Imagine. Design. Transform.

Create experiences, products and systems that make a difference. At the School of Design, you’ll create meaningful work that is ethical and transformative, all in the heart of Chicago’s thriving design and tech scene. You’ll build essential skills and gain access to deep professional networks that make you career-ready. Here, the city becomes your classroom, and you’ll innovate across disciplines as you craft solutions that shape the future.

SCHOOL OF DESIGN PROGRAMS

Design Degrees that Shape the Future
Explore undergraduate majors that fit your passion

<div class="ck-content"><p>Join a community where creativity meets purpose. You’ll build the skills and vision to address real-world challenges in a rapidly changing world.</p></div>

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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BS Game Design
Create immersive worlds, characters and mechanics for games and interactive experiences.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BFA Graphic Design
Combine color, typography and images to inform and inspire people through visual communications and systems.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BFA Industrial Design
Learn to sketch, prototype and refine ideas that integrate form, function and emerging technology to create innovative products across all industries.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
BS User Experience Design
Build skills to solve complex problems and design interfaces that connect people and technology with intention and empathy.
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Lead, Transform and Make an Impact:Advance Your Career with Graduate Programs

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MA Digital Communication and Media Arts
Blend research, creative and technical skills with design strategy to develop innovative communication experiences across real and virtual landscapes.
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MFA Game Design
Develop your unique design perspective and create games that are meaningful as you build the skills to lead.
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS
PhD Human Centered Design
Lead research and design that puts people first. Grounded in a mission that amplifies dignity and social impact, work on interdisciplinary projects that integrate inquiry, emerging technology and social transformation.
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School of Design Rankings
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RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES

Top Design School

BFA Graphic Design

<div class="ck-content"><p>according to GDUSA</p></div>

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RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES

#23 in the U.S.

MFA Game Design

<div class="ck-content"><p>according to The Princeton Review</p></div>

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RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES

#8 in the U.S.

BS User Experience Design

<div class="ck-content"><p>according to Animation Career Review</p></div>

The School of Design Difference
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The Chicago Advantage

<div class="ck-content"><p>Chicago is a cultural center and global design capital. At DePaul’s School of Design, the city becomes your design playground, offering access to a rich architectural and design heritage, dynamic urban environment and thriving design and tech scene.</p></div>

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Bringing Ideas to Life

<div class="ck-content"><p>Work in cutting-edge labs and centers that fuel inquiry, innovation and activism. Access advanced tools, technologies and materials to prototype, experiment and create. Collaborate with creators and makers across disciplines.</p></div>

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School of Design Goes Global

<div class="ck-content"><p>Venture across the globe with faculty and peers to engage with international design communities, explore innovative design studios and immerse yourself in experiences that inspire ideas and shape new perspectives.</p></div>

Study Abroad
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School of Design Faculty

<div class="ck-content"><p>The School of Design faculty lead with heart and are experts in core and emerging design disciplines. Here, you’ll engage diverse perspectives, connect with mentors dedicated to your success and gain insights from Chicago industry professionals at top companies. Build lasting networks that open doors to internships and careers.</p></div>

Meet Our Faculty
SCHOOL OF DESIGN STUDENT SUCCESS

School of Design Alumni

Follow their Footsteps, Make Your Own
Our alumni are leaders in their fields who are ready to support and guide current students as they help open doors to opportunities that can catalyze your career.
School of Design Alumni
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GAME DESIGN
Michelle Lega
MFA Game Design ‘20 Senior Producer, Armor Games Studio
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
Octavia Mingerink
BFA Graphic Design '16 Founder, Pretty In Ink Press
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GAME DESIGN
Tom Newsome
BS Game Design '20
Mid Technical Designer, Iron Galaxy Studios
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UX DESIGN
Nina Keoborakot
BS User Experience Design '19 Sr. User Experience Designer, McDonald’s
IN THE NEWS

Recent School of Design News

Student at design showcase
May 12, 2025
DePaul recognized as a top design school by Graphic Design USA
​Each year, GDUSA recognizes institutions that stand out in developing not only strong technical design skills but also the creative vision needed to succeed in today's fast-evolving design landscape.
Campus & Community
Mar 17, 2025
Graphic Design USA names two seniors ‘Students to Watch’
Two DePaul graphic design students have been named to Graphic Design USA's prestigious "Students to Watch" list.
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Campus & Community
Apr 28, 2025
Game Design Program rises in Princeton Review rankings

Find the answers you need.

Academics

What degree programs and concentrations are offered by the School of Design?

The School of Design offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like graphic design, game design, user experience design and digital communication and media arts. Students can often choose concentrations or specializations based on their interests and career goals.
CDM Internships

What types of hands-on experiences are available for Design students at DePaul?

Students have opportunities to work on real-world projects, studio courses, group work and internships with industry partners. The curriculum focuses on practical skills, creative problem solving and the use of current design technologies.
Student Portfolio

How does the School of Design support students in building a professional portfolio?

The programs include portfolio-focused courses, showcase events and mentoring by faculty with industry experience. Students regularly create work for their portfolios and the school provides guidance to help them present their best work to employers.
Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration

Are there extracurricular or networking opportunities for Design students?

Yes, students can join design-focused student groups, attend workshops and guest lectures and take part in networking events with alumni and professionals. These experiences help students connect with the design community at DePaul and beyond.