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What is Industrial Design?

The study of industrial design involves the design, creation, and development of concepts and technical specifications to make the value, appearance, and functionality of a system or product as efficient as possible.  An industrial designer will collect data through observation, analysis, surveys, and customer feedback via cross-collaboration meeting with management, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams.  The net result of the data collection and meetings will yield a series of technical specifications, drawings, 3D renderings, and or models to envelope requisite criteria.

Given the technical and creative nature of the job, an industrial designer will need to be analytical and data-driven while being creative and inquisitive to solve complex issues.  Industrial designers are uniquely trained to:

  • Blend art and science to solve thorny business issues
  • Integrate visual, tactile, and spatial senses into production
  • Understand the interplay between product convenience and aesthetics with safety regulations and costs
  • Create designs and processes that speak to human needs, interests, and experiences
  • Meld sociology, psychology, and physiology into a design given known demographic factors
  • Balance technical solutions with design, manufacturing, quality control, marketing, communication systems, and regulatory constraints

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$70,880

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

47.71%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

31,860

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Industrial Design Schools

This private research university was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford to honor the memory of their child who died from typhoid fever at the age of 15. It’s a prestigious university located in Stanford, California sitting on an 8000 acre land within the Santa Clara Valley within the renowned Silicon Valley area. It is organized into seven schools consisting of 40 academic departments and four professional graduate programs. It has a highly regarded research facility with eighteen independent laboratories and centers incorporated inside the institution. Notable graduates from this university include 84 Nobel Laureates and 28 Turing Laureates. 

The undergraduate degree in Industrial Design is a preparatory curriculum intended for a Mechanical Engineering degree. The coursework emphasizing creativity, aesthetics, and personal expression with the integration of technology and business factors. The program is equipped with necessary coursework on its curriculum to carry projects from initial concept to completion of working prototypes. Its minimum 54 unit program could potentially be an entry point on establishing a career in any industry and for graduate study. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

This private liberal arts college was founded in 1864 by the Hicksite Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia affiliated with the Orthodox clergy. One of the first schools in the USA implementing a coeducational form of learning, it’s a member of the tri-college consortium and currently, has been affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. It is located in the 425 acres of suburban land in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania just situated near the Parrish Hall. Considerably the third-best liberal arts college in the USA, it offers more than 600 courses per year in 40 areas of study including engineering programs which are usually uncommon for this type of institution. Not quite a big school, it usually accepts students annually about 1,600. Alumni include winners of Nobel Prize, Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, and Fullbright Grantees. 

The best route is to design your major through taking individualized study before proceeding into a certain program. However, to pursue an industrial design program, an alternative is to enroll in an engineering program. The engineering with liberal arts education seeks a core curriculum on engineering with creativity and confidence in gaining scientific knowledge and mathematical methods. Available engineering practice in this college includes engineering majors of civil/environmental, computer, and mechanical. 

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Also known as Georgia Tech, this public research university is part of the University System of Georgia located in the city of Atlanta. It was founded in 1885 as a technology school and later on, expanded by 1901 offering only a degree in mechanical engineering. Its 373-acre main campus is divided into four major parts with a highly strategic location near the headquarters of AT&T, the Coca-Cola Company, and Bank of America. Furthermore, it has satellite and international campuses in the state of Georgia, France, Ireland, China, and Singapore.  It's organized into six colleges which contain about 31 departments with an emphasis mostly on science and technology. The university admits more than 36,000 students of which about half are enrolled in graduate and research programs. 

The School of Industrial Design provides undergraduate and graduate curriculum for this program. It's committed to incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach to learning through the integration of design on technology and business. It introduces computer science concepts and motivates research labs to imagine design solutions or solve problems. Moreover, its four-year bachelor's degree plan incorporates 16 to 17 semester-per-hour courses with accreditation from the National Association of School for Arts and Design (NASAD). Apart from that, the university offers a Masters of Industrial Design specifically focuses on design research. Graduates pursue career pathways in several design studios, software companies, and top global brands. 

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

This public land grant university is initially intended to be an agricultural university in the 1870s through the Morrill Act of 1862. Formerly known as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, the university has transformed into a comprehensive institution and later on, becoming the third-largest university in the USA. Its 1764 acre main campus has an eclectic mix of traditional, modern, and post-modern architectural styles with listed historical sites including the Hale Hall, Hayes Hall, and Ohio Stadium. Apart from that, the university has regional campuses located in Lima, Mansfield, Newark, and Wooster. Classified as one of the Public Ivies, it is organized into 20 different schools and colleges with major research centers participating in innovations for cancer, renewable energy sources, and sustainable drinking water supplies. 

