Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
BS. IDS, Four-year Degree Program
Curriculum
The below course progression is an illustrative example. Students will work with their academic advisor to customize their schedule.
The ID Lab sequence I-IV is a progressive studio experience that builds from foundational exploration in the first year, to applied, human-centered design in the fourth year. Students move from developing visual awareness and creative thinking, into structured design processes, and ultimately toward complex, research-driven solutions that consider real users, contexts, and production realities. Across all design labs, emphasis is placed on critical thinking, iteration, communication, and professional skill development in both concept and execution.
This course examines how human factors and research methods inform the design process, to create user-centered solutions. By analyzing physical, psychological, and cultural contexts, students learn to apply ergonomic data and design philosophies to improve the relationship between people and the products they use.
This course develops visual communication and an understanding of form development primarily through freehand drawing. Students master representation techniques like perspective and orthographic views, learning to select the most effective visual tools to communicate design concepts clearly and professionally.
An introduction to computer aided two and three-dimensional design and modeling as applied in industrial design using both solid and surface software modeling techniques.
This course examines modern materials and manufacturing processes used in mass and rapid production. It explores how material science and process selection shape the design journey, focusing on practical application, environmental sustainability, and the impact of production on the end user.
This course examines the role of research in the design process and how it continuously redefines the profession. By studying real-world examples from contemporary design research firms, students explore the evolving identity and responsibilities of the modern designer.
This course focuses on the business of design, from assembling multidisciplinary teams to bringing products to market. Students explore how to build a business around design expertise, understand how design offices operate, and investigate the development and protection of intellectual property.
These elective courses connect professional practice, technical skills, and design theory to prepare students for industry. Students develop leadership in product development while building practical abilities, such as software proficiency and prototyping, or exploring key issues like ethics, sustainability, and universal design. Through topics ranging from packaging, and portfolio to design for social change, these courses strengthen understanding of both how and why design operates in an evolving professional landscape.
Degree Checksheets
The below checksheets outline official requirements to graduate with a BS in Industrial Design.
Concentrations
Based on their interests, Industrial Design students select a Role and Industry which comprises their Concentration.
Minors for Industrial Design Students
Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a minor that compliments their concentration. Below is a selection of minors recommended for industrial design students.
Description: This minor is valuable for students interested in industrial design and engineering, as it provides technical insight into how products are implemented. It helps build the vocabulary needed to collaborate with engineers and bring designs to production. The minor is flexible, offering electives in areas such as biomechanics, renewable energy, and more.
Career Outcomes: Industrial Designer, Design Engineer, Product Manager, Program Manager
Interest Alignment: This minor is valuable for students interested in AI, electronic products, digital prototyping, and UX/UI. Computer Science is a powerful combination with design, enabling students to build and launch a software product before graduating. The skills gained also make it possible to build interactive prototypes for hardware devices.
Career Outcomes: (UX/UI) Product Designer, Creative Technologist, Product Manager
Interest Alignment: Valuable for students interested in design management and how decisions are made about whether a product should be launched. It will enable designers to make the case for why a product should be developed from a financial perspective, enabling them to collaborate effectively with business colleagues.
Career Outcomes: Product Manager, Product Marketing Manager, Program Manager, Market Researcher, Merchandise Planner
Interest Alignment: Valuable for those interested in tech-enabled ecommerce brands, and developing storytelling for users across web, mobile, and social platforms. Students will be able to add customer-focused positioning to their design projects, concept marketing campaigns, and show why it will resonate with its users.
Career Outcomes: Product Marketing Manager, Program Manager, Market Researcher, Merchandise Planner
Interest Alignment: Valuable for those interested in user research, interactive data visualizations, environmental analysis, or public health informatics. Students will be able to apply quantitative methods to understand user behavior and discover meaningful problems from big data that are design-actionable.
Career Outcomes: UX Researcher, Information Designer, Market Researcher
Interest Alignment: Valuable for students interested in sustainable material selection, especially in packaging and consumer packaged goods. Students will develop a strong toolkit for prototyping with biomaterials, developing their own materials, and rigorously describing materials selection.
Career Outcomes: Industrial Designer, CMF Designer (Color, Material & Finish), Packaging Designer
Interest Alignment: For those interested in the intersection of materials and technology especially in health, medical, textile, or electronics applications. Students will be enabled to create projects with advanced materials and future-facing applications like self-cleaning coatings, smart textiles, medical wearables, and sensors.
Career Outcomes: Industrial Designer (esp. in medical, textile, electronics), CMF Designer (esp. materials innovation), Creative Technologist
Business Certificate
In partnership with the Virginia Tech Pamplin School of Business, Industrial Design students can receive a Business certificate when they complete 3-credit courses from the approved list.
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Be a part of our innovative Industrial Design program.