Boise State University

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced studio practice with critical theory and professional development. Students pursue individual and collaborative projects in areas such as product and industrial design, graphic and communication design, digital media and interaction, contemporary craft, materials exploration and social design. The course balance emphasises iterative making, research-led enquiry and contextual study.

• Studio courses focused on project development, fabrication techniques and design thinking
• Seminars in visual culture, design history, aesthetics and critical theory
• Research methods for practice-led inquiry, including qualitative and design-research approaches
• Courses or modules on digital design tools, prototyping, user experience or material processes depending on pathway
• Professional practice modules covering portfolio development, exhibition, grant writing and freelancing or entrepreneurship
• Final capstone or thesis project combining a sustained body of work with a reflective written component

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in art, design, craft, architecture, media studies or a closely related discipline. Applicants from other backgrounds with substantial relevant experience are also considered. Typical admissions elements include:

• An online portfolio demonstrating creative work and technical ability
• A statement of purpose outlining proposed areas of study, interests and career goals
• Academic transcripts from previous higher education
• References or letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
• Where English is not the first language, evidence of proficiency in English is required

Some applicants may be invited for an interview or a review of work. The programme does not routinely require standardised test scores, though specific cases may vary; check the university’s admissions guidance for current policies.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across creative sectors. Common pathways include:

• Product, industrial and furniture design studios
• Graphic, branding and communication design agencies
• User experience (UX) and interaction design teams within technology companies
• Contemporary craft and maker-led enterprises or independent studio practice
• Museum, gallery and exhibition roles including curation and education
• Design research, community-engaged projects and social innovation organisations
• Teaching at further and higher education levels following additional certification where required

The programme is designed to strengthen a professional portfolio and build networks with local and regional creative industries, supporting both employment and entrepreneurial pathways.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a regional university environment with active engagement between studios, faculty and the wider community. Students benefit from hands-on access to workshops, fabrication facilities and digital labs that support cross-disciplinary experimentation. The university’s location in Boise provides close connections to a growing creative and technology sector, opportunities for collaboration with local galleries and makerspaces, and a supportive setting for outdoor inspiration and living costs that are lower than many large urban centres.

Faculty in the arts at Boise State typically combine professional practice and research, offering mentoring tailored to individual studio agendas and career goals. The programme emphasises applied projects, public-facing exhibitions and partnerships that help students develop a professional presence and practical experience prior to graduation.