Career Karma
Product design influences our lives through the products we use every day. Because of their job’s impact on many people, product designers must have the proper knowledge and skills to create and innovate products. So if you’re an aspiring product designer, the first great step you can take is to find the best product design bachelor’s degree that will prepare you for excellence.
In this guide, we compile the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Product Design you can get from some of the best schools in the country. You’ll also learn about each product design bachelor’s degree program’s admission requirements and process. We include information too on the product design bachelor’s degree jobs you can have after graduation. Let’s begin.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design?
The best schools to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design include Arizona State University, Drexel University, and Southern New Hampshire University. Syracuse University and the University of Minnesota are also some of the best schools to explore product design degrees.
What Schools Offer the Best Product Design Bachelor Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Drexel University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Syracuse University
- University of Minnesota
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design program include a high school diploma and official school transcripts, and some schools require standardized test scores such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT). The same goes for a grade point average (GPA), only select schools require a minimum GPA.
Additionally, you’ll need to submit an extensive portfolio of your original work, a letter of recommendation, and a college essay. Student applicants whose first language isn’t English need to submit proof of English proficiency.
Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma
- Official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 2.0
- Standardized test scores
- Portfolio of original work
- College essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency for international students
How to Get a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree
You get a product design bachelor’s degree by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements, such as earning the required credits for the program or completing a capstone project or internship. These credits encompass core, general, and elective courses, internships, and final project credits.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design?
You need at least 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, although the total credit hours can be as high as 180 credits, depending on the institution. Your coursework should include about 30 credits in core courses, nine to 12 credits in elective courses, and around nine credits in general education courses.
Product Design Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 180 credits
- A satisfactory GPA throughout the program
- Completion of coursework including general education, core, and elective courses
- Capstone project or internship
Best Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Design—Industrial Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Product Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Iowa State University | Bachelor of Industrial Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Pratt Institute | Bachelor of Industrial Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Syracuse University | Bachelor of Industrial Design in Industrial and Interaction Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Minnesota | Bachelor of Science in Product Design | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Product Design: Top Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
We’ve compiled a list of the best schools with the top product design bachelor’s degree programs. Product design bachelor’s programs are available in many institutions, but we highlight 10 of the best programs in this section. Below is an in-depth description of each program.
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Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University (ASU) is a four-year public research university that was founded in 1885 to train teachers. It later transitioned to diversifying its academic offering beyond teaching. Currently, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the United States, with a student population of approximately 77,000 and world-class faculty.
Bachelor of Science in Design—Industrial Design
The Bachelor of Science in Design—Industrial Design is offered at ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. It covers courses in design awareness, industrial design principles, general physics, and graphics for industrial design. You’ll need 120 credit hours to complete this degree.
This product design bachelor’s degree prepares you for careers in various industries, including consumer goods, healthcare products, transportation, and user design interface. You’ll also learn how to create products that impact society without affecting the environment.
Bachelor of Science in Design—Industrial Design Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition & Fees: $159/credit-$172/credit (in state), $781/credit-$1,200/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person, online
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%
Bachelor of Science in Design—Industrial Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $50 (residents), $70 (non-residents), $70 (online), $85 (international applicants)
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts, top 25% in high school graduating class, course competency including 4 years of math, 4 years of English, 3 years of lab sciences, 2 years of social sciences, 2 years of the same second language, 1 year of fine arts or 1 year of career and technical education
Applying to Arizona State University
- Create an account and fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your official transcripts and optional test scores.
- Monitor your application status.
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or scholarship forms if you need financial aid.
Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University is a private, nonprofit university that was founded in 1891. It’s known for its world-class contribution to research and its focus on cooperative education. This school has one of the best cooperative education programs in the US with hands-on student support services. Currently, it offers over 200 programs to over 23,000 students across 15 colleges and schools.
Bachelor of Science in Product Design
This Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design is available at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. It’s a full-time program requiring 88 credit hours from general, core, and elective courses and a product design project. Its curriculum uses experiential learning in product design research methods, design, development, and marketing.
