Art + Design
Design and Mathematics, BA
Integrate the study of mathematical reasoning with the design of data visualizations, messages, interactions and experiences.
Mathematics, long the language of science and technology, provides a rich source of methods for analyzing and solving problems encountered in the physical world. Today, mathematics is essential in virtually all fields of human endeavor, including business, the arts, and the social sciences. Students pursue mathematical reasoning, differential equations, and linear algebra, as well as statistics and probability. Design seeks a broad understanding of principles and systems of perception, communication, and action. Integrating text and image to visualize concepts and data, students learn to enhance human understanding of complex and vital knowledge. Their work has an enlightening or instructive intent.
Co-op Opportunities
design and media sectors
Ronik Design + Development, Sametz Blackstone Associates Inc, Rue Gilt Groupe, BounceX, Ifactory Inc., JCDecaux North America, Mullen Advertising Inc, NBC Universal, Unispaceb Smartwebs, Inc., AutoDesk, Hubspot, Ogilvy, IDEO
news and publishing sectors
The Boston Globe LLC, Patriot Ledger, Harvard Business Publishing, HMH Books and Media
arts sectors
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boch Center
food and beverage sectors
America's Test Kitchen, Kind LLC, Best Bees Company, BevSpot Inc., The Boston Beer Company, Inc
fashion and travel sectors
New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc, Reebok International Ltd., Wayfair, The TJX Companies, Inc., Trip Advisor LLC
government and civic sectors
City of Boston, City of Cambridge, Boston Neighborhood Network, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, MassDOT/MBTA
health care and pharmaceutical sectors
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc., Massachusetts General Hospital, Imprivata, Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals
educational sector
NU Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning through Research, edX, EF Education First, WGBH Educational Foundation
financial and business sector
Commonwealth Financial Network, Fidelity Investments, John Hancock, MFS Investment Management, State Street Corporation, Thomson Reuters, The Boston Consulting Group International Inc, Talent Acquisition Group
Career Opportunities
Biostatistician
Data Analyst
Data Visualization Designer
Designer
Graphic Designer
Experience Designer
Financial Analyst
Interaction Designer
Market Researcher
Product Designer
Statistician
UI/UX Designer
Multidisciplinary Skills
- collaboration
- creative problem-solving
- critical thinking
- data analysis
- design research
- design software
- graphic representation
- fabrication
- facilitation
- illustration
- information design
- interviews
- leadership
- listening
- observation
- personas
- programming
- project management
- problem framing
- rapid prototyping
- semiotics
- sketching
- technical skills
- typography
- experience mapping
- user stories
- user testing
- verbal and written communication
- visual synthesis
- data visualization
Learning Outcomes
Mathematics learning outcomes
Students will be able to solve problems using a broad range of significant mathematical techniques, including calculus, linear algebra, geometry, group theory, algebra and probability.
Students will recognize what constitutes mathematical thinking, including the ability to produce and judge the validity of rigorous mathematical arguments.
Students will be able to communicate mathematical ideas and arguments.
Students will be prepared to use mathematics in their future endeavors, not only in the discipline of mathematics, but also in other disciplines and in their future endeavors
Design learning outcomes
Apply iterative design processes to create, revise, evaluate, and develop effective prototypes and innovative solutions.
Engage human-centered design research methods and systems thinking to identify and understand values, goals, motivations of intended audiences as a mode of inquiry, question framing and guide to action.
Develop a high level of craft and technical skills in a relevant range of media and tools and effectively weigh applicability for intended audiences and outcomes.
Develop and realize intent, concept and content with awareness of context and consequence.
Implement visual patterns incorporating text, image, diagram including temporal and spatial representations to recognize, categorize, and articulate significant form and meaning
Employ and embody ethical practices, team and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and effective communication and presentation skills.
Apply relevant communication theories and principles and appreciate the pervasive and long-term impact of design decisions on people and societies.