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    UC San Diego Speculative Design (Visual Arts)
    Transfer Requirements and Classes

    The major preparation UC San Diego lists for Speculative Design (Visual Arts) transfers starts with VIS 11, VIS 30 and VIS 41; the full list is below.

    UC San Diego does not offer the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG).

    37 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with UCSD for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.

    37
    California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Speculative Design (Visual Arts)

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    Which classes count at your community college?

    Pick your college to see its class for each UCSD requirement.

    Major Requirements

    UC San Diego Speculative Design (Visual Arts) Major Preparation

    The courses UC San Diego lists as Speculative Design (Visual Arts) major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2026-27 academic year. Course numbers are UCSD's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.

    Foundation level - required coursework

    Complete all of these

    • VIS 11 Introduction to Visual Culture
    • VIS 30 Introduction to Speculative Design
    • VIS 41 Design Communication

    History

    Complete 1 of these

    • VIS 10 Computing in the Arts Lecture Series
    • VIS 22 Formations of Modern Art
    • VIS 31 Undead Media, All Things Zombie
    • VIS 32 Art, Design and the Brain

    Also listed by UCSD

    UCSD lists these under the headings shown, apart from the list above.

    Breadth elective

    2 of these options

    • VIS 1 Introduction to Art-Making: Two-Dimensional Practices · VIS 2 Introduction to Art-Making: Motion and Time Based Art · VIS 3 Introduction to Art-Making: Three-Dimensional Practices
    • VIS 60 Introduction to Digital Photography · VIS 70N Introduction to Media · VIS 80 Intro to the Studio Major · COGS 10 Cognitive Consequences of Technology · USP 1 History of U.S. Urban Communities · USP 2 Urban World System · USP 3 The City and Social Theory
    Where a list says “courses listed”, or options are separated by a dot, UCSD's own Speculative Design (Visual Arts) requirements say exactly which of those courses you need.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does UC San Diego have a Speculative Design major for transfer students?

    Yes. UC San Diego offers Speculative Design (Visual Arts) (B.A.) and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.

    What classes do I need to transfer to UC San Diego for Speculative Design?

    UC San Diego's Speculative Design (Visual Arts) major preparation includes VIS 11, VIS 30, VIS 41, VIS 10, VIS 22 and VIS 31, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.

    Can I use TAG for UC San Diego Speculative Design?

    UC San Diego does not offer the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG).

    Explore More

    All UC San Diego majors and acceptance rates

    Guides

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