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Begin Here. Design Everywhere.

At Kent State University, design is a force that drives industries forward. From the fashion capitals of the world to the studios behind blockbuster games, from reimagined hospitals and trauma rooms to the skylines and airports that define our cities, Kent State designers are leading innovation on a global scale. Wherever design defines possibility, you’ll find Kent State shaping the conversation—creating what’s next for industries worldwide.

Design that shapes iconic brands and spaces 

Kent State designers leave their mark on the world through the projects, experiences, and environments they help bring to life. Their impact is seen in the brands, buildings, and industries that define how we live, work, and play — from global companies to community spaces.

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Our Programs

Kent State offers one of the nation’s most respected collections of design programs, preparing graduates to lead, innovate, and shape industries worldwide. From fashion and architecture to gaming, healthcare, and user experience, these highlighted programs showcase the breadth and impact of our design education.

 

Ready to take your design skills to the next level? Schedule your campus visit or apply today!

 

 

Stories of Impact

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Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the iconic Halo series

Master Chief's Creator: Marcus Lehto Returns to Kent State

Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the iconic Halo series and the mind behind Master Chief, reflects on his time at Kent State University, where he spent late nights working in Verder Hall developing his craft. Discover how his Kent State experience shaped his legendary career in game development.

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A dress designed by a Kent State School of Fashion student debuted along with a collection of Salvador Dali paintings.

Salvador DalĂ­ Paintings Make Their Debut Alongside Kent State Fashion School Creations

An exhibit of rare Salvador DalĂ­ paintings and a collection of garments designed by Kent State University School of Fashion students inspired by the DalĂ­ artwork has opened at Peg’s Gallery in Hudson, Ohio. 

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Sophomore architecture student Elise Bolton of South Euclid, Ohio served as an intern for Making Our Own Space in Cleveland in 2024.

Kent State’s Making Our Own Space Program Gives Teens a Taste of Architecture

Summer camps for kids interested in architecture don’t come along often – at least that’s what Elise Bolton’s mother discovered when she searched for one. But then, not a whole lot of 11-year-olds may dream of becoming architects. 

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Design, Build, Fly team members in formal dress pose behind their remote-controlled aircraft prototype.

Capstone Redefined: Students Launch Design Team with Industry Support and Faculty Mentorship

What began as a senior capstone project for aerospace engineering students at Kent State University has grown into a full-fledged student organization preparing to take flight in a national competition.

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Fashion and geography students pose with traffic cameras

Cross-Campus Collaboration Crossroad

Driven by Kent State students, a collaborative research initiative guided by Aimee Ward, Ph.D., addresses growing concerns about mid-block crossings on East Main Street and demonstrates the urgent need for safety improvements.

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Rachel Stauffer surrounded by elements from her SURE project

Rachel Stauffer Fashions Her Future

This March, senior fashion design and marketing major Rachel Stauffer will take her fashion research to the international stage at the  conference.

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Michael Parker

Alumnus Making Tire Production Safer and More Efficient

Michael Parker’s decision to study mechatronics at Kent State University was driven by his lifelong curiosity for intricate mechanical systems and understanding how they work

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Software in which EMAT Dance video is rendered and animated

The Future of Video is Here, Now

A team of four students from the School of Emerging Media and Technology in the Interdisciplinary Projects course pioneered the use of Depthkit 3D video at Kent State and created an engaging dance video in collaboration with the School of Theatre and Dance and Design Innovation.

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Porsche Fashion Show

Kent State Fashion Show Launches Porsche Macan

Kent State’s School of Fashion has long fostered deep industry connections, and on Nov. 7 those partnerships were on full display as the school hosted a fashion show in Cleveland’s Flats district to launch the new all-electric Porsche Macan.

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Liam Aberle

Kent State Fashion Program Stitches Path to Success for Local Designer

Kent State's School of Fashion taught Liam Aberle everything he knows about the industry.

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Hamid Estejab

Pairing Design and Data for Better Healthcare Systems

Hands-on experiences while studying healthcare design and emerging technology at Kent State created a unique, in-demand career path for 2023 graduate Hamid Estejab.