From athletic wear and home goods to stereo systems and medical devices, in the industrial design degree you'll create and develop inventive products for both consumers and manufacturers.
Program skills
Students obtain a user-centered approach in identifying relevant user needs and defining design opportunities as well as a technical and theoretical understanding of materials and processes as they relate to manufacturing. They effectively use form color, graphics, materials in the development of product aesthetics, conceptual sketching, mixed media rendering, computer-aided design, and soft and hard model making.
Software Applications: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, InDesign), SolidWorks, Rhinoceros and AutoDesk Fusion 360.
Program facilities equipment
Computer labs offer students hands-on design experience using Macintosh and Windows platforms. The software includes Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, InDesign), SolidWorks, Rhinoceros and AutoDesk Fusion 360. Design courses are conducted in large studio spaces adjacent to a well-equipped model-making shop. Students have access to a variety of maker-space facilities within the College of Art and Design that include 3D printing, stereolithography, CNC and laser cutting.
Program job titles reported
Creative Director; Creative Designer; Entrepreneur; Ergonomist; Ethnographer; Industrial Designer; Product Designer; Researcher; Softgoods Designer; Structural Designer; User Experience (UX) Designer
Program significant points
- Commercial and industrial designers usually work closely with engineers, materials scientists, marketing and corporate strategy staff, cost estimators, and accountants.
- Those with strong backgrounds in engineering and computer-aided design, as well as extensive business expertise, will have the best prospects.
Select program hiring partners
Allegion, Bally Design, BioLite, Cascade Maverik Lacrosse, Core Home, FirstBuild, Fisher-Price Brands, GE Appliances, Hallmark Cards, Hamilton Beach Brands, MASH Studios, Melissa and Doug, Menasha Packaging, MSA Safety, Packaging Corporation of America, Pepsi, Rich Products, Staach, Inc., Staples,
The Timberland Company
88%
Outcome Rates*
54%
Knowledge Rate
| Outcome | % of Students |
|---|---|
| Employed | 84.00% |
| Full-time Graduate Study | 4.00% |
| Alternative Plans | 0% |
Experiential Learning
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete with real, relevant career experience that sets you apart. In the College of Art and Design experiential learning includes cooperative education and internships, international experiences, multidisciplinary projects, industry partnerships, and more. Participating in these opportunities is not only possible at RIT, but passionately encouraged.
Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are optional but strongly encouraged for students in the BFA in industrial design.
Creative Industry Day
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.