Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design
Innovative Storytelling
Gain a small, hands-on design school experience with the resources of a major research university. Pursue concentrations in Animation, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, or Visual Communication Design.
Inspired Design. Expansive Futures.
KU design alumni currently work for companies like:
- NY Times
- Brains
- Garmin
- Hallmark
- Populous
- Vans
- New Balance
Design firms led by KU alumni:
Tucker Trotter, DimensionaI Innovations
Jessica and Tad Carpenter, Carpenter Collective (pictured)
Nicole Satterwhite, Willoughby Design
Matt Wegerer, Whiskey Design
Learning from award-winning faculty, design students at KU consistently earn national recognition. Check out some of the recent work accepted to the National Student Show in Dallas, Texas in 2026 where KU Design was awarded "Best School."
Design What's Next
Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average of 3% for all occupations.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025.
Dream. Design. Do.
With digital fabrication labs, a letterpress, a RISOgraph studio, print labs, and computer labs at your disposal, you'll have all the tools you need to turn your dreams into reality.
Faculty Spotlights
Jeremy Shellhorn, Chair & Professor of Design
Jeremy Shellhorn is a Professor of Visual Communication Design at the University of Kansas and founder of the Design Outside Studio, a roaming classroom that creates opportunities for design students to journey off campus and into our national parks.
Bona Bones, Assistant Professor, Animation
Bona Bones is an accomplished animator and Assistant Professor in the Animation Program. Their professional credits include television shows and feature films with brands like Cartoon Network, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon.
Titus Smith, Program Director, Interaction Design
Titus Smith is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Interaction Design at the University of Kansas. He’s also the owner of The Hideout, an award-winning design practice specializing in UI/UX, branding and illustration.