Some courses in this program include subjects like model making, design visualization, computer-aided imaging, and design tools. All students must also complete a six-month professional cooperative education experience in their junior year. Upon graduation, you can build a career in a wide range of industries as an industrial designer, design researcher, or medical device designer.
Bachelor of Science in Product Design Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition and Fees: $17,956/term-$18,405/term
- Required Credits: 188 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%
Bachelor of Science in Product Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $50
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, portfolio with eight to 12 samples
Applying to Drexel University
- Review Drexel University’s admission requirements and application deadlines.
- Complete the common or coalition application.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
- Submit transcripts, portfolio, and all required documents.
- Apply for financial aid.
Iowa State University | Ames, IA
Iowa State University (ISU) is a four-year public university enrolling about 32,000 students. The university began in 1858 and has become one of the leading public research universities in the country. It’s known for its excellence in technology, science, and innovation. It’s also home to the first tornado simulator, high-resolution virtual reality lab, and electronic digital computer.
Bachelor of Industrial Design
ISU’s College of Design offers this industrial design degree program to prepare students for creative careers in various organizations. Students need to complete one year of pre-professional core design program before finishing three years of professional studies. Course topics include design sketching and visualization, computer-aided design, manufacturing techniques, and user experience design.
The upper-level classes in this product design bachelor’s degree program feature study abroad programs that allow you to connect with a global design community. You’ll also learn crucial problem-solving skills to apply to different career fields
Bachelor of Industrial Design Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition and Fees: $612/credit (in state), $1,270/credit (out of state), $1,472 (international)
- Required Credits: 133 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 75%
Bachelor of Industrial Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $40
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, course requirements including 4 years of English/language arts, 3 years of math, 3 years of science, 2 years of social studies
Applying to Iowa State University
- Create an account on the school’s application website.
- Fill out the online application.
- Finalize and submit your application.
- Pay the application fee.
Pratt Institute | Brooklyn, NY
Pratt Institute is a four-year private, nonprofit institution that was founded in 1887, offering architecture, fine arts, and engineering programs. Pratt has an additional satellite campus in Manhattan and an extension campus in Utica, New York. With a student population of over 4,000, Pratt is currently the premier school for arts, culture, design, architecture, and business programs.
Bachelor of Industrial Design
Through this program, students experience hands-on learning that allows them to create game-changing products and systems. They learn practical skills and the significance of critical thinking, creativity, and solving real-world problems through product design. Students also experience rich cultures through visits to world-class museums, art and design events, and galleries.
Apart from a major capstone studio project, students must complete courses in visualization, time and movement, design studio, and design engineering. Upon graduation, they’ll have the professional education to thrive in product design, shoes and athletic gear design, and even food design.
Bachelor of Industrial Design Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $1,793/credit
- Required Credits: 126 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%
Bachelor of Industrial Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $50 (residents), $90 (international applicants)
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts, letter of recommendation (optional), visual or writing portfolio, essay, proof of English language proficiency for international students
Applying to Pratt Institute
- Create an account and log in to the Common App.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your high school transcript and other documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Track your acceptance status.
Rhode Island School of Design | Providence, RI
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is among the first four-year art and design schools in the US and was founded in 1877. The school has a student population of over 2,000. It’s known for its bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts and liberal arts. RISD also focuses on studio-based learning, which is vital for providing practical experience to students.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design
This bachelor’s degree requires 126 credits. Its curriculum covers design principles, theory, history of arts, and manufacturing techniques. In this program, you’ll learn to communicate your design intent, conceptualize ideas, and collaborate effectively. The school lists its tuition amount as the full price of the program, and you must commit to two years of full-time studies at the campus as part of the residency requirements.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design Overview
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition: $78,941 (full program)
- Required Credits: 126 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 89%
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $60, plus additional $10 (portfolio submission fee)
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Academic transcripts, 12- to 20-sample original work portfolio, college essay, letter of recommendation, proof of English language proficiency for international students
Applying to Rhode Island School of Design
- Submit your application through the Common Application.
