What is Design Studio?
Design Studio is a year-long capstone experience where students collaborate with businesses to create real-world technology solutions. Challenge yourself and build skills in product development, teamwork, and leadership. Work with leading companies, student startups, and nonprofit organizations, solving both business and technological challenges. Projects typically involve full-stack work, integrated systems development, or emerging AI technologies. Do all this while earning capstone credit and fulfilling your ACE and Honors Thesis requirements.
If you are a junior or senior in the coming academic year, consider joining Design Studio for your capstone experience!
We're now accepting applications for Fall 2026. The deadline is February 22, 2026.
Testimonials from our Associates
Ahmed Mahdi
Software Engineering Major
Joining Design Studio was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve spent two school years working with well known companies on amazing, real world projects, constantly learning, building great connections, and gaining the skills that have already helped me in my internship and will prepare me for my career.
Angela Le
Software Engineering Major
Joining Design Studio has helped me grow significantly in my ability to communicate and work alongside others and I’ve had consistent support around me. The team-oriented culture makes every project feel very collaborative and getting to know my team more!
Michael DeJournett
Software Engineering Major
Design Studio is an amazing experience full of really talented individuals and investing projects and sponsors. You also get access to a lot of resources in the Raikes school that you otherwise don't have access to. I would highly recommend participating in design studio.
Requirements and Academic Fit
The following is intended to provide a guide for candidates who are interested in Design Studio. These are in no way comprehensive, nor should they be considered guarantees for admission to the Design Studio program. Candidates should always refer to their academic advisor when considering our program.
Candidate Requirements
GPA: 3.5 or above
Junior or senior status in 2026-2027 academic year
Ability to attend classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:15pm during the semesters
Max 18 credits per semester, including 3 credits per semester for Design Studio
Commit to 12 hours per week for team time (scheduled by the student team)
Commit to 2 semesters for Design Studio project
Academic Planning and Fit
How Design Studio can fit into your academic plan varies based on your major.
In general:
Design Studio always counts for 6 credits (3 per semester)
Design Studio always counts for ACE 8 and ACE 10
Design Studio always counts for Honors Program thesis submission
Design Studio counts for different capstone courses based on college and major
How this works for some of the majors:
School of Computing: Capstone credit (2 years for SWE majors)
College of Engineering: Capstone project (446 and 447)
College of Business: Management credit (301 and 400-level)
College of Arts and Sciences: Capstone credit varies
Parker Davids
Software Engineering
Being in Design Studio gives you a good look into what real teams in industry do and how they function. You also get experience with useful skills like managing stakeholder expectations, proper project planning, and effective stakeholder communication.
Timeline for Associate Application to Design Studio
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Early January
Class outreach and application opens on Raikes School website
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February 22
Application deadline
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February 26
Interview offers sent
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March 2
Interviews begin
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Mid March to April
Offers released, class registration
Application Process
Online Application
- Students submit their online application here
- This form asks for a resume, transcript, and a few other items
- Submit before the application deadline to increase your chances of getting considered for an interview
Application Review
- Once the application deadline has closed, the Design Studio staff will review the details and issue the interview offers to shortlisted applications
- Interview offers are made via email usually within a week after the deadline
Interview
- Applicants who are invited to interview will need to book a time convenient to the applicant. Details of appointment booking process will be shared via email.
- We prefer to conduct interviews in person, but remote interviews are available
Offers
- If you're selected, an offer will be emailed to you along with the course registration details
- We will also provide you a permission code for CSCE 401H to register on MyRED