Degree Overview: Bachelor of Industrial Design Degree Program
Majors Overview April 15, 2015Get information about Bachelor of Industrial Design degree program and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Industrial Design Degree Program
Art, design, or architecture colleges within larger universities are the schools that typically offer the bachelor’s degree program in industrial design. Students are offered in-depth training in areas such as human-based design, mechanics, computer-aided design, concept development, and prototyping. Design-specific instruction is augmented through training in a diverse range of other disciplines, such as communications, anthropology, psychology, and sociology.
Apart from a Bachelor of Industrial Design, schools also offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Industrial Design programs. Coursework in the bachelor’s degree program in industrial design combines conventional classroom lectures, hands-on training in design studios and computer labs, practical training experiences, and independent design projects. These experiences may be available as workplace learning opportunities, such as internships.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Some schools require the submission of artistic portfolios of their choosing.
Coursework
Students learn the application of technological, visualization, and problem-solving skills in the development of the appearance, form, and function of an array of industrial products, automobiles, furniture, electronic appliances, medical equipment, and farm equipment. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Design prototypes
•Dimensional design
•Drawing
•Design visualization
•Design history
Career Choices
Those who complete the program can expect to become adept at executing many professional tasks; for instance, they will be able to communicate with engineers and accountants during the process of product development, conduct functionality tests, and carry out market research.
They may seek various career options in numerous professional settings in industries such as entertainment, consumer products, software, and auto manufacturing. Students may aim for job titles such as:
•Automotive designer
•Product designer
•Industrial designer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, lower-than-average job growth rate of four percent have been predicted for industrial designers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2013, industrial and commercial designers brought in an average annual wage of $59,610 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may opt for immediate employment or continue education by earning a master’s degree. Students enrolled in Master of Industrial Design programs involve themselves in examining contemporary manufacturing methods and design processes and materials. Students complete design studies and a final project.