Under the Department of Design, the B.S. degree in Industrial Design is a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating design thinking, planning, and development of design ideas, objects, services, and systems to support human needs. Its four-year course sequence consists of six to eighteen hours per semester courses with hands-on training and internship courses in computer graphic design. It’s a requirement upon admission to own a personal laptop meeting technical specifications for installation of Microsoft Office 365, Solidworks, and Keyshot. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

This private research university was established in 1831 by the Methodist Episcopal Church as a theological seminary. Identified as a non-sectarian institution in 1920, it still maintains a relationship with the religious organization until now. Located in Syracuse, New York, its 680-acre campus is integrated into the University Hill neighborhood consisting of a mix of buildings having classical to modern architectural styles. SU is divided into 13 schools and colleges with a strong devotion to research having 29 research centers and institutes. It employs an inter-faith chapel, buildings, and a spiritual center to accommodate different faiths and religions. Alumni from this university are recipients of Nobel Prizes, Olympic Medals, Pulitzer Prizes, and Academy Awards. 

The Bachelor of Industrial and Interaction Design (BID) is designed for students to develop skills in creating innovative design processes and systems. It enhances the critical thinking and creativity of students guided by leading scholars and practitioners. Its 150 credit hour curriculum consists of academic units for computer design, art history, and studio-related courses. Its an accredited program by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and most recommended by the Industrial Designers Society of America. A study abroad program is also an opportunity for eligible students to experience internships in London or Italy. Recent graduates have been employed as part of design teams in Ford, Amazon, Google, and Fjord/Accenture. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Named after its founder, this public land grant university started as an agricultural college in 1889 through the Morrill Land Grant Act and the Hatch Act of 1887. Its located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina spanning 1400 acres with two historic districts registered by the National Register of Historic Places. It consists of seven schools and colleges with more than 100 graduate degree programs in about 85 disciplines. It’s the home of the 250 acre automotive and motorsports research facility with the affiliation of major tech and car companies including Microsoft, Bosch, and BMW. The second-largest university in the student population within South Carolina, it enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and 5000 graduate students. 

Clemson doesn’t have a particular program for Industrial Design. However, it offers courses in Product and Industrial Design through taking the BS Architecture program. The ARCH 4240 is a 3 credit hour course focusing on Product Design with an emphasis on art and form. Apart from that, an alternate route is to take the BS Industrial Engineering program incorporating a curriculum in designing, implementing, and improving the complex systems and processes needed in society. The program includes high-end research labs and facilities, and hands-on learning on or off-campus through internships and field trips. It’s a highly diverse program with classes in logistics, transportation, system safety, and supply chain design. 

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

U-Dub is a private university founded in 1861 upon the establishment of the Washington Territory through the strong recommendations of the prominent residents along the area. Upon its relocation and expansion throughout the years, this university has a 703-acre main campus situated near the shores of Union and Portage Bays with views of the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains. Referred to as a ‘Public Ivy’, this university consists of more than 140 departments offering various degree programs. A flagship institution for research and development, the university has strategically partnered with tech giants including Amazon, Boeing, and Nintendo. Top research programs on this institution include oceanography and environmental studies for sustainability and preservation. 

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design is a professional program structured to innovate new technologies for design development on various processes, products, and services. The ID courses of this undergraduate study are equipped with strategies and organizational skills to help students with easy learning. The curriculum diversely covers design ideation, concept selection, refinement, prototyping testing, and production. Its 180-course credits accomplished in the four-year study include major, general education, and elective requirements. Moreover, each student must be able to own a personal laptop with a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Service for access to Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and others. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

NC State is a public land grant research university founded in 1887 as part of the University of North Carolina system. Formerly an agricultural school, the university has grown into the largest university in North Carolina. Located in the urban site of Raleigh, the university spans more than 2100 acres. Its main campus is subdivided into three campuses which are all distinctly adorned with red brick buildings. It’s a highly selective institution of which only one quarter or so of those who applied will be accepted for admission. It is organized into eleven academic colleges offering nine associate degrees in agriculture, 102 areas of study in bachelor's degrees, 108 master's degrees, and about 60 areas for doctoral programs. 

