Prospective Students

The Industrial Designers Society of America
(IDSA) defines Industrial Design (ID) as: "the
professional service of creating and developing
concepts and specifications that optimize the
function, value and appearance of products
and systems for the mutual benefit of both user
and manufacturer."

In other words, we design products, devices, objects, and
services used by millions of people around the
world every day.

Industrial Designers are a vital element in the
process of product design. They stay ahead of
market trends and consumer preferences. This
allows them to help establish the language of a
product by creating its branding and identity.

Industrial designers are typically employed by
corporations that develop products or by
product design consultancies that service
inventors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers.
We have graduates working in: furniture,
appliances, housewares, transportation,
electronic and medical equipment, tools, toys,
user experience, exhibits, and packaging.

What is a designer’s average starting salary?

It's dependent on three factors: the size of the
hiring firm or company, the cost of living in the
employer’s city, and the type of design job.
Considering these three factors, an entry-level
position could pay from $55,000 to $115,000.

Before signing up any classes you'll need to fill out a pre-application. Generally about 91 apply and 40 make it into the preparatory program.

If you are accepted into the preparatory program, you will need to sign up for the following classes:

• InDes 130 Visual Literacy
• InDes 131 Structured Creativity
• InDes 132 Form & Surface
• InDes 133 Visualization Method

At this point, you will apply for the actual Industrial Design program. To do this you will need to fill out a professional application using work from the 4 classes that consist of the preparatory program. Generally every 15 out of 30 or 35 that apply, make it into the program.