Bachelor of Science in Design Management

The Bachelor of Science in Design Management (BSDM) program is available through an educational alliance between Aspen University and Sessions College for Professional Design. Aspen University's Bachelor of Science in Design Management is a four year, 123-credit program that integrates the business management program at Aspen University with the art/design courses delivered through Sessions College. In addition, this alliance allows for the transfer of credits from one school to the other.  Neither school has any ownership in the other.

The mission of the BSDM program is to educate students whose goal is to produce web design that balances the business goals of companies and clients with the diverse needs of web users. This degree focuses on understanding the basic elements of design as well as a foundation of business knowledge. Students may use this degree as an entry point to the web design field or as a stepping-stone to an advanced degree. A bachelor's degree in web design gives students the opportunity to assume leadership or management positions while incorporating the artistic elements of design. 

The goals of the BSDM program are to prepare designers who emulate the following characteristics and behaviors:

Business Management Knowledge
Learn a wide variety of business and technical skills.  Develop the skills and knowledge to pursue positions in any business which uses the web to recruit, service, or maintain customers.

Professional Behavior/Ethics
Within a legal and ethical framework, apply diverse skills in web design and business management in multiple settings.

Cultural Competence
Identify opportunities for design approaches that accommodate varying cultural beliefs, and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural diversity that reflects the changing demographics of society.

Research and Evidence-based Practice
Collaborate in discussion activities to generate, utilize, and disseminate knowledge in order to leverage the concepts presented in the curriculum to improve management systems, processes, and organizations.

Leadership/Advocacy
Influence positive change within organizations through thoughtful analysis of ebusiness policy, critical thought, and applied concepts while assuming collaborative hands-on and leadership roles with other professionals.

Graduates of the BSDM program will have acquired an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Proficiency in written communication, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking
•  An understanding of the social and aesthetic context of design
•  Demonstrate a well-rounded and comprehensive knowledge of general education topics including psychology, mathematics, communications, statistics, and others.
•  The managerial skills needed to work in teams, build cross-functional teams, and facilitate collaborative decision-making.
•  Demonstrate an understanding of the application of economic, accounting, human resource, project management, ebusiness operations principles and best practices.
• Create sophisticated, appropriate color palettes and use color and contrast effectively in their work.
• Design and lay out typography for readability, impact, or expression.
• Create drawings in traditional media that show a command of proportion, perspective, and value contrast.
• Prepare images for professional publication with Photoshop retouching, correction, compositing, or collage.
• Create engaging and readable layout designs that attract the eye using fundamental design and composition techniques.
• Develop effective logo designs from a client brief using an iterative design process.
• Create simple, stylized logos, icons, and illustrations in Illustrator. Manipulate framing, perspective, distance, and lighting to take professional-level digital photographs in a range of settings.
• Create consistent, engaging, and readable layouts in InDesign for multi-page print publications.
•  Create consistent, visually appealing page designs using XHTML and CSS via Dreamweaver or via hand coding.

 



Program Completion Requirements:
 

First year studies include drawing, typography, color theory, composition, digital photography, and XHTML, CSS, as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Second year classes focus on process and portfolio building projects in layout, print production, branding, and marketing. General education courses help students develop proficiency in critical thinking and written communication and a foundation in psychology, business, computer technology, writing, and art history. Excellent communication skills and an understanding of the social and aesthetic context of design are the hallmark of any graphic designer. Students are expected to apply the approaches and ideas acquired in the general education program in their design coursework.

  

Third and fourth year studies focus on equipping designers with skills in business management knowledge, professional behavior/ethics, cultural competence, research and evidence-based practice, and leadership/advocacy. Students will build the skills and knowledge to pursue positions in any business that provides graphic or print design services; within a legal and ethical framework, apply diverse skills in business management in multiple settings.

 

The program helps students identify opportunities for design approaches that accommodate varying cultural beliefs, and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural diversity that reflects the changing demographics of society; collaborate in discussion activities to generate, utilize, and disseminate knowledge in order to leverage the concepts presented in the curriculum to improve management systems, processes, and organizations; influence positive change within organizations through thoughtful analysis of ebusiness policy, critical thought, and applied concepts while assuming collaborative hands-on and leadership roles with other professionals.