The NC State University Industrial Design degree program offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Industrial Design. The four-year study in professional Bachelor of Industrial Design includes foundational lectures on art and design to help students enhance their creativity and discipline in studying the course. After a few semesters, students will be exposed to studio classes wherein hands-on training will be experienced. The master's program has two tracks specifically given for design undergraduates and non-design undergraduates. Otherwise, the non-design masters' students are required to take the minimum 30 credit hour program to proceed with the 48-credit hour study. A highly accredited industrial design program, most of its graduates are employed in top companies such as IDEO, Nike, Dell, Microsoft, and Bosch. 

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Long Beach State is a public university established in 1949 after the population boom in 1949 post World War II. It is primarily located in 322 acre land on Long Beach, California across over 84 buildings about 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The third-largest university in the 23 schools California State University System (CSU), it admits more than 39,000 students including undergraduate and graduate students. Its programs are divided into three liberal arts colleges and five vocational colleges offering more than 82 different bachelor's degrees, 65 master's degrees, and four doctoral degrees. Alumni from this university include award-winning entertainers and athletes including actors, screenplay writers, and singers. 

The BS Industrial Design major comprises a minimum of 120-semester units accomplished after four years of study. Its curriculum aims to prepare future designers for professional practice in shaping products and processes. It entails studies in rapid visualization, aesthetics, presentation techniques, and financing principles. Moreover, students will have an opportunity to do internships at the top leading companies including Toyota, Kawasaki, Apple, General Electric, and Xerox. As a requirement for enrolment for the third and fourth year, the students are required to present a portfolio for review. 

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

This public grant university was one of the institutions established through the Morrill Land-Grant Act in 1867. It's situated between the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign spanning about 2300 acres. Listed as one of the Public Ivies, it’s a highly regarded institution for research and innovation with an intensive Research Park which partners prominent Fortune 500 companies. Important discoveries in science and technology were started in this institution including touch screens, plasma displays, and the first consumer web browser used.  The university is divided into 16 colleges and schools offering more than 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs of study.  

Under the School of Art and Design, the BFA Industrial Design is a 122 credit hour program that centers on flexible approaches on how to design products and services. The four-year curriculum program includes foundations and lectures in art history, design, and several electives.  The courses will develop various skills and knowledge of students including problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Studio courses offer hands-on training mostly using the available technology through software and programs installed on the computer. Before admission, students are required to submit a portfolio for the admission managers to evaluate if accepted or not. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

This public university is one of the five campuses of the University System within the state of Minnesota. The largest amongst the five, it spans more than 1200 acres stretching between the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Its program is organized into about 17 schools and colleges offering more than 100 majors and minor programs for undergraduate studies. It admits over 35,000 students per semester with highly reliable study abroad programs that are among to be best considered in the USA. Its off-campus experience and internship feature more than 20 schools from different countries across the globe. Notable alumni from this university include two former vice presidents of the USA and several Nobel Prize winners. 

The BS Industrial & Product Design is an interdisciplinary program involving design thinking and several engineering practices. It’s a four-year program focusing on the foundation principles of industrial design including several courses related to physics, computer programming, and entrepreneurship. Its 14 to 15 credit hour per semester program is highly integrated with a Design Fabrication Lab where students will be able to experience hands-on training. Moreover, the university also offers a master's program in Design with a Product Design track which provides advanced lecture and technical training which includes developing a new product concept and an extensive business plan. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

This private college was started by Tonian Hohberg in 1969. FDIM is currently located on three campuses in California scattered through Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County. All of its campuses are enclosed with modern and decorative rooms featuring the design of the architect Clive Wilkinson. Its an accredited institution by the WASC Senior College and University Commission offering about 26 Associate of Arts Degree programs and 9 Bachelor of Arts Degree programs. The school has been featured in the sixth season of Project Runway wherein some of its contestants were alumni from the institution. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Design will help students learn critical thinking, and enhance their research skills to examine and develop design concepts or ideas. Since curriculums are based mostly on entertainment design, a lot of its courses are patterned to this type of lecture. The 91 credit hour program is accessible upon passing the Associate Arts degree program in either major of Fashion, Graphic Design, and Visual Communications. It incorporated capstone studio courses to allow students to explore on their portfolio to start their own business or apply for employment on top design companies. 