- Upload your portfolio and assignment through SlideRoom.
- Submit transcripts and required documents through the Common App or mail to the school’s admissions office.
- Pay the application fee and complete your application.
Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY
Rochester Institute of Technology is a nonprofit private institution that was founded in 1829. It offers a wide range of degrees, including over 120 undergraduate programs, to a student population of nearly 18,000 students. The institute is known for its emphasis on career-specific education and outstanding computing, technology, and engineering programs.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design
This four-year degree includes core courses, studio and open electives, liberal arts courses, and art history electives in which students can successfully learn all they need to know about the design of products. From its 120-credit coursework, you’ll gain essential skills in computer literacy, photography, design perspectives, and 3D prototyping. Students will also get access to career services and real-world experience from cooperative education and internships.
The School of Design offering this program maintains membership with professional organizations that facilitate job placement. They include the American Institute of Graphic Arts, ACM Siggraph, and the American Institute of Architects. You can also opt for a combined degree or accelerated Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program, allowing you to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in five to six years and have an even more successful career.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition (and fees): $72,354/year (full-time), $1,817/credit (part-time)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $65
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: School transcripts, letter of recommendation, original artwork portfolio
Applying to Rochester Institute of Technology
- Complete the online application via Common Application or RIT Application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit all required documents.
- Track your application status.
Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university that was founded in 1932. It’s one of the largest universities in the US, with a student population of approximately 135,000. This university based in the city of Manchester, New Hampshire is popular for its academic rigor and courses in management, engineering, social science, and communication.
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts
This 120-credit degree prepares students for professional graphic design careers, including roles in a product design team. Its product design courses include designing with data, user interface and experience, and advanced digital imaging. After graduation, students in this college degree program will be expected to be capable of solving complex user design problems and developing visual media elements.
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts Overview
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition (and fees): $15,000/year (full-time)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 37%
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.75
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: None
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, essay
Applying to Southern New Hampshire University
- Complete the online application.
- Provide all the necessary information and documents.
- Talk to an SNHU admissions counselor for financing options.
Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University is a four-year university that was founded in 1870. The private university enrolls approximately 21,000 students across 13 colleges and schools. It’s known for its contribution to research, innovation, and career-centered programs in the industrial design field.
Bachelor of Industrial Design in Industrial and Interaction Design
You will complete this 150-credit program in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The courses cover industrial and interaction design areas like production processes, digital surface modeling, principles of industrial form, analog design tools, and digital media. Earning this degree allows you to work in high-demand design firms in consumer-driven fields.
Bachelor of Industrial Design in Industrial and Interaction Design Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition and fees: $80,039 (cost of attendance)
- Required Credits: 150 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%
Bachelor of Industrial Design in Industrial and Interaction Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $85
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, portfolio, senior year grade report, two academic recommendations, high school counselor evaluation
Applying to Syracuse University
- Complete the online Common Application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your portfolio and other required documents.
- Wait for the admission decision.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL
Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a four-year public university known for its engineering and business programs. It has a population of nearly 53,000 certificate, undergraduate, and graduate students. The university has won over 20 Pulitzer awards and is known for inventing the first Graphical Web Browser, among other exciting inventions.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design
In this product design-related degree, you’ll understand design history, user experience, and design process. Its 122 credit-hour curriculum includes visualization drawing, human-centered product design, and product innovation. Apart from coursework, you’ll also enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, such as 3D printers, laser-cutters, and collaborative studio spaces.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition and fees: $17,138/year-$22,324/year (resident), $35,110/year-$42,796/year (non-resident), $36,018/year-$45,774/year (international)
- Required Credits: 122 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 86%
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.29
- Standardized Tests: SAT and ACT
- Application Fee: $50 (domestic), $75 (international)
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: School transcripts
Applying to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Prepare all your application materials.
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit all the required application materials.
- Check your application status.
University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN
The University of Minnesota is located in one of the Twin Cities and was founded in 1851. It is one of the best public research universities nationwide. It enrolls 50,000+ students who complete undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Minneapolis and St Paul campuses in Minnesota. Moreover, the university is known for its solid tradition of public service and commitment to education.
