Do you love superb product designs that offer consumers great value? Do you often wonder how particular designs meet customer needs in a sleek, contemporary bundle of form and function? If yes, then consider a career in industrial design.
Industrial designers work in a dynamic environment that includes client interactions, design planning, research, sketching, prototyping, and testing for product viability. You’ll also be responsible for making necessary design adjustments and ultimately delivering a finished product that your clients can market.
But due to the intricacy of industrial design courses, online industrial design degree programs are rare. We have included on-campus degree programs to broaden your school’s search for the best bachelor’s degree in industrial design programs.
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Methodology
Because online programs in industrial design are rare to find, we have included on-campus degree programs. The criteria used for this specific listing included the following:
- Offer flexible class hours
- Provide students with financial aid opportunities and student support services
- Offer industrial design courses that meet 21st-century demands
- Allow students to learn from professional industrial designers
Check out our Methodology page for more details on our ranking process.
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Industrial Design
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
NJIT’s BS in Industrial Design degree is a generalist program that prepares industrial design students for various design-related professions. In addition to the core courses, students can tailor their curriculum and choose from various studio designs and free electives.
Because NJIT is one of the biggest research universities, students will be among the first to know about the industry’s recent updates.
Students can take advantage of the university’s technological infrastructure to thoroughly understand design, materials, production techniques, user requirements, and market trends. This allows them to pursue their unique personal design visions.
Coursework Sample:
- Past, Present, and Future of Design
- Modeling and Manufacturing
- Sustainable Materials and Processes
Campus Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 69.1%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 83.9%
Learn more about NJIT’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
NJIT’s BS in Industrial Design degree allows students to complete coursework online and participate in on-campus events to showcase their work. One of the most popular exhibit and design competitions students can participate in is the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.
University of Notre Dame
On-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design
Program Standouts:
The BFA with an Industrial Design concentration at UND is one of the most intensive industrial design degree programs. To graduate, students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA in their studio and design courses.
Additionally, students must complete a thesis to earn the degree. Each student will have a thesis advisor to help them with any issue that might arise.
Senior students enrolled in thesis seminars in the fall and spring must contact their thesis director regularly. Both academic and professional topics are covered in the session.
Coursework Sample:
- Advanced Visualization or Figure Drawing
- 2-D and 3-D Foundations
- Photography I
Campus Location: Notre Dame, IN
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 15.1%
Retention Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Learn more about UND’s BFA with an Industrial Design concentration.
Did You Know?
UND offers two more industrial design degrees: a BA in Design and BA with honors in Design. Both programs have similar requirements to the BFA in Industrial Design degree. However, the BA degrees have liberal arts focus.
California State University Long Beach
On-campus Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
The BS in Industrial Design at CSULB is completed in a traditional learning format.
The program equips students with all the necessary information and abilities to compete in the 21st-century industrial design profession. As a result, the program offers studio and design courses and other courses that explore the global marketplace’s economic, psychological, and social issues that may affect the industry.
All students intending to enroll in the CSULB Industrial Design program must pass a portfolio review before admission into junior and senior studio courses.
Coursework Sample:
- Modeling & Prototyping Techniques
- Computer-Aided Design
- Design in Contemporary Society
Campus Location: Long Beach, CA
Accreditation:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 46.9%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 69.4%
Learn more about CSULB’s BS in Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
CSULB offers one of the best internship opportunities to industrial design students. Some of the biggest companies students can intern in include Apple, Toyota, Kawasaki, Nike, and Hewlett Packard.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
On-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
MassArt’s BFA in industrial design gives students a foundational understanding of the meticulous design process. It is a user-centered degree program that promotes visual and verbal communication skills.
Students will immediately have access to studio spaces. They will receive guidance from a studio manager, shop monitor, and course assistants. As they advance through the curriculum, the space allocation grows slightly, allowing them to work on more projects.
MassArt believes that students develop better skills in making their products. As a result, students can freely access the studio spaces even after classes.
Coursework Sample:
- Ethnography and Culture
- Rapid Visualization and Perspective
- Human Factors-Ergonomics
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
Acceptance Rate: 78.7%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 63.2%
Learn more about MassArt’s Industrial Design BFA.
Did You Know?
Alum efforts in creating top-notch industrial designs are never disregarded at MassArt. The college hosts an annual exhibition called “Design Massachusetts” to display the award-winning designs created by their alums.
Wisconsin Polytechnic University Stout
On-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial and Product Design
Program Standouts:
UW Stout’s BFA in Industrial and Product Design allows students to learn in and outside the classroom, thanks to its wide range of practical learning opportunities.
Students enroll in courses that allow them to solve issues involving social, behavioral, psychological, and cultural elements. The coursework focuses on the application of methodology, theory, and research.
Coursework Sample:
- Concept Development
- Design Methodology
- 2D and 3D Visualization
Campus Location: Menomonie, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Learn more about the BFA Industrial and Product Design at WPUS.
