collaboration and the iterative design process.

Check out our shops, studios and maker spaces
Instructor gives a presentation to students during a design class, with an “Egg Drop” project displayed on the screen behind him.

Outstanding faculty

Our faculty are leaders in both design practice and design research. They have expertise in Industrial Design, Communication Design, UX, XR, Inclusive Design, Justice Design, Design Research, and Community Design. Learn more about our faculty by viewing their faculty profiles.

Learn more about our faculty
Presenter speaks at an SF State podium during a design event, with a Pinterest presentation projected on a large screen behind him.

Connect with community and industry

Student Success is so much more than simply graduating. It means successfully entering the professional world. Our student community remains actively engaged both during their studies and after they graduate. We have sponsored projects with leading local businesses (such as Chronicle Books and Delta Dental.) Our successful alumni return every year to work with students on career advice, portfolio feedback, and our annual Design Alumni Portfolio Night.