Aspen University's degree requirement is the equivalent of 123 credit hours of earned credit. The BSDM program is 123 semester-credits:

 
11 General Education courses – (9 are 3 semester credits each and 2 are 1.5 credits each)

 
There are 21 Major courses – 17 courses are 3 semester credits, each including a Capstone Project, and 4 courses are 1.5 credits each. Students must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to complete the program successfully.

  

Three proctored exams will be required for this program. Each exam will be administered at the completion of each one-third of the program.





Program Admission Requirements:

 
All candidates must submit a completed application. In addition, candidates must submit the following:

• A $50 application fee payable to Aspen University in U.S. Dollars.
  
  
• Official college/high school transcripts. Application to a Bachelors Degree Program requires submission of transcripts from each undergraduate institution attended. If the applicant has no previous college experience we require submission of an official high school transcript stating completion of secondary school or its equivalent. International students must submit a foreign degree evaluation. Official transcripts of all previous baccalaureate study must be sent directly to Aspen University by the granting institution(s).
  
  
• A resume, curriculum vita, or list of professional accomplishments.
  
  
• A statement of the academic, professional, and personal goals you would like to achieve through your studies at Aspen University. The Admissions Committee, as part of the application process, evaluates goals statements.
  
  
• Three references attesting to personal and professional qualifications. References must be from a: 1) recent employer, 2) education professional, or childhood development specialist and 3) former faculty member or dean.
  
  
• TOEFL score of 500 if native language is not English.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for transfer credits.



Personal Attention from Instructors

Students receive valuable, personalized instructor-time when they need it. Our faculty is remarkably qualified. All instructors hold advanced degrees within their disciplines, and they are highly skilled in sharing information through distance learning channels. One other important quality we look for in our faculty: caring. That's why you'll find they're there when you need them, to answer questions, clarify concepts, or to just help work out a problem.

Visit the FAQ page to learn more about our course delivery methods.

Please contact our admissions office if you have any questions about your ability to enroll in the BSDM Program.



Course Catalog

 

GEN 104 English Composition – 3 credits

Develop your writing skills and effective use of the English language in professional documents. Learn to guide the reader with a hierarchy of information and writing appropriate for different situations. Explore methods for preparing and revising your writing with a series of essays and a final paper.

 

GEN 105 Computer Technology – 3 credits

Gain an understanding of computer systems and technology with a focus on hardware components, file structure and formats, and data delivery methods. Learn the setups and roles of hardware and software technology in professional office settings.



GEN 106 History of Art – 3 credits

Build a foundation in art history and gain a deep understanding of art and the artists who create it. Explore profound themes that have concerned artists for centuries: nature, the human body, society, religion, and politics. Through engaging lectures and projects, you’ll learn how to identify the mediums, materials, and techniques artists use and discuss the styles of important artists, art movements, and historical periods from antiquity through the mid-20th century.


GEN 107 - General Psychology - 3 credits
Explore topics in behavior, perception, and memory that shape individuals and relationships. You'll gain understanding of the biological basis of human behavior, insight into important theories and individuals in the psychology field, and a survey of developmental and social principles.

GEN 204 - Intro to Marketing - 1.5 credits
Lay a foundation for a career in business marketing design by studying marketing concepts and how they impact the design process. Students learn design principles and explore design case studies from the world of marketing communications design. Focus of the class is building a basic understanding how marketing ideas translate into an effective design.

GEN 205 - Business and Technical Writing - 3 credits
Build your skills in writing professional documents and documentation. This course explores writing styles essential to business and technical documents such as professional letters, proposals, fact sheets, and tutorials. You'll focus on the clarity and organization of your writing and writing for specific audience types.

GEN 206 - Design Business - 1.5 credits
The course provides essential preparation for finding a job in the design industry. Students learn how to defining a personal career path, break down the job market, and defining their goals, talents, and ideal job. The course explores different ways to brand yourself as a designer, discussing tips for resume and portfolio preparation, self promotion, marketing, client searches, responding to leads, interviewing, and making presentations.

