Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Science
Radford University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
Program Details
BS in Design
Bachelor of ScienceBS in Design
Radford University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The Department of Design offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising or Design Management. The undergraduate BS degree concentration in fashion merchandising prepares students for careers as professional buyers in the fashion industry; for careers in fashion merchandising and the merchandising of interior products; and a wide variety of allied professions related to the design industry. The undergraduate BS degree concentration in design management prepares students for careers in any business sector where design supports the efforts of the organization and where design strategy and activities are in keeping with the larger business strategy. It combines the design core classes coupled with minors from the Davis College of Business. Both concentrations provide “hands-on†experiences that enhance creativity and aesthetic sensibilities, while developing decision-making and creative problem-solving skills for accommodating all functional, technical, legal, and business concerns within a design solution. Radford University is accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The GPA in-major must be 2.5 and is calculated from required courses with a DSN, DSNF, DSNI, or DSNM prefix. A minimum grade of C or higher is required in all 100 level Design courses (DSN, DSNF, DSNI, & DSNM). Summer Internship is a requirement of the degree. This class is taken for credit in the summer between the student’s 3rd and 4th year. All incoming students are required to have laptops. For additional details, please see the Division of Information Technology’s website (Technology Purchases). All computer applications used for classes in this department operate in the Windows-based format. Windows based laptops are recommended. Macs need dual operating systems (Windows & Mac OS). |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Radford University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who complete an approved VCCS transfer-oriented associate degree (AA, AS, AA&S, or a SCHEV-approved General Studies transfer degree) are considered to have satisfied Radford’s Core/REAL lower-division general education requirements. Students must still complete all other University, college, departmental, major-specific, prerequisite, and Radford residency requirements. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Radford awards credit for AP, CLEP, and IB when official scores meet Radford criteria; AP/CLEP scores and IB courses are evaluated like transfer credit. Dual enrollment credit requires an official college transcript. Students may also seek prior-learning credit for professional work or life experience, military training, CLEP, departmental challenge exams, and national certification exams. Students should submit official scores, transcripts, or Joint Services Transcripts, and confirm with the Registrar/transfer team or academic advisor how awarded credit applies to their degree and major requirements. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
608
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
89%
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Radford University is a medium-sized public residential university in the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, with 7,837 students, 608 enrolled degree-seeking transfer students in Fall 2025, and an average class size of 20. Students learn across seven colleges and a growing Honors College, with 75 bachelor’s degree programs in 47 disciplines and academic options on the main Radford campus, Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, and online. Incoming freshmen on the main campus are required to live on campus for two academic years unless exempt; transfer and RUC students are welcome to live on campus but are not required. Students can get involved through 200+ clubs and organizations, Division I athletics, outdoor recreation opportunities, and transfer-focused options such as Tartan Transfer. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Generally, transfer students use the catalog year in effect when they first enroll at Radford University; under the VCCS/Radford GAA, students may request the catalog from the time of first post-high-school enrollment in an eligible VCCS associate degree, subject to GAA conditions. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic catalog year the student enters Radford University. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | VCCS/Radford GAA: Complete an eligible transfer-oriented associate degree, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, be in good academic and disciplinary standing, follow normal transfer admission timelines, and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended plus a final official transcript showing associate-degree completion. There are no GAA testing requirements and Radford does not charge an application fee. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Art and Visual Technology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Art and Visual Technology, BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Fine Art-BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Graphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Art Education-BFA (Fine Arts) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Architecture in Architecture | Bachelor | Bachelor of Architecture | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Technologies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Fashion Merchandising and Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Industrial Design in Industrial Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Science in Interior Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bach of Landscp Arch in Landscape Architecture | Bachelor | Bachelor of Landscape Architecture | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Property Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Residential Environments and Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Graphic Design, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Graphic Design: Interactive Design Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Graphic and Media Design Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Visual Design Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Marymount University | Graphic and Media Design (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Visual Art, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass) | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Art History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Photography and Video Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in 2D and 3D Media | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Architectural Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Industrial Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Art Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Art - Art Therapy Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Art - Graphic Design Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Art - Studio Art Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Batten University | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with Education Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Art (Studio)/Art History - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Art, Studio Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Art, Ceramics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Art, Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Art (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Theater (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Studio Art (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Film (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Art History (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Film Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Visual Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts, Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Acting | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Arts Administration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Directing/Dramatic Literature | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Design/Technical Theater | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Musical Theater | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Theater Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art - Art Education PK-12 BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Artist’s Books and Printmaking BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Design in Craft BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Painting/Drawing BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Photography BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music - Piano Pedagogy Emphasis BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Choral Track BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Instrumental Track BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Performance BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Design and Technology BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Performance BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Education PK-12 BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Generalist BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Old Dominion University | Music Composition-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Education-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Performance-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Sound Recording Technology-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.F.A. in Music and Theatre: Professional Stage Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Emory & Henry University | Art: Studio (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-1012.00 | Craft Artists | Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1013.00 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-4021.00 | Photographers | Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1019.00 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | All artists and related workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-1021.00 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1029.00 | Designers, All Other | All designers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1024.00 | Graphic Designers | Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-1027.00 | Set and Exhibit Designers | Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete