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/Hybrid Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Industrial Design
Program Standouts:
NJIT’s BA 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%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Learn more about NJIT’s Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design.
Did You Know?
NJIT’s BA 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%
Retention Rate: 96%
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 a BA with honors in Design. Both programs have similar requirements to the BFA in Industrial Design degree. However, the BA degrees have a liberal arts focus.
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%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 66%
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: 66%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 38%
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.
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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 2% increase in employment between 2022 and 2032. The annual median pay of industrial designers is $75,910.
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