Bachelor of Science in Product Design
The Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design equips students with a strong educational foundation through industrial and product design principles. Classes in this program include concept sketching, computer modeling, and model making. It also explores courses on physics, product engineering, and pricing negotiations.
Before graduation, students will work on a portfolio and complete an internship for gaining real-world experience. They also have an opportunity to learn in Auckland, Copenhagen, or London. Skills acquired on a daily basis from this product design bachelor’s degree program prepare you to become a product design master and explore careers such as industrial designer, design researcher, or product developer.
Bachelor of Science in Product Design Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $521/credit (residents), $1,236/credit (non-residents)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: Four years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 84%
Bachelor of Science in Product Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.0
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $55
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Academic records
Applying to University of Minnesota
- Complete the Golden Gopher Application or the Common Application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your academic records.
- Monitor your application status.
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What Is a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree?
A product design bachelor’s degree is a degree earned after completing a four-year program that introduces you to product design fundamentals and advanced learning and equips you with the skills to pursue a product design career. The degree develops your creative skills in conceptualizing ideas and technical skills in bringing them to fruition.
In a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll have four years to perfect your craft and gain marketable skills like visual design, UX and UI design, communication skills, commercial awareness, and CAD skills.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design
A Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design is very important, as it’s the minimum education requirement for a product design career in any industry. You can apply to well-paying engineering, manufacturing, or graphic design jobs. A bachelor’s degree lets you pursue advanced education, such as a master’s degree or doctorate in a field like product design or a related field.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Product Design?
There are a few types of bachelor’s degrees you can get in product design, including a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Product Design. A BS degree has more or less an equal weight between the science and art aspects of product design. BA and BFA degrees are more inclined to the arts. Their difference is that a BA degree tackles more on the liberal arts, while a BFA focuses deeper on design studies.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Product Design?
A Bachelor of Science degree is better if you’re into both the aspects of technology and design in creating products. In contrast, a Bachelor of Fine Arts would be your best choice if you want to exercise more of your visionary and creative approaches. Don’t forget to ensure that your chosen bachelor’s degree aligns well with your career goals.
What Is the Difference Between a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree and a Product Design Certificate?
The main difference between a product design bachelor’s degree and a product design certificate is that a product design bachelor’s degree takes longer and is more expensive than a product design certificate. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree is comprised of a set of courses, including core, general, and electives. With a product design certificate, you’re required to complete fewer courses, thus earning fewer credits than a bachelor’s degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), it costs approximately $25,487 to get a bachelor’s degree from a public university. This tuition rate might increase, depending on if you’ll choose to enroll in a private university that’s either a nonprofit or for-profit institution. Consider additional costs as well for books, supplies, and other miscellaneous fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a product design bachelor’s degree. Students need at least 120 credits to graduate, which translates to eight semesters at about 15 credits per semester. You’ll need approximately five courses per semester, as each course in a bachelor’s degree program usually has three credits.
Other product design bachelor’s degree credit requirements can go up to 180, depending on the institution. In this case, you’ll need to increase the courses you’ll take in some semesters to graduate within four years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design
It’s not hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, and as long as you have strong aspirations to be a product designer, you can easily complete the coursework required. Should you feel the need to learn more beyond the program, you can also always explore additional resources like books, online courses, and online professional communities.
Why Should You Get a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a product design bachelor’s degree because it gives you access to plenty of employment opportunities. Product design professionals are eligible for jobs in a wide variety of companies and industries that require their creative skills. You can work in the manufacturing, healthcare, retail, finance, or tech industry.
The best part of learning product design is acquiring artistic, technical, and marketable skills. You can apply for well-paying jobs or set up a successful freelance career as a product design graduate.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Product Design
The courses you need to take in a bachelor’s degree program in product design include Concept Sketching, Design and Visual Presentation, Design Tools, Human Factors, and Principles of Product Design. Below are descriptions of each product design course.
