TTU To Create New Design Studies Degree

Tennessee Tech is hoping to create a new Design Studies degree by combining two concentrations from its School of Human Ecology.

School of Human Ecology Director Dr. Melinda Anderson said that feedback from students and potential employers found that design degrees were hard to find under human ecology.

“We really are planning for this degree program to be much more visible,” Anderson said. “Both on-campus and off-campus for students who are seeking a design-based program of study.”

Anderson said that pending THEC approval, they hope to start the Bachelor’s of Science program next fall. She said that there will be two concentrations under the Design Studies: fashion merchandising and architecture and interior design.

Anderson said that students will take core courses such as Analysis of Product Development, Consumer Economics, and textiles courses before they begin taking electives. She said that students will also have internship for credit.

“Specific concentration courses related to architecture and interior design such as Computer-Aided Desing, Residential Design, Commerical design,” Anderson said. “And then similarly with Fashion Merchandising and Design, some of those concentration courses are Buying Principles for the Design Industry, Spacial Design, and Merchandise, Promotion, and Advertising.”

Anderson said that should THEC approve the change, incoming freshman will start their degrees of Design Studies. She said that other grade levels will have the choice to transition over. She said that should any rising seniors choose to switch over, they should be able to make accommodations when it comes to degree requirements to ensure they graduate on time.