This rigorous, four-year Bachelor of Science program prepares students to work in industry as designers of mass-produced goods. These range from such items as a home coffee pot constructed with new composite materials, to the specifications for a jet aircraft’s control panel.
Today’s industrial designer helps create products that are safer, easier to use, aesthetically pleasing, highly cost effective, and environmentally friendly. The industrial designer is an artist and a specialist who understands how the selection of materials, the rigors of the manufacturing process and marketing goals must work together to create products that are useful, durable and attractive to customers.
The program emphasizes aesthetics and ergonomics, knowledge of basic materials, as well as an understanding of the technology of production. This background provides graduates with well-rounded skills that make them highly employable.
The curriculum is enriched by relevant course offerings from our Architecture, Graphic Design, Business Administration and Materials Technology programs.
Projects are carried out in collaboration with corporations, clients and with renowned design and product-development specialists.
Dedicated, computer-centric studio space is arranged to simulate the work dynamics and expectations of typical design consultancies. This prepares young designers for transition to the professional work environment.
Dedicated workshop facilities for wood, metal and plastics fabrication provide exceptional opportunities for design and development in a safe shop environment.
Fourth-year students begin increasingly independent and personal exploration of the profession. Through collaborative design projects, connections can be made with job markets of interest.
Curriculum
Industrial designers conceive and develop ideas for products that are useful, desirable and meaningful. At Philadelphia University, students are encouraged to define the profession as it relates to them and to choose those design tools and processes that best realize their interests and potential.
The curriculum places strong emphasis on critical thinking. Knowledge of ergonomics, as well as knowledge of basic materials, communication skills, computer skills and the technology of production is taught, as it is essential knowledge to the practicing design professional. The interdisciplinary structure of the Industrial Design program exposes students to courses in graphic design and architectural design. Other departments on campus act as project clients or design-team resources to simulate the reality students will encounter in their careers. Projects are carried out in collaboration with industry clients in the same manner that this would be done by design professionals. There is also the opportunity for students to take part in internships.
Industrial Design
Universities and Colleges offering Industrial Design
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