Concept Sketching
Concept sketching in product design involves creating ideas and delivering technical drawings with aesthetic features. In this course, you will learn visualization, idea generation, and drawing processes. You’ll also gain skills in speed, creativity, precision, and iteration.
Design and Visual Presentation
Visual presentation is central to product design. Professional designers spend a lot of time engaging with clients and presenting ideas to department heads and team members. Thus, apart from design and visual skills, this course hones your public speaking and interpersonal skills for presenting your designs.
Design Tools in Product Design
This course focuses on all the tools you can use in product design. Common tools and design software include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and Adobe XD. You’ll learn how to maximize these tools in designing product concepts that influence production and innovations.
Human Factors in Design
Human factors in design refer to the aesthetic, environmental, and organizational factors that influence product design processes. This course delves deep into how the human factors must be considered in the product and industrial design profession. For instance, you’ll understand how ethics, employee attitude, work patterns, policies, environment, and leadership influence and shape products.
Principles of Product Design
In this course, you’ll learn about user interactions, balance usability, and delivery outcomes. You’ll also learn about the principles and thinking behind every aspect of product design. It’s an essential course because it helps you understand the steps of successful production processes.
Continuing Education Paths for Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Some of the continuing education paths for product design bachelor’s degree graduates include pursuing a graduate program in product design or pursuing a wide range of licensing courses, short-term online classes, and certification courses for different industries.
Related Product Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best product design bachelor’s degree programs are accreditation, curricular content, faculty credentials, flexibility, and student services. We’ll take a closer look at each of them in the descriptions below.
Accreditation
In your research for the best schools and where to get your product design bachelor’s degree, always ensure that the university is accredited. An accreditation proves that the institution provides high-quality education and maintains approved standards. It also assures you that the education you’ll get is on par with, if not better than, other top universities.
Curricular Content
As mentioned above, product design bachelor’s degree programs focus on technical, creative, and entrepreneurial skills. Therefore, the best product design curriculum should include a course covering all these key skills. Course examples of good curricular content include user research, design thinking, user experience, model making, visual studies, leadership, and management.
Faculty Credentials
Faculty credentials are essential because you want to ensure that you learn from experienced and top-notch product design experts. You can go through the school website to find detailed information on faculty credentials. You can also talk to the admissions teams and find out these credentials.
Flexibility
As you select the best program, ensure the program meets your flexibility requirements. Higher learning institutions offer online, in-person, and hybrid classes to accommodate students from all walks of life. In addition, you can also apply for part-time or full-time studies, depending on your availability and study plan.
Student Services
A good Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design program must have services that promote student welfare. These services include academic advising, counseling, career services, and financial aid. Student services contribute to your academic success and enhance your learning experience.
What Is the Most Affordable Product Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable product design bachelor’s degree is currently offered by Arizona State University and its lowest tuition cost for in-state students is $159 per credit. This means that an in-state student only needs to pay around $19,000 for the full 120-credit program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Generally, the salary and job outlook for product design bachelor’s degree graduates are pretty high and graduates are employable across several industries. So, it’s easy to find full-time jobs and negotiate higher salaries because a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design provides you with technical, business, and creative knowledge that apply to any industry. Below, we detail the potential salaries and the highest-paying jobs in product design.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a product design bachelor’s degree because product design professionals are highly in demand as organizations diversify business strategies and compete for customer appeal using product design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects a four percent job growth rate for art and design occupations between 2020 and 2030.
There are also product design-related professions that have a higher demand compared to others. For example, BLS projects a six percent job growth rate for an industrial designer, whereas special effects artists and animators have a 16 percent job growth rate.
What’s the Average Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a product design bachelor’s degree is $68,000 annually, according to PayScale. Product design graduates also enjoy excellent benefits and perks, including medical insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and flexible saving accounts. Salary and other benefits may vary, depending on the level of experience, type of role, and industry.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Product Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a product design bachelor’s degree include graphic designer, user experience designer, and consumer product designer. You can also be a manufacturing engineer or software product designer. You can work in several fields, including the transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and tech industries.
