Ullman School of Design, University of Cincinnati

The Ullman School of Design at the University of Cincinnati is a renowned institution known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to design education in fields such as industrial design, visual communication, fashion design, and product design, emphasizing hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and real-world projects. 

The school prides itself on fostering creativity, technical skills, and strategic thinking, preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global design landscape. With strong industry connections and a focus on experiential learning, the Ullman School of Design provides students with opportunities for internships, professional development, and employment placement, contributing to a high job integration rate. 

The Ullman School of Design at the University of Cincinnati has a rich history rooted in the university’s tradition of excellence in design and architecture. Originally established as part of the College of Engineering and Architecture, the school evolved over the decades to focus more intensely on innovative design education. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when the university recognized the importance of integrating practical design skills with technical knowledge, laying the groundwork for what would become a leading institution in the field.

In the mid-20th century, the school began to expand its programs and faculty, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach that combined industrial design, visual communication, and related disciplines. During this period, the school gained recognition for its forward-thinking curriculum and its emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. The university’s commitment to innovation in design education helped attract talented students and faculty. This growth was supported by investments in state-of-the-art facilities and industry partnerships, which continue to be a hallmark of the school today.

The Ullman School of Design was formally named in honour of philanthropist and design advocate Michael Ullman, whose contributions helped fund new facilities, scholarships, and research initiatives. This naming marked a significant milestone, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering a community of creative practitioners and scholars. Over the years, the school has continued to adapt its curriculum to meet the changing demands of the global design industry, integrating new technologies and sustainable practices into its programs. 

Today, the Ullman School of Design stands as a modern, dynamic institution that honors its historical roots while embracing the future of design. It maintains a reputation for producing graduates who excel in diverse fields such as industrial design, visual communication, and fashion. The school’s legacy of pioneering education, combined with its ongoing industry partnerships and research initiatives, ensures it remains at the forefront of design innovation. Its history reflects a continuous evolution driven by a passion for creativity, technical mastery, and societal impact, solidifying its status as a leader in design education.

The School of Design at the University of Cincinnati, within the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), offers several prominent programs. 

The Communication Design program emphasizes visual communication across various media, including print, digital, branding, and multimedia. These courses help students develop critical and visual thinking along with essential design processes. Students also have opportunities to further develop in specific areas of interest including graphic design, interaction design, and motion design.

The Fashion Design program provides a comprehensive education in apparel creation, textile development, and fashion merchandising, integrating technical skills like pattern making and sewing with creative design and marketing strategies. The Bachelor of Science in Design - Fashion Design Major provides a platform for discovery, experimentation, and specialization by way of a strong foundation in critical and cultural theory, experiential learning, craftsmanship, technological literacy, and sustainable stewardship with opportunities for students to author their individual curricular pathway through elective coursework.

The Industrial Design program is a STEM-designated course focusing on innovative product development, ergonomics, and technology integration. The Bachelor of Science in Design - Industrial Design Major provides a platform for the combining of discovery, experimentation, and specialization by way of a strong foundation in critical and cultural theory, experiential learning, craftsmanship, technological literacy, and sustainable stewardship with opportunities for students to author their individual curricular pathway within the product design ecosystem through elective coursework.

The Master of Design (MDes) program, also STEM-designated, offers advanced interdisciplinary training in areas such as User-Experience (UX), Communication, Industrial, and Fashion Design. Students from multidisciplinary backgrounds develop systematic solutions to complex problems through rigorous research protocols, research methods for exploration, validation in the design process, and dissemination of research. MDes is considered a “terminal” degree in the United States, necessary for teaching positions at the college level.

The programs at the School of Design are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design, ensuring they meet high standards for quality, relevance, and faculty expertise, which underscores the institution’s commitment to delivering excellent design education.

Regarding its international standing, the University of Cincinnati’s programs, including those at the Ullman School of Design, are highly regarded globally. The university consistently ranks among leading institutions for design and architecture. Its overall global MBA ranking places it within the top tiers internationally, often recognized for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, leadership development, and innovation. 

These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to prepare students for competitive global markets. The integration of design education with business and management principles further enhances its reputation, making it a desirable choice for students seeking a comprehensive and globally recognized education.

The Ullman School of Design at the University of Cincinnati boasts a strong job integration rate, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in design. Graduates typically find employment within six months of graduation, securing roles across industries such as product design, visual communication, fashion, and industrial design. 

The school’s close ties with industry partners, along with its emphasis on experiential learning, internships, and real-world projects, significantly contribute to this high employment rate. Additionally, the school’s dedicated career services and industry networking events help students transition smoothly from academic training to professional practice.

1. "UC's Enrollment Confirmed as the Highest in the University's 194-Year History". University of Cincinnati. 
2. "Illuminating who medical school applicants really are". www.umassmed.edu.
3. "Cooperative Education at the University of Cincinnati: A Strategic Asset in Evolution". Association of American Colleges and Universities. 
4. "Carnegie Classifications Institution Lookup". carnegieclassifications.iu.edu. 
5. "Daniel Drake - Ohio History Central". www.ohiohistorycentral.org. 
6. "Cornelius Comegys: The Unsung Hero Of Cincinnati Education". Cincinnati Magazine. 
7. "University of Cincinnati – Ohio History Central – A product of the Ohio Historical Society". Ohio History Central. J
8. "University of Cincinnati History". Libraries.uc.edu. 
9. "Queen City College of Pharmacy" (PDF). 
10. "A History of the James L Winkle College of Pharmacy". Chemists Corner. 
11. "The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio". Newspapers. 
12. "Confirmed List of Women's Studies Courses in Schools or Departments of Education". Journal of Teacher Education. 
13. "University of Cincinnati grads continue to demonstrate loyalty to UC through Sigma Sigma". magazine.uc.edu.
14. "The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio". Uc.edu. 
15. "2010 Strategic Plan for UC" (PDF). 
16. "UC Fails to Respond to Student Demands". Uc.edu
17. "University of Cincinnati Removes Founder's Name From Campus". Inside Higher Ed.
18. "University of Cincinnati confirms viral 'biological men' bathroom sign changes". WLWT.
19. The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati