Industrial Design
Overview
Industrial design programs prepare people to create forms, shapes, and packaging for consumer and commercial products.In this program students learn:
- How to make designs and prototypes in a variety of plastics and digital media
- Ways to refine existing designs to improve performance or save costs
Industrial design programs include topics such as:
- Art, including drawing and design
- Art history
- Engineering, including ergonomics and modeling
- Graphic design and computer-aided design (CAD)
- Business, including marketing and research
- Human psychology
Internships
Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Some industrial design programs require students to develop a portfolio or complete an internship.
Schools
A few community colleges offer associate degree programs in industrial design. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Several colleges, universities, and independent art schools offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID), or bachelor of art or science degrees in industrial design. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in industrial design. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Art and Fine Arts, General
- Art History
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Computer Graphics
- Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Graphic Design
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Robotics Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Art Directors
- Fashion Designers
- Fine Artists
- Graphic Designers
- Interior Designers
- Set and Exhibit Designers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet. In addition, many programs require you to submit separate application materials in addition to your general college application. Usually you have to complete preliminary design courses, write a personal statement, and submit a portfolio of creative work that shows your mechanical and creative skills.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Blueprint Reading
- Computer Science and Programming
- Construction
- Drafting
- Electricity and Electronics
- Geometry
- Manufacturing Systems
- Physics
- Technology Systems
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree in design, art, engineering, or related field
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Portfolio review and personal interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Art History
- CAD
- Computer Art
- Corporate Identity
- Design Fundamentals
- Design Visualization
- Drawing and Sketching
- Ergonomics
- Graphic Design
- Human Factors
- Market Research
- Marketing Communications
- Metals
- Modeling
- Packaging
- Principles of Design
- Product Design
- Prototype Fabrication
- Studio
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in industrial design typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Portfolio review (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Packaging design is often considered a specialization of industrial design, and sometimes is offered as a separate program.
If you want to teach college, you need a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or doctoral (PhD) degree.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Art--Industrial Design
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Manufacturing Technology--DFM Option
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Industrial Design