Acceptance Rate

36.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

This public college is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and was founded in 1944. It is located in Midtown South Manhattan, New York occupying about nine-building campus which includes classroom, television and radio studios, and design workshops. It offers more than 17 undergraduate majors and ten graduate study programs of which mostly are from the College of Business and Technology. An accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, it’s a highly prestigious design and art school with a student population of about 8000. Well-known alumni who previously studied from this institute include fashion designers, Norma Kamali, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein.

The institution offers a number of degree programs that are associated with industrial design that include film and game, advertising, home products, toy, and packaging. These two to four-year programs explore a vast study towards design incorporated with hands-on training providing an in-depth study of branding strategies, trends, concept development, and environmental issues. Moreover, the curriculum includes freelance work at a leading design firm and consumer product companies such as Pepsi, Colgate, Palmolive, and Goldova. Before graduation, the students should be able to submit a work portfolio which will also be used for employment opportunities. 

Acceptance Rate

53.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Named after the man who founded the university in 1869, this public land grant university is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It’s the flagship campus of the Purdue University system spanning 2600 acres near the western bank of the Wabash River. It offers more than 200 majors for undergraduate students, and over 69 master's and doctoral programs. Purdue has over 15,000 acres of agricultural and industrial research facility with the prominent Discovery Park for energy and advanced manufacturing research. It admits about 43,000 students including those taking undergraduate and graduate studies.  The Alumni of this university comprise 25 American astronauts and 13 Nobel Prize recipients. 

The industrial design BFA degree intensively prepares students for strong leadership roles as industrial designers. This four-year degree innovatively will be able to enhance the skills in creative or critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. This 126 credit hours degree is divided into three-course programs including major, core, and elective. Nationally and internationally recognized, this program doesn’t require completing an art portfolio for admission. However, the student should be able to submit an art portfolio for review after the sophomore year of study. Potential careers for this program include CAD Drafting, Automotive Modeling, Product Engineering, and Research and Development.  

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

This private college offers art education to students who are deeply committed to design and arts. It's primarily situated in an urban campus in Detroit, Michigan offering 13 major undergraduate degree programs and a master of fine arts degree. Started in 1906 as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts,  this institution is partnered with the Community Arts Partnerships Program and Henry Ford Academy. It admits more than 1400 students with highly accomplished faculty members maintaining a professional connection to many experienced industries. Besides, the institution has a preparatory education for more than 800 students admitted in elementary and high school education.  Notable alumni from this college include various artists, designers, sculptors, and filmmakers. 

The undergraduate major in Industrial Design and Product Design is a STEM-designated program sought with an interdisciplinary approach in designing products including athletic gears, housewares, furniture, and office products. A highly regarded program by Design Intelligence, its program is structured with hands-on training in design and leadership with entrepreneurial management. It aims to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the design of students through real-life immersion via an internship. Potential career options include multinational companies such as Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool, Adidas, Reebok, and GE Appliances.  

Acceptance Rate

43.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

This public land grant research university is chartered by the Morrill Act of 1862. The land was previously a school for Methodist boys in the rural area of Montgomery County in the state of Virginia. Its 2600 acre campus is located specifically in Blacksburg, Virginia bordering Prices Fork Road and Plantation Drive. Other than the main campus, it comprises five other branch campuses scattered just within the state of Virginia. It is organized into seven undergraduate colleges offering more than 116 bachelor's degree programs and 160 master's and doctoral degree programs. It has a large expenditure in research and development conducting a study in fields of agriculture, biotechnology, human health, transportation, and energy management. 

The four-year bachelor's degree in Industrial Design is structured to improve its student’s skills and knowledge on developing concepts and specifications through the collection and analysis of data. It’s a related study touching programs in management, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing specialization. An accredited program by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, it comprises well-experienced faculty and a highly equipped facility for use during educating its students. 

Acceptance Rate

70.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

This private university started in 1997 with the vision of building a school by the oil tycoon named Charles Pratt which also bears the same name as the institution. It sits on a 25-acre main campus located in the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Apart from that, the school has an extension and satellite campuses in the Manhattan area. The school is also historically composed of various architectural styles including Romanesque Revival, Victorian, and Neoclassical Styles. It comprises six schools offering more than 22 undergraduate and 25 graduate major studies. Its population numbers about 3400 undergraduate and 1300 graduate students representing 78 countries and 47 states. 

