Experiential Media Design
Degree: BSD
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
To be considered for this major, first-year students applying to the Columbus campus are strongly encouraged to submit their complete admission application by November 1.
Are you ready to turn your creativity into a powerful career?
Imagine a college experience where your ideas don’t just stay on paper — they come to life in immersive, exciting, and meaningful ways. In Ohio State’s Department of Design, we’re not just preparing you for a degree — we’re preparing you to lead the future of design and technology.
In our Experiential Media Design undergraduate program, you’ll explore how to create unforgettable experiences using cutting-edge tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive installations, and digital storytelling. Whether you're passionate about games, immersive environments, or tech-driven art, this program gives you the skills to bring your imagination to life.
You’ll learn from expert faculty, collaborate with other creative students, and have access to state-of-the-art resources that help you push boundaries and explore new ideas. As you grow, you’ll build a portfolio that shows the world what you’re capable of — projects that inspire, engage and leave a lasting impact.
Curious? Creative? Ready to explore the future of media? Join us at Ohio State’s Department of Design and start creating experiences that change the way people see, feel and connect.
Admission to the Department of Design is competitive, and we’re looking for students who are curious, motivated and ready to grow. We are a vibrant and welcoming community ready to be a part of your next great chapter. First, you’ll apply to Ohio State. After that you will be selected to join our shared first-year Design Foundations program. At the end of your first year, you’ll submit a separate application to the major area of your choice.
Admitted first-year students begin in pre-experiential media design. There they complete the prerequisite course work necessary to apply to the major.
Learn more by visiting the Department of Design’s admission process guide.
At The Ohio State University’s Department of Design, your path begins with a strong foundation. Our shared first-year Design Foundations program is where all undergraduate design students — whether you're pursuing Industrial Design, Interior Design, Visual Communication Design, or Experiential Media Design — start building the creative, technical and collaborative skills that will shape your future.
In your first year, you’ll dive into studio-based learning, explore design thinking, and develop essential skills in drawing, digital tools and visual literacy. You’ll work alongside other aspiring designers, gaining exposure to each discipline while discovering where your passion truly lies. This immersive experience helps you build a solid base and prepares you to apply to your major of choice in the spring semester.
The Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) is a Professional Degree. This means that, unlike BA or BS programs, over 65% of the course credit in the degree is focused on the creation and study of art and design. Our lock-step curriculum will take you through a specific sequence of studio-based courses, designed to scaffold your skills and increase in scale, scope, complexity and collaboration with each semester.
Design is global and there are opportunities to take your education international. This has been a long tradition in design education at Ohio State and is a great opportunity to venture out of your comfort zone, gain confidence and develop new cultural understanding to become a global citizen.
Opportunities for hands-on learning are instrumental to discovering your passion. Internships give you the experience you need to differentiate yourself from other candidates, support your career goals, expand your skill set and determine how your education and extracurriculars can best support your long-term goals.
The Arts Honors Program offers highly motivated students an enriched academic experience through the integration of curricular and co-curricular programs. As a student in the Arts Honors Program, you enjoy the advantage of having at least two advisors to help you with degree planning, course selection and other academic issues. In general, you will consult with a departmental academic advisor about the major area, procedural matters, and information about degree requirements. You will also consult with an Honors Office advisor for assistance with an Honors Contract, an Undergraduate Thesis, and other special honors opportunities.
You can learn more about the Arts Honors Program at the College of Arts and Sciences website.
The Ohio State Scholars Program offers academically motivated students the chance to meet and live with other students who share similar interests. Each of the seventeen programs are centered around a distinct theme or area of study and are open to students regardless of their intended major.
You can learn more about the Scholars Program at the College of Arts and Sciences website.
Two-thirds of design students graduate with research distinctions. Our curriculum is built around the principle that design research is central to the design process and should always consider the complexities that come from making the world a better place - ecologically, economically and socially. Our students are regularly recognized by professional organizations and publications and employers consistently cite our alumni’s attention to research as the primary reason they grow to be leaders in the organization.
Design offers many opportunities for a fulfilling career. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Design take positions in consulting, industry, nonprofits, governmental agencies or start-ups. Many designers begin with project work and advance to research, facilitation and leadership. Planning activities often place designers in the role of understanding trends and establishing strategic goals. Employers often share that designers from Ohio State repeatedly exceed their expectations, make a significant impact and grow to lead their organizations.