An overview of concepts, processes and modes of presenting information to create effective printed and digital communications.
GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course.

The design thinking minor introduces students to new and creative ways to solve problems. Through the lens of design thinking, students will build a solid understanding of basic principles, processes and applications of design as related to a wide spectrum of disciplines.

The game studies minor introduces students to an interdisciplinary approach to understanding what games are, how they are made, how to interpret games as critical narratives, and how to understand the roles they play in society.

Students can choose their own path through the minor – either a general selection of five courses or a selection that focuses on a particular period or artistic tradition, in consultation with a History of Art faculty advisor. For instance, students could choose courses that focus on the arts of a geographic region such as Europe, North America, East Asia, or Latin America, or on a particular period of art history, such as Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, or Modern/Contemporary.

The minor in entrepreneurship and innovation is administered by the Fisher College of Business, with collaboration from the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Design and the College of Engineering. Designed for capturing the economic value in creative ideas for commercially viable products and services, the minor encourages exploration into personal career opportunities through entrepreneurial studies and develops specific competencies in the creation, growth and leadership of entrepreneurial enterprises.

The interdisciplinary minor in public health and the arts combines coursework in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Public Health with the goal of promoting an understanding that community well-being encompasses many aspects of daily living and not just individual behavior.

The Animation minor is primarily a studio-based curriculum of courses designed to build a portfolio of animation work, developing both creative and technical skills. The minor seeks to hone the varied skillset needed for this complex, time-based art form, mixing drawing, 3D modeling, motion, and storytelling.

Students can build breadth and depth into their experience by taking a range of classes in both animation fundamentals and specialized techniques, across the Department of Art, the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD), the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts, the Department of Design, and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

The Department of Design is proud to collaborate with Ohio State’s Leadership Major, bringing the unique strengths of design thinking into a program that prepares students to lead across disciplines.

Designers are trained to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and guide teams toward meaningful outcomes. By integrating design thinking into the Leadership curriculum, students gain tools to approach challenges with empathy, creativity, and strategic vision—skills essential for leading in today’s dynamic, interconnected world.

This partnership reflects our belief that leadership is not just about authority—it’s about shaping ideas, inspiring action, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit people and the planet.

The Department of Design is proud to collaborate with Ohio State's Data Analytics Major, contributing expertise in information design to the Data Visualization specialization.

As data becomes increasingly central to decision-making across industries, the ability to communicate insights clearly and effectively is more important than ever. Through DESIGN 5505: Information Design, students learn how design principles can transform complex quantitative information, processes, and systems into meaningful visual experiences that support understanding and action.

By combining analytical rigor with human-centered design approaches, students develop the ability to both explore data and communicate the stories it reveals. This partnership reflects our belief that effective data visualization is not just about presenting information. It is about making knowledge accessible, engaging audiences, and empowering people to make informed decisions.