Northeastern University United States

Design, BFA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design at Northeastern University is your pathway to becoming a visionary creator in a field that shapes how we live and interact with the world. You will explore the critical role of designers in addressing complex challenges and proposing innovative solutions across diverse knowledge domains. This undergraduate degree is ideal for those who seek to understand and apply principles of perception, communication, and action to create meaningful experiences, whether in graphic design, information design, interaction design, or experience design. You will develop a broad understanding of design thinking and practice at a leading institution.

This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, immerses you in a studio-based environment where you will engage with design processes, visual composition, and prototyping with code. You will build foundational skills in elements of visual composition and typographic systems, alongside specialized knowledge through your chosen concentration. Throughout your studies, you will work on projects that integrate theory and practice, culminating in a significant Design Degree Project. You will graduate with a robust portfolio and the expertise to pursue careers in creating compelling visual communications, intuitive interfaces, and impactful user experiences.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design program provides a comprehensive foundation in art and design principles. Students will explore visual composition, drawing, and various making techniques involving form, materials, video, sound, and animation. The curriculum also delves into interactive experiences, visual intelligence, and design perspectives, emphasizing process, practices, and typographic systems. This program culminates in a significant design degree project, allowing students to showcase their acquired skills and knowledge.

1 Art and Design Core

Introduction to College
Art and Design at Northeastern
Elements of Visual Composition (with optional ARTF 1221)
Representational Drawing
Abstract Drawing
Making with Form and Materials and Making with Form and Materials Tools
Making with Video, Sound, and Animation and Making with Video, Sound, and Animation Tools
Designing Interactive Experiences and Designing Interactive Experiences Tools
Visual Intelligence and Seminar in Visual Intelligence
Topics in Visual Studies
Topics in Visual Studies

2 Design Requirements

Design Perspectives: An Introduction to Design in the World and Seminar for Design Perspectives
Design: Process + Practices and Studio for Design: Process + Practices
Typographic Systems and Studio for Typographic Systems
Prototyping with Code and Lab for ARTG 2262
Design Degree Project

3 Design Electives

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 67,990.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 67,990.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 67,990.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 67,990.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 271,960.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,500.00 - USD 2,000.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Boston Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyClient Services & Account ManagementDigital MarketingEarly Childhood & Primary EducationIntelligence & InvestigationsMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementPrivate Security & Risk ManagementSatellite CommunicationsTelecom Software & SystemsWireless & Mobile Communications

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon Web Services

Boston Public Schools

General Dynamics Information Technology

Google

Microsoft

Northeastern University

Why Study Design, BFA at Northeastern University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Moderate Application response time

Northeastern University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Northeastern University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Design, BFA at Northeastern University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks in the U.S. On-campus work does not require separate permits, while off-campus work needs university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English test requirements, you can choose from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Specific minimum scores are required for each test to ensure proficiency.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graphic Designer, Information Designer, Interaction Designer, Experience Designer.

What will I actually study in this course?

Design is the practice-based discipline that poses important questions about—and provides significant answers to—how we live. Designers are needed when we don’t know what is needed as well as when we think we do. Designers propose alternative futures and create new choices using principles and processes to create, compose, and construct meaning in diverse knowledge fields. Designers seek a broad understanding of principles and systems of perception, communication, and action.

The

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Design, BFA program has an intake month in January. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of time to ensure your spot.
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