Did You Know?
UW Stout offers various exhibition venues annually, both on and off campus. These events allow students and graduates to display their designs proudly.
Virginia Tech
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
First-year students of Virginia Tech’s BS in Industrial Design focus on understanding fundamental design components and utilizing resources and instruments in two and three dimensions.
Second-year students focus their studies on understanding the actual profession.
Students learn from an experienced faculty, most of whom have active professional engagement in design studios or serving on NASAD accreditation panels.
Coursework Sample:
- History/Theory Industrial Design
- Design Visualization
- Professional Practice & Entrepreneurship
Campus Location: Blacksburg, VA
Accreditation:
- SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 56.5%
Retention Rate: 93.0%
Graduation Rate: 83.5%
Learn more about Virginia Tech’s BS in Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
Most of the program’s graduates have obtained employment in various large companies needing industrial designers, such as Case Logic, Uber, Samsung, Nike, and Under Armor.
Georgia Institute of Technology
On-campus Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
Georgia Tech may be the best option for students who want to have study-abroad opportunities. Students who prefer practical experiences in the country can participate in internship and co-op programs.
The BS in Industrial Design degree provides students with various concentration options. Students can choose to concentrate on one of the following courses:
- Product Development and Innovation
- Health and Well-Being
- Interactive Product Design
Unlike other degree programs, this undergraduate-level industrial design degree has a five-year completion time.
Coursework Sample:
- User-Centered Design Methods
- ID/ME Collaborative Design Studio
- Health Design Studio
Campus Location: Atlanta, GA
Accreditation:
- SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Retention Rate: 97.0%
Graduation Rate: 87.2%
Learn more about Georgia Tech’s BS in Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
15-20 students participate in the study-abroad opportunity every summer.
Arizona State University
On-campus Bachelor of Science in Design: Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
ASU’s BSD in Industrial design focuses on providing solutions beneficial for society and the environment. The program focuses on courses exploring the most recent trends and technologies and constantly seeking to impact all levels positively.
Students can further tailor their degrees by choosing a minor in interior design history, architectural studies, or landscape architecture.
Graduates are prepared for professional settings, from business to visual communication design. Students can take part in InnovationSpace, a transdisciplinary program that emphasizes teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Coursework Sample:
- Technical Drawing for Industrial Design
- Design for Ecology and Social Equity
- Human Factors in Design
Campus Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 88.2%
Retention Rate: 86.2%
Graduation Rate: 66.9%
Learn more about ASU’s Industrial Design, BSD.
Did You Know?
ASU offers various study-abroad opportunities to help students acquire information and a global perspective to prepare for a future-focused career.
University of Houston
On-campus Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
UH is the first institution in its area to offer a BS in industrial design degree. It’s also one of the most significant industrial design schools in the country.
The degree emphasizes addressing new learning structures by tying together and integrating design knowledge in fresh, practical, and significant ways for the student.
The main topics of the program include applied research, critical thinking, technology, and producing arts. Additionally, the program offers integrated disciplines in Architecture and Interior Architecture.
Coursework Sample:
- Design Issues
- Des Research Methodology
- Digital Art for Beginners
Campus Location: Houston, TX
Accreditation: SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Acceptance Rate: 65.5%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 62.6%
Learn more about UH’s BS in Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
Students can access various internships, job opportunities, and other resources at large organizations like the Texas Media Center and NASA.
Iowa State University
On-campus Bachelor of Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
ISU’s BID is another intensive degree program. Admitted students cannot directly enroll in the BID program. Students must complete the Core Design Program and apply for professional BID degree admission.
It is a nationally ranked industrial design program that allows students to tailor their course of study to include an emphasis area. Additionally, BID students will have access to their own private studio.
Students can minor in critical design, urban studies, design studies, digital media, and entrepreneurial studies.
Coursework Sample:
- Activity-Centered Industrial Design
- Materials and Processes in Industrial Design
- Strategic Design: Project Management
Campus Location: Ames, IA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Acceptance Rate: 91.1%
Retention Rate: 87.0%
Graduation Rate: 74.4%
Learn more about ISU’s Bachelor of Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
The program allows students to choose their own path to graduation. They must choose two practical experiences: Study abroad, Internship, and Sponsored-project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common job opportunities for Industrial Design graduates?
Bachelor’s in industrial design graduates pursue various design-related careers. Some, however, launch new businesses. A graduate can become:
- exhibit designer
- flatware designer
- furniture designer
- lighting designer
- toy designer
- watch designer
What practical skills do you need to become an effective Industrial Designer?
- Excellent CAD skills
- Strong knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles
- Strong computer software skills
- Good IT skills
- Experience with industry-specific modeling software
- Good at troubleshooting
- Excellent drawing/mechanical drafting
What is the career outlook in Industrial Design?
According to official data, the industrial design industry should experience a 3% increase in employment between 2021 and 2031. The annual median pay of industrial designers is $77,030.
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