Product Design Degree Jobs
- Consumer product designer
- Graphics designer
- Manufacturing engineer
- User experience designer
- Software product designer
Potential Careers With a Product Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design
You can make between $77,000 and $95,000 a year with a product design bachelor’s degree. The salary can be higher depending on the nature of the job you’ll take. Our list below highlights the average salaries for five high-paying jobs in product design.
Highest-Paying Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries Overview
| Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Industrial Engineer | $95,300 |
| Special Effects Artist | $78,790 |
| Fashion Designer | $77,450 |
| User Experience Designer | $77,301 |
| Industrial Designer | $77,030 |
Best Jobs for Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for product design bachelor’s degree grads are fashion designer, user experience designer, industrial designer, special effects artist, and industrial engineer. Below is an in-depth description of these jobs, including their salaries and job growth outlooks.
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Industrial Engineer | Average Salary: $95,300
Industrial engineers are in charge of production and manufacturing products. They also ensure all products meet quality standards and the client’s product specifications. One of their primary goals is to produce products with no defects or errors.
- Average Salary: $95,300
- Job Outlook: 14% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 292,000
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, Washington, California, Louisiana, New Mexico
Special Effects Artist | Average Salary: $78,790
Special effects artists create graphics and animations using software programs. You’ll work with animators and graphic designers to add visual effects to games, videos, apparel, and packaging. Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design hones your ability to create visually-appealing products and gain knowledge of 3D animation software.
- Average Salary: $78,790
- Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 62,400
- Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, California, Washington, New York, Washington DC
Fashion Designer | Average Salary: $77,450
Product design is a significant part of the fashion and design industry. Fashion designers apply their product design skills in designing original apparel and accessories. You will learn how to select the best materials, colors, designs, shapes, and more. Design tools and research allow you to study fashion trends, use computer-aided design programs, and present design ideas to stakeholders.
- Average Salary: $77,450
- Job Outlook: 0% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 27,800
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, New York, New Hampshire, Oregon
User Experience Designer | Average Salary: $77,331
User experience designers, also known as UX designers, focus on product development processes from inception to completion. Your primary role is ensuring the final product appeals to customer needs while incorporating company ideas. In addition, you will conduct extensive research, talk to customers and analyze market trends to create satisfying products.
- Average Salary: $77,331
- Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 199,400
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, New York, Iowa, California, New Jersey
Industrial Designer | Average Salary: $77,030
Industrial designers research, develop, test, and present design concepts for manufactured products. Daily duties include examining materials and manufacturing processes, presenting design concepts, consulting clients, and developing design models. Your bachelor’s degree enhances your proficiency in CAD software, design testing, and safety evaluation techniques.
- Average Salary: $77,030
- Job Outlook: 6% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 31,500
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, California, Rhode Island
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Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design is worth it. The skills you gain from the four-year degree are applicable in a wide variety of industries, thus guaranteeing job security. Product designers are also in high demand both globally and here in the US. So, pursuing this degree can be your key to a comfortable lifestyle as you apply for lucrative jobs with outstanding benefits.
Additional Reading About Product Design
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/product-design/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-design-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/learn-product-design-at-flatiron-school/
Product Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, product designing is a good career. It’s an exciting career path, as you can showcase your creativity and develop both entrepreneurial and technical skills. Additionally, product designers can work in various industries, thus expanding your options for a career in product design.
Yes, you can get senior roles with a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design. You can apply for these roles directly or pursue continuing education paths to increase your chances. For instance, you can get certifications, attend bootcamps, and enroll in online courses to boost your credentials.
No, you can’t get a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design for free. However, higher learning institutions offer financial aid through scholarships, student loans, or other flexible payment options. You can take advantage of these options to reduce your immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
Yes, you can get a product design bachelor’s degree in under four years. An accelerated degree program ensures you complete your degree sooner. Alternatively, if you already have an associate degree, you can transfer your credits and finish the bachelor’s degree within two or three years.
The post Best Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries appeared first on Career Karma.
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Shalom Kamau
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