A woman stands in front of an exhibition titled "Garments as Healing Spaces," gesturing as she speaks. Behind her, white sensory garments for emotional regulation are displayed on a wall alongside descriptive text panels and photos illustrating their use.

Department of Design

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Where creativity meets academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Drawing from the world-class resources of The University of Texas at Austin and the rapidly growing economy of Central Texas, we advance transformative education, research, and creative practice. Our faculty includes award-winning designers and published scholars who merge theory with practice to redefine contemporary design.

Sharing facilities with the Department of Arts and Art History, the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies, and Texas Robotics, we offer students, faculty, and staff access to exceptional resources—including two digital fabrication labs, two woodshops (learn more), and a print studio featuring the nationally renowned Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection.

Explore Our Degrees & Programs

Our undergraduate and graduate programs transform creative talent and curiosity into fulfilling professions. As a design student, you will learn how to harness your creative skills to tackle some of the most exciting and pressing issues of our time. Our versatile portfolio of courses will enable you to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship in your chosen design field and create the work that matters most to you. 

 

Our Approach

Close-up of labeled type drawers in a print lab. A bold red poster in the center reads “RRK” in a decorative font. Drawers surrounding the poster are labeled with typeface names like “Gothic Light Face,” “Antique Tuscan XX Condensed,” and “Gothic Extended,” each showing example characters.

Learn by Doing and Making

Expand your design practice by experimenting with new tools and techniques in our creative labs, and hone your craft while building a strong portfolio.

An instructor wearing a striped apron prepares materials at a printmaking station, surrounded by colorful ink containers, spatulas, and printing tools. A “Wood Type” pennant hangs in the window behind her, emphasizing a hands-on studio environment.

Solve Problems Creatively

Apply your creative skills to real-world challenges, developing the ability to collaborate and lead in an ever-changing world.

A speaker in a floral blazer addresses an audience from a microphone. Behind her, bold projected text highlights design goals such as inclusivity, testing, and transparency. She wears statement earrings and a layered necklace.

Gain Real-World Experience

Partner with industry and community leaders who serve as advisors and guest speakers, giving you invaluable real-world experience.

A woman stands in front of a wall display titled "Garments as Healing Spaces," presenting a collection of sensory and symbolic garments. She gestures with open hands while standing beside white fabric prototypes hung on dowels and large descriptive text panels explaining the emotional and symbolic functions of clothing.

Choose Your Pathway

Build a comprehensive foundation in design and chart your own path, mastering skills in the areas you’re most passionate about.

Our Stories

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