The BS Industrial Design is a four-year program diversely offered with professional courses in product design, exhibition design, and interdisciplinary design. It focuses on digital technology-related programs that provide grounding in drawing, color, 3-D form, and model-making. It offers a capstone studio project in its senior year allowing students to be able to present in the annual Design Show. Moreover, the program also provides study abroad opportunities with several European design schools and an internship program in leading companies within the USA and Europe. 

Acceptance Rate

55.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

This private research university is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints upon its purchase of a branch campus of a university in Utah during 1875. It was named after the president of LDS Church, Brigham Young who initially decided to buy the school. Its suburban campus spans 560 acres located in the suburban community of Provo, Utah. The campus nestles into the base of Wasatch mountains consisting of more than 295 buildings with different architectural styles. It offers over 179 undergraduate major programs, 62 masters, and 26 doctoral degree programs. Being a religious institution, BYU follows a strict protocol in preventing any consumption of illegal drugs on or off-campus and adherence to grooming and dress standards. 

The 72 credit hour top ranked Industrial Design degree is organized into an intensive curriculum preparing students on applying contemporary manufacturing methods and evidence-based research for meaningful and compelling products. Its curriculum is structured with learnings on software technology, design history, and business practices as related to the study. It facilitates laboratory works, team projects, and a couple of internship experiences to completely immerse students in the study. It currently admits only about 40 students per year of which undergoes a selective admission process requiring them to submit an art portfolio. 

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Formerly referred to as Orange County State College, this public university was fully authorized in 1972. It's part of the 23 campus body of the California State University System located in the northeastern portion of Fullerton, California. It sits on a 236 acre land with notable buildings and halls of Pollak Library, College Park Building, and the Nutwood Parking Structure. It operates in a satellite campus within Irvine, California which is only 20 miles from the main campus. It is organized into four liberal arts colleges and four vocational colleges offering more than 109-degree programs including 55 undergraduate and 54 graduate degrees.  The largest student body amongst universities within the system, it admits over 41,000 students. 

Unfortunately, the university doesn’t specifically have a program for industrial design. However, as an alternative, a certificate program is an excellent choice to take. These certificate programs in design and marketing could be accomplished for 10 to 12 months through online and on-campus training. These programs provide students foundational skills on software and app development, research, and website creation to fully integrate learning into the design experience. It consists of six required courses including 98 hours of lecture, lab, and discussion. 

Acceptance Rate

52.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

This private research university started in 1919 through the efforts of prominent New York teachers. Located in the urban New York nearby Union Square, it consists of several buildings including the 16 story University Center which possesses several classrooms, new residences, computer labs, and a cafeteria. It owns an extensive library collection of books, publications, and numerous holdings. The university employs a unique student-directed curriculum of which students aren’t required to take general education courses. Rather than, the students are encouraged to choose courses that would interest them. It currently offers 81 degree or diploma leading programs with about 10,000 students enrolled. 

The Industrial Design BFA Program focuses on technical and critical skills exploring technological and traditional strategies on exploring materials, fabrication, and aesthetics. Its minimum 120 credit curriculum with the first two years intended for lectures, immersion in design studios, and attending seminars. The last two years will consist of research work, internship studies, and building a portfolio to present with the members of the faculty. It’s a highly innovative school with a flexible setup of learning curriculum involving a variety of art-related electives and specialized facilities to extend research resources from library to museums. The school benefits from partnerships with leading art companies in the area including Roche Bobois, Poltrona Frau, and Moroccanoil. 

Acceptance Rate

57.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Named after the businessman Arioch Wentworth who provided major funding for the establishment of the industrial school, this private university was founded in 1904. Its 31-acre campus is located in the neighborhood of Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts with more than 15 buildings which include administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities. It offers about 18 major programs and a master's degree with a focus on design and engineering. It has a strong partnership with various nearby institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts and Northeastern University. It admits about 4000 students yearly including those taking undergraduate and graduate studies. 

Under the School of Architecture and Design, the BS degree in Industrial design is a four-year program providing innovative opportunities on product designing and employing business strategies to translate social and physical desires to improve or create systems and processes. Its 136 credit hours curriculum consists of experiential learning through courses in a design studio, model making, drawing, and computer-aided designs. A fully accredited program by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, it reinforces design guidelines through incorporating a one-semester Europe study abroad program and an in-depth internship to top leading companies within the area. 

