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College of Design

Student Experiences

Students taking photo in front of College of Design

Get involved

It’s not all about what happens inside of the classroom, but also what you experience outside of it. Whether it’s participating in study abroad, getting academic support from campus professionals, or utilizing technology services within the college, there are many ways that you can get involved within the College of Design.

In addition, university resources and opportunities are available to every student through student engagement programs, sorority and fraternity chapters, student clubs and organizations, and student activity hubs across campus.

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    Innovation and entrepreneurship

    Myriad opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship await College of Design students through our I+E programs and initiatives, powered by Innovate at Iowa State.

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    Study abroad

    Study abroad is a life-changing experience that helps advance academic, personal, and professional growth. At the College of Design, you can embark on global journeys as part of our semester-long Rome Program, short-term faculty-led programs, and reciprocal student exchange programs.

Upcoming events in the College of Design

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Your first year at the College of Design

From the moment you accept your offer of admission until the end of your first year as an Iowa State student, you will be welcomed into our college’s community and immersed in interdisciplinary design. You will have opportunities to meet and build lifelong relationships with your classmates, join student organizations and grow as a leader, work one-on-one with an academic advisor who supports your academic goals, and so much more.

New student orientation

Our new student orientation will give you a taste of what it’s like to live and study in the College of Design; you’ll meet your academic advisor, register for classes, become familiar with our campus and resources, and meet peers who will be beside you throughout the entire journey.

The undergraduate coursework in the College of Design is divided into two phases: the Core Design Program and the professional or general degree program. Classes in the Core create a shared experience and community that introduce students to all nine majors within the College of Design.

Learn more about the Core Design Program

The College of Design offers three learning communities for first-year design students to participate in, allowing them to explore the many different elements and industries within design while also building relationships with their peers.

Learn more about our learning communities

The College of Design supports students through a team-based approach to academic advising. Students have access to a professional academic advisor from orientation through graduation with expertise in areas related to student success, and will also be assigned a faculty mentor at the beginning of the third year in their major.

Learn more about academic advising

Student resources and opportunities

A prospective student and their family talk with an Iowa State University admissions representative.

A Cyclone in the Making

The best way to picture yourself on Iowa State’s campus is to visit and experience it yourself! Meet with Iowa State University students, tour the entire campus, and see our College of Design students creating and designing first-hand.