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Cardboard structures from ART 121.

School of Design

Inspiring Creative Communities

The unique composition of our School of Design unites the visual arts and the built environment. We are equal partners in weaving dialogue and collaboration across everything we do. This dynamic coexistence empowers us to be agile and innovative.


Students attending an art class

To provide a comprehensive and robust design education, the School of Design (SoD) combines all of SDSU's design fields of study - architecture, interior design, studio art, graphic design and landscape architecture - in an academic framework that shares curriculum and resources. First-year students enroll in collaborative design studies focusing on design thinking, creativity and professional exploration generating a unique pathway to explore design interests. The curriculum includes: a common introduction to the university, and introduction to design theory and practice, a creativity course and later an upper-level course to work on collaborative design projects. All SoD programs are accredited. The school's proximity to Sioux Falls, Minneapolis and other markets have created a dynamic entrepreneurial market for art, design and architectural practice.

School of Design Students

400

Faculty

28

Mission

Art and design elevate everything. We initiate and engage in conversations that shape creative practices and enhance our understanding of art and design. This exchange enriches the way we live and work. We challenge limits and nurture confidence as we transform our students, ourselves and our communities.

School of Design Events

See All Our Events
Oct 29

Architecture Lecture Series 1

Nov 5

Architecture Lecture Series 2

Nov 19

Architecture Lecture Series 3

School of Design News

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An 8th grade student sits in a student-designed vehicle

Experiencing SDSU in Sioux Falls

From NASA rovers and jumping challenges to medieval weapons and a virtual reality exploration of the ocean, South Dakota State University Day at the Washington Pavilion gave students and visitors a taste of what SDSU has to offer. More than a dozen academic programs took over the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls Sept. 20-21 to showcase the many different opportunities at SDSU in a first-of-its-kind event.
Oak Lake

SDSU researchers assessing water values in new survey

Researchers in South Dakota State University's School of Design, in cooperation with SDSU Extension, are evaluating how South Dakota residents use and value the state's coveted water resources through a region-wide survey.

Soil, salt and ceramics

Adam Devlin, a recent master’s graduate in the South Dakota State University Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, worked on a collaborative project with faculty in the School of Design to bring awareness to the hardships of South Dakota farmers and the effects of soil composition in various subjects.