Acceptance Rate

68.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

This public research university is the flagship institution of the University of Utah System organizing into 17 colleges and schools with over 150 academic departments. Formerly known as the University of Deseret, this school was established in the 1850s under the direction of Mormon pioneers. Its urban campus spans about 1500 acres located approximately about 2 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City. It opened an international branch campus in Incheon, South Korea in 2014. Apart from that, the university has satellite campuses in some American and European institutions. Notable alumni from this university include 22 Rhodes Scholars, four Nobel Prize winners, and three Turing award winners. 

The Multi-disciplinary industrial design program introduces concepts in design and creativity providing a focus on interface development, articulation of product forms, materials, and digital manufacturing principles. Its curricular courses incorporate study in four areas such as studio, technical, history/theory, and practice. Apart from a bachelor's degree, the program is offered as a minor degree. Partnered by the Spark Health Innovation Labs, this facility allows students to design solutions for healthcare administration. The graduates of this program are involved in positions including product designers, product development experts, and product and design industrial engineers.  

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

This private university was founded in 1824 upon its combination with the Philadelphia University in 2017. Historically began as a medical school, the university provides extensive importance on health, engineering, and research. It is currently located in a 100-acre land with two existing campuses of which both are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The East Fall campus consists of 52 buildings for academic lectures, and laboratories, a 72,000 square foot Kambar Campus Center, and the Gallagher Athletic and Recreation Center. It offers more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programs divided into four to five schools and colleges. 

Part of the Kanbar College of Design Engineering and Commerce, the BS Industrial Design presents an opportunity to pursue a career in design through learning concepts in drawing, 3D modeling, prototype building, and effective business communication skills. A NASAD accredited program, this four-year degree curriculum explores a sustainable and responsible environment with a well-equipped design studio and facilities to learn from. Its 133 to 134 credit hours program renders lecture courses, hands-on training, and summer internships to effectively help students in the process. Upon admission, the student must own a personal laptop computer that could be installed by software including Adobe CC, Office 365, and Granta. 

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

This private design college was founded in 1947 by Silas Rhodes and Burne Hogarth. Formerly known as the Cartoonists and Illustrators School, the school was renamed in 1956 as it expanded and more students were admitted. Located in the city of New York, its urban campus consists of several buildings in the Gramercy Park neighborhood on Manhattan’s east side. Moreover, it has an extensive library, a 29,000 square foot theatre house, and three gallery spaces open for public viewing. The school offers mostly programs in design and its related liberal arts. Currently, it provides 11 undergraduate and 21 master's programs with additional three non-degree-granting departments giving professional courses and short-term programs. 

The BFA in Industrial Design is a multidisciplinary program structured to learn visual communication efficiently, enhance creativity, and problem-solving skills using only the available resources and materials. This minimum 120 credit hours curriculum includes foundational and advanced courses in graphic design, motion graphics, and advertising. Apart from that, this four-year program includes electives 72 credit studio art courses for aesthetic inferential learning of the students. Having a distinguished faculty that includes eight halls of fame laureates, the programs are specially tailored for students to learn and enjoy this program through organizing exhibitions, workshops, competitions, and multiple internships. 

Acceptance Rate

72

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

This independent Baptist university was chartered in 1887 by the New Light Reformed Presbyterian Church. Though a Presbyterian founded the school, it became affiliated with the Baptist community upon merging with the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland in 1953. Its 441-acre campus sits on the rural land previously occupied farmlands in Cedarville, Ohio. An iconic water tower landmark stands on the university to cater to telephone emergencies. It’s a Christian-centered institution in which students are required to take the 15 credit Bible minor and attend the weekly chapel services. It currently offers more than 130 programs of study which include liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. 

The BA in Industrial and Innovative Design was crafted to meet the changing demands of design. It immerses students in the design and development experience, learning rendering skills, model making, digital design, and design entrepreneurship. In partnership with the International Center of Creativity (ICC), its curriculum includes minor Bible courses and general education courses in the first two years of the program. After this, broad exposure and immersion are given by taking studio courses in Consumer Product Design, Exterior Architectural Design, and Transportation Design. It comprises a 12-week capstone research project where students will develop their writing and research skills. Graduates from this program are often hired into top leading firms including Reebok, Sterilite Corporation, Honda Research and Development, and Integrated Package Machinery. 

Acceptance Rate

78.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Top Industrial Design Degrees

Several degree types exist within industrial design that are worth investigating further.  The programs range from undergraduate certificate programs up through a graduate degree in the field of study.  To help provide prospective students with additional information on each program type, we have assembled an overview of each type of degree program with a simple way to collect information from accredited colleges and universities.