 

Back to Top



GEN 310 Concepts Fundamental Math- 3 credits

Basic College Mathematics will be a review of fundamental math concepts for some students and may break new ground for others. Students of all backgrounds will be delighted to find an approach that appeals to all learning styles and reaches out to diverse demographics. Through down-to-earth explanations, patient skill-building, and exceptionally interesting and realistic applications, this course will empower students to learn and master mathematics in the real world.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses


GEN 333 Personal Finance – 3 credits

This course provides comprehensive coverage of personal financial planning in the areas of money management, career planning, taxes, consumer credit, housing and other consumer decisions, legal protection, insurance, investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. The goal is to teach the fundamentals of financial planning so students can make informed choices related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing that lead to long-term financial security. Provided financial planning tools help identify and evaluate choices as well as understand the consequences of decisions in terms of opportunity costs.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses


GEN 340 Critical Thinking – 3 credits

This course prompts students to question their own assumptions and to enlarge their thinking through the analysis of the most common problems associated with everyday reasoning. Three main concepts include the fundamentals of critical thinking, common barriers to critical thinking, and strategies for overcoming those barriers.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses


GEN 350 Quantitative Methods – 3 credits

The quantitative approach involves using numbers to help define, describe, and resolve a wide range of business problems. Quantitative Methods is an overview of statistical techniques used in business decision-making. Students examine research design, statistics, data analysis, and research methodology.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

 

Back to Top


305 Business Research and Communications – 3 credits

This course provides an understanding of business research and communications. It familiarizes students with the techniques, strategies, and forms of writing used in the professional world in order to achieve their business goals. Through library research and online information gathering, this course will increase students' knowledge of organizational writing and communications including case analysis, data interpretation, problem solving, and report writing.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses


315 Business Information Systems – 3 credits

In today's wired economy, the collection and dissemination of information has become increasingly critical to the success of most businesses. While information systems in business perform a wide variety of tasks; ultimately the goal is to increase revenue and/or reduce costs. From financial executives to administrative assistants, people in all capacities use information to improve effectiveness, customer service, and to gain a competitive advantage. This course outlines the current business requirements that drive the need for information systems, the technology available to satisfy those requirements, the procedures and components of system analysis, planning and development, and the ethical issues that define the boundaries of acceptable behavior as they relate to information systems.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses


325 Principles of Accounting I – 3 credits

Accounting, the language of business, provides crucial decision-making information to business organizations. Principles of Accounting I presents an introduction to the basic theory and techniques of contemporary financial accounting. Topics include the accounting cycle, preparation of financial statements for solo proprietorship, and ethical accounting considerations.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses


330 Principles of Macroeconomics – 3 credits

Macroeconomics emphasizes national income, the monetary system, economic fluctuations, fiscal policy, and the international economy. This course includes a study of institutions that help develop the national and international economy. Supply and demand, theory of prices, government spending and taxation, business cycles, fiscal and monetary policy, banking system and economic development are examined through class discussion and analysis of current economic events.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

332-Principles of Microeconomics – 3 credits
Microeconomics focuses on economic decision-making, production, competition and market structures, government, labor markets, unions and the distribution of income. The principles of scarcity, choice, and the laws of supply and demand are examined through class discussions and analysis of current economic events.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

 

Back to Top

414 –Management – 3 credits
Effective management is the touchstone for any successful organization. The primary aim of the Management Course is to help the student develop a basic understanding of the essentials of management and the nature of complex organizations. To accomplish these goals, students focus on the basic theories, principles, concepts, and applications of management and organizations; develop rational and systematic techniques of analysis and inquiry; and finally interface theory with practice.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

424-Leadership in Organizations – 3 credits
This course provides a basic foundation of skills needed to equip students for future leadership activities. It introduces the history, philosophy, theories, and concepts of leadership and its relationship to the management of organizational change. Students identify and hone their own personal characteristics that will help them develop into effective leaders.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

454-Ethical Decision Making for Business – 3 credits
This course examines ethics and values in business. It begins with an introduction to ethics in business. The perspective then broadens to include corporate ethics and the role of moral leadership in business. The course concludes with an examination of ethical dilemmas created by an expanding global economy. Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

464-Organizational Behavior – 3 credits
This course focuses on the people in the organization and how they work and behave in the work environment. It examines the behavior of individuals, the dynamics of teamwork, the processes of small groups, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict management, and ways to eliminate barriers to effective communications within the workplace.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

