Industrial Design

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program focused on the creative, technical, and practical aspects of designing innovative products and systems that enhance everyday life. This program prepares students to become professionals capable of developing functional, sustainable, and aesthetically compelling solutions across a variety of industries, including consumer goods, electronics, transportation, and healthcare. The curriculum emphasizes user-centered design principles, human factors, ergonomics, and the integration of new technologies such as 3D modeling, digital fabrication, and sustainable materials. Students gain hands-on experience through diverse projects, studios, and collaborative workshops that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. The program balances artistic creativity with engineering fundamentals, ensuring graduates are equipped to address complex design challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. Faculty members bring extensive professional experience and research expertise, providing mentorship and industry connections. The industrial design program at ASU also encourages students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling them to bring innovative ideas from concept to market successfully. State-of-the-art facilities, including prototyping laboratories, digital studios, and fabrication workshops, support experiential learning. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in industrial design firms, corporate in-house design teams, startups, and research institutions, making meaningful contributions to product development, branding, and user experience design. The program also offers opportunities for internships, study abroad, and interdisciplinary collaboration, enriching students’ educational experience and professional network. Overall, the Industrial Design program at Arizona State University is committed to fostering creative, sustainable, and user-focused design professionals who can shape the future of consumer products and systems worldwide.

• 36 credit hours and a thesis, or 
• 36 credit hours including the required applied project course (DSC 593)

Students may choose to complete their graduate work by way of a thesis or an applied project. A master's degree thesis is a scholarly endeavor that demonstrates the ability of the author to do supervised research and intellectual writing. The applied project is somewhat different. It includes a project and a written document and is a scholarly endeavor that demonstrates the ability of the designer to do supervised research and present substantial evidence of the ability to apply research creatively to a design situation.

1. All applicants must submit an online graduate admission application and hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university recognized by ASU.
2. All applicants must have completed a program in design and must hold a bachelor's degree in graphic design, industrial design, interior design or a related design discipline. When applying for admission, applicants must declare one of seven concentrations:
   • arts, media and engineering
   • design of health care and healing environments
   • industrial design
   • interaction design
   • interior design
   • new product innovation
   • visual communication design
3. Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by the Division of Graduate Education.
4. An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) is required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. The minimum score for admission to the program is 80 (Internet-based) or 550 (paper-based). Other information for international applicants can be found at https://students.asu.edu/graduate/proficiency.
5. A portfolio, letter of intent, and contact information for three references must also be submitted via SlideRoom (https://asuherberger.slideroom.com). The Design School requires that these be submitted in addition to the Graduate Education application requirements.

No GRE test is required.

Admission to the program is selective. Admission cannot be deferred; students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted, otherwise they will need to go through the entire application process again for the year in which they are applying.

Teaching or Research Assistantships

Applicants wishing to be considered for teaching or research assistantships should submit an additional statement outlining areas in which they feel competent to serve as a teaching or research assistant. All interested applicants can apply for a teaching assistantship position online. The link to the application will be provided on the MSD website.

All international teaching or graduate assistants whose primary language is not English are required to be certified in their English language abilities. Those individuals for whom English is not their native language will be required to submit a Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) score, which is administered at ASU. Students also have the option of completing the Test of Spoken English, administered directly by the Educational Testing Service. For this group, no personnel action form will be signed until this examination has been successfully completed.

A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting the department.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Division of Graduate Education and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Scholarships

• Teaching or Research Assistantships
• Global Education

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in the field of product and industrial design. This program emphasizes developing strong skills in conceptualization, prototyping, and user-centered design, equipping students to create innovative products that meet societal needs and enhance user experience. The curriculum integrates principles of engineering, ergonomics, aesthetics, sustainability, and technological innovation, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the multidisciplinary nature of industrial design. Students have opportunities to learn through hands-on projects, including studio work and collaborative exercises, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency.

Arizona State University's industrial design program benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, labs, and fabrication workshops. Faculty members are accomplished professionals and scholars in the field, providing mentorship and industry insights. The program encourages experiential learning through internships, industry partnerships, and participation in design competitions, which helps students build professional networks and gain real-world experience. Furthermore, the curriculum adapts to emerging trends and technologies in the design industry, such as sustainable materials, digital manufacturing, and augmented reality, preparing students for the evolving landscape of industrial design.

Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in various sectors, including consumer product design, automotive, healthcare devices, furniture, and technological hardware. They often find employment in design consultancies, manufacturing companies, or go on to start their own ventures. ASU’s location and connections facilitate industry engagement and opportunities for internships and employment after graduation. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical responsibility in design practice, ensuring graduates can contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. Overall, ASU's industrial design program aims to foster innovative thinkers and effective practitioners capable of making significant contributions to the field.