Industrial Design
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Total Credits
141-147 credits
Accreditation
Links
Contacts
Pre-major Advisor
Program Director
Program Overview
The industrial design program prepares graduates to begin working as practicing designers in corporate, consulting, or entrepreneurial positions. It is a Bachelor of Science degree accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Industrial design students are taught problem-solving methodologies, marketing principles, usability research, drawing skills, three-dimensional model-making techniques, materials, form theory, color application, manufacturing processes, ergonomics, and design principles.
In Western's Industrial Design program 97% of its graduates are working in industrial design or related design fields. Our alumni are professional designers at Nike, HP, Mountain Hardwear, Specialized Bicycles, Sonosite, Microsoft XBox, Ziba, Burton, Dakine, Intel, Boeing, Pensar, GE, Transition, Intermec, 3M, Proteus, Gillette, Expedia, Valve, Tactile, MSR, TEAGUE, Cascade Designs, Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast, Astro, and many more.
The Industrial Design program is different than other schools in that it is a Bachelor of Science housed in the Engineering & Design Department. This means that we have access to amazing manufacturing facilities: CNC, waterjet cutters, laser cutter, FDM 3D printing, composites lab, injection molders, extruders, milling machines, welding, CNC routers, paint booths and all the standard shop equipment that you need to make anything you can imagine.
Helpful documents
Kelsey, Class of 2022, received the West District Student Merit Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Originally from Colorado, Kelsey thinks good design elevates an experience and lends a sense of humanity to a user. She now works for Astro Studio in San Francisco.
Kelsey Leppek, IDSA Merit Winner 2022
Professional Credibility
The ID faculty have professional design experience and bring that perspective to the classroom. Professor Morris was Principal of Tool, Inc. a consulting firm in the Boston area. Professor Oslapas was a designer at Haworth Office Furniture in Michigan.
The Industrial Design program is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). To learn more about NASAD and their accreditation, visit www.nasad.arts-accredit.org.
“The Industrial Design community reaches well beyond the school, with alumni remaining connected to the program. This involves mentorship from industry professionals and internships being offered to current Western students.”
Dylan Willis, Class of 2022 Outstanding Graduate
Connect with us
“Being a part of the Industrial Design program has been a game changer. I'm thankful for the hands on learning experience and tight knit bond I made with my peers and professors. This program really sets you up for success after graduation. You will leave school with a portfolio of work and a skill set that enables you to gain a job in the industry. It makes all the countless hours of hard work pay off."
Jo Bloomfield, Class of 2021