474-Fundamentals of Project Management – 3 credits
This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of effective project management. In the context of the typical project life cycle, the required tools and techniques used to plan, measure, and control projects and the methods used to organize and manage projects are presented.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

484-Entrepreneurship – 3 credits
Entrepreneurship is an introductory course intended to provide students with a solid foundation in terms of the vital role played by entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in the 21st century global economy. Students will assess, explore, critique, and celebrate the phenomenon of entrepreneurship. The course will focus on the creation of new ventures, the ways that they come into being, and factors associated with their success.
Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses

490-eBusiness – 3 credits
The Internet and related technologies pose enormous opportunities for developing new business models and significant threats to existing models. Today's professionals need to be aware of the emerging opportunities as well as the limitations presented in the ever-evolving electronic economy. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of eBusiness and the strategic role information technology plays in gaining and maintaining competitive advantage. Topics cover subjects from the foundations of eBusiness, through the hardware, software, networking, ethics, and security of conducting business online. Special attention is given to the tools that enable successful e-businesses to support operations, decision-making and collaboration. Course assignments include multiple real-world case studies and online research. Prerequisites: All General Education Courses and 200-Level Courses



499 Senior Capstone

The capstone project allows students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their courses to the work environment. The Senior Capstone emphasizes the student initiative in defining and investigating problems or projects focusing on integration and application of theory through research. This project is completely individualized; students are encouraged to select work-related projects that are of particular interest to them and that will result in professional growth and benefit the organization. Due to the extensive evaluation process, and the quantity of work and research involved, the Capstone course has a time limit of 6 months.
Prerequisites: At least 111 credits of the program must be earned prior to enrollment in the Capstone.

 

Back to Top

DES 101 - Typography I - 1.5 credits
Explore the critical role of typography in graphic design. Course projects build an understanding of the anatomy of the letterform, the distinguishing features of different typefaces, and creative applications of type. An assured grasp of typography is essential in any visual communication project.

DES 102 - Typography II - 3 credits
Learn advanced concepts in typography including type fusion, information hierarchy, expressive type, and 3D type applications. Assignments include advertising, product packaging, civic branding, and currency design. The focus of the course is on improving your design by learning to see type differently.

DES 104 - Color Theory 1.5 - credits
Focus on developing appropriate color systems for graphic design projects. Projects explore the principles, terminology, and applications of color theory, with an emphasis on manipulating color. A working knowledge of the expression and perception of color, and color interaction, lends credibility and sophistication to a designer's work.

DES 105 - Design and Composition - 1.5 credits
Discover the principles of effective composition in print design and advertising. Composition, literally the assembly of elements, is the artful arrangement that guides the eye and unifies a design work. Case studies and hands-on projects address closed/open space, negative space, movement, and more.

DES 111 - Drawing I - 3 credits
Learn how to analyze what you see in the world around you and communicate it on paper. Through hands-on projects, and guided by a professional artist, you will explore the critical concepts of line, mass, form, perspective, value, and composition, building a solid foundation for all your art and design work. And most importantly, you'll also discover that drawing can be fun. Did you know that spheres have inner edges? Or why artists measure with their thumbs? This course is your first step to developing your craft as an artist.

DES 121 - Photoshop I - 3 credits
Get a thorough grounding in Adobe Photoshop, the premiere digital imaging program for graphic and digital designers. Hands-on projects show how to select, enhance, distort, color, scale, and manipulate scanned images and artworks—or create them from scratch. Every designer must tame this creative powerhouse of a program.

DES 131 - Logo Design I - 1.5 credits
Explore the philosophy and process behind designing a logo. Students learn the importance of corporate identity and the different stages in a typical logo design project. The course establishes a solid conceptual and practical grounding for anyone interested in pursuing a career in visual identity, from a design or a marketing perspective.

DES 141 - Illustrator I - 3 credits
Build a working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, the graphic designer's vector program of choice. Course projects explore selection tools, drawing tools, layers, the Pen tool, transformations/distortions, type tools, and modifying paths and shapes. Tapping the power of vector software allows you to produce detailed and scalable art for almost any application.

DES 151 - Digital Photography I - 3 credits
Explore the interaction of photography techniques and environmental factors to create powerful digital images. Students learn the fundamentals of lighting, perspective, and set up and explore techniques for classic assignments: portraits, product shots, indoor and outdoor location shoots, and fast-action sports. Whether you're a fine artist, graphic designer, or Web developer, a mastery of digital photography gives you creative control of the medium.