Certificate Programs in Industrial Design

A certificate program in industrial design is not a ubiquitous program but has been found to be an effective tool to help prepare students for a variety of careers.  The certificate program can be a 1-3 year program depending on the core curriculum of the program and courses involved.  Certificate programs in industrial design are concentrated, career-focused academic tools used by students across the country to advance skills in the field, learn technical skills in design coupled with design skills and fundamental skills necessary to succeed in a variety of sectors across the business spectrum.

 

Bachelor Degree in Industrial Design

A bachelor’s degree in industrial design can be conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from most colleges.  The bachelor’s degree is a 4-year program of full-time matriculation with part-time students taking longer to complete as a function of pace, schedule, and course load.  Both the BFA and BA programs blend general education courses like communications, philosophy, sociology, history, and math with core curriculum.

Core classes found in many bachelor degree programs in industrial engineering include courses such as: design problem solving, computer drafting, sketch modeling, model making, design drawing, development of form, digital development, materials & processes, color fundamentals, CAD drawing, product design, digital modeling, product drawing, toy design, product design, human-centered design, physics for artists, furniture design, fabric & fiber technology, and automotive design.

Master Degree in Industrial Design

The master’s degree in industrial design is a graduate-level degree track that can be conferred as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or Master in Industrial Design (MID).  Master’s degree programs will take 2-3 years to complete of full-time matriculation and longer for part-time students.  Classes will vary from program to program but will emphasize creativity, innovation, and experimentation via large and small projects.  Classes in a master’s degree program in industrial engineering will typically include upper-level courses in:  drawing, prototyping, digital ideation, modeling, rendering, business design, furniture design, design methodology, tabletop design, design strategies, exhibit design, design research, and sustainability.  Graduate students will begin their thesis project in the last 2-3 semesters of the program under the guidance of an advisor or department chair to substantially contribute to the field of study.

 

Educational Requirements for Industrial Designers

Individuals in this field will typically pursue a bachelor's degree at minimum in order to be considered for employment. Programs are available at many universities as well as specialized art colleges and institutions. Individuals will learn various design principles alongside machining, mechanical engineering and other relevant fields. As such a program requires a cross section of science and art, individuals should be prepared for a high amount of mathematics combined with art principles in order to form a truly unique discipline.

A curriculum may include:

  • Design Philosophy
  • Calculus
  • Form and Function
  • Machining
  • Aesthetics and Integration
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Employment Opportunities for Industrial Designers

Individuals in this field will seek employment with product manufacturers, assisting in prototype development, design, packaging, and even marketing as part of their overall duties. Individuals in this field will work alongside engineers to provide aesthetically pleasing design to functional machines, possibly even assisting in better performance through design innovation. Individuals may work in house, freelance, or as part of a firm, and will offer varying services based on education and experience.

Where Can an Industrial Designer Work?

An industrial designer can work in a variety of industries can include the following sectors of the market: automotive, tabletop, engineering, apparel, footwear, furniture, lighting, video, medical equipment, technology, packaging, surface design, manufacturing, research and development, visual communications, and architecture.

Job Growth & Career Outlook in Industrial Design

Job growth for industrial designers is estimated to grow by 10% over the coming decade which is well above the national average. Growth will be driven by innovation and demand coming from the manufacturing and technology sectors. As a result positions will be open, new job will be available, but the area will not grow as rapidly due to limited opportunities from certain sectors. The average salary for an industrial designer is $67,970 annually, with increases in pay based on experience, success, education and location. The top10% average $105,690 a year in compensation and the bottom ten percent average just over thirty-seven thousand dollars a year on average.

Largest Employers of Industrial Designers

  1. Specialized Design Firms
  2. Architectural and Engineering Companies
  3. Management Organizations
  4. Manufacturers
  5. Home Furnishing Companies

Top Paying States for Industrial Designers

  1. New Jersey $88,170
  2. Massachusetts $84,100
  3. South Carolina $80,240
  4. Nevada $78,590
  5. Michigan $78,300

Individuals interested in industrial design may also be interested in graphic design, marketing, industrial engineering, industrial mechanics, industrial technology, or interior design. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) along with World Design Organization (WDO) can help provide credibility and knowledge to designers within this field of study. Members receive additional resources and benefits that cannot be found through other organizations.

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