 

Back to Top

WEB 101 - XHTML and CSS I - 3 credits
Learn to create Web sites using XHTML to mark up the structure of the document, and CSS to dictate how each page element should look. Course lessons are packed with hands-on examples that help you gain skills and confidence step-by-step. The course is designed to provide a foundation in Web standards, the set of “best practices” established by the World Wide Web Consortium, among other organizations that set the standards for Web development.

WEB 204 - Web Graphics Using Fireworks - 3 credits
Learn the essentials of making superior Web graphics using Adobe Fireworks. You'll explore the technical fundamentals you need to know, including the Fireworks toolset and features, and discuss tips and techniques for the wide range of graphics encountered in a typical Web design project: stock photos to illustrations, banners, text graphics, and more.

WEB 205 - Writing JavaScript and DHTML - 3 credits
Learn to write from scratch and implement JavaScript and DHTML to add interactivity to your Web pages. Students learn the correct syntax and procedures for creating features frequently used by Web designers including browser detection, flyout menus, dynamic content, forms, special effects, and more. The focus of the class is on establishing a baseline knowledge of scripting that work with W3C standards, with or without the use of HTML editors.

WEB 206 - Web Accessibility Design - 1.5 credits
Learn how to design or modify Web sites to meet accessibility guidelines. Students study current trends in accessibility research and how to address Section 508 standards for making Web content accessible to users with physical, technological, or other limitations. Practical projects address the challenge of making a site accessible to the widest possible audience and negotiating the tradeoffs in information and visual design.

WEB 207 - Internet Marketing - 3 credits
Learn practical skills for growing your business on the Web. Studying with a professional Internet marketing consultant, you’ll learn how develop an entire marketing plan for your online business. Course projects will include target audience analysis, developing a site plan, creating a content development strategy, email marketing campaigns, search engine optimization, co-branding and community strategy, ad buys, sales/lead conversion, and using site metrics.

WEB 208 - Flash Web Site Design - 3 credits
Equip yourself to create Web sites with strong functionality, interactivity, and usability. Students learn to create compelling, well-designed Flash sites, avoiding common pitfalls and "Flash abuse." The emphasis is on learning a step-by-step approach to Flash site design that can be applied to a range of professional projects.

WEB 209 - CSS Layouts - 1.5 credits
Take your knowledge of CSS to the next level by learning how to control float-based layouts, multi-column fixed and fluid designs, grid-based designs, and sophisticated navigation techniques. Advanced knowledge of floats, positioning, source ordering, and frameworks can set you apart as a professional designer and bring greater sophistication to your client projects. The course also explores different strategies for working with CSS, from tips on writing and formatting your code to creating print styles and working with frameworks.

WEB 211 - Dreamweaver I - 3 credits
Develop practical skills for Dreamweaver, the HTML editor of choice for professional Web designers. Dreamweaver integrates a host of Web design tools in one easy-to-use application. Without any prior HTML knowledge, students learn to design sites, creating advanced layouts by using Cascading Style Sheets, typography, colors, tables, and more.

WEB 212 - Dreamweaver II - 3 credits
Learn powerful features that lie just below the surface in Dreamweaver, including precision layouts through Cascading Style Sheets, templates and asset management, and even the ability to create high-end interactive features without wading through reams of code. Each hands-on lesson and exercise combines upper-level Dreamweaver technology with visual Web design know-how.

WEB 221 - Flash I - 3 credits
Develop a competence in basic drawing and animating tools in Flash. Students will master such critical interface elements as layers, scenes, nested symbols, and movie clips. Course projects including creating a logo animation, a cityscape, a splash screen, and a basic Flash site interface.

WEB 231 - Web Design I - 3 credits
Learn a systematic professional approach to Web design. You’ll use site maps, wireframes, HTML/CSS layouts, comps, color palettes, usability tests, and other tools and concepts to make sure your designs hit the mark. Students entering this class are expected to have a basic competence in HTML/CSS design, Photoshop or Fireworks, and Dreamweaver. Building upon those skills, students will complete four portfolio projects that challenge their Web design skills and build an understanding of how to manage Web design projects in a professional context.

 

 

Return to Top