Industrial Design Master of Fine Arts Degree
Industrial Design
Master of Fine Arts Degree
Overview
Form, function, and experience tell a story of considered design and the best possible outcome. The industrial design master's will enhance your career success by further developing your knowledge in design processes and technology. This project-based program allows you to explore design theory, design history, and human-centered design. You will conduct unique research on various topics of interest, which will further your understanding of the industry and society. As you conclude your studies, you will obtain hands-on experience in technical competence, analytical thought, sustainability, and transdisciplinary collaboration, all key to fueling your career.
RIT's Master's in Industrial Design
The industrial design MFA is for career enhancement or redirection. The educational experience is project-oriented, requiring research into design methods and technologies. Cross-disciplinary collaboratives provide an experiential dimension.
The first year of study includes seminar courses in design history and research, which are common to all graduate students in the School of Design. In addition, studio courses involve extensive design work with respect to sustainability, design process, the meaning of artifacts, and critical analysis. Additional course work using three-dimensional software for modeling and fabrication fills out the program.
In the second year students conduct research and develop a thesis project, which is presented in a graduate thesis exhibition or presentation, and is documented in a written thesis report.
Students are also interested in: Integrative Design MS, Architecture M.Arch.
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Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Join us virtually
Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Join us virtually
Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Industries
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Industrial Designer | Product Designer |
Salary and Career Information for Industrial Design MFA
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 graduate students in the MFA 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.
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Curriculum for Industrial Design MFA
Industrial Design, MFA degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| IDDE-607 | Technology Studio This course explores the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and other related technologies as tools for designing, modeling, visualizing, simulating and fabricating design solutions. Emphasis is given to the combination of digital and analog technologies, and the workflows for using them effectively in design process. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| IDDE-701 | Design Laboratory I Design Laboratory I is part one of a studio sequence that provides a forum for discourse and experimentation in design. Critical analysis, contextual relevance and research methodologies are developed and used as a means to define the role of design and the designer in creating consequential solutions for the social, economical and environmental betterment of the global communities. Projects will extend these ideas into the practice of industrial design as a mode of understanding the relationships that exist between the user, the community and the designed artifacts. Opportunities for inter and trans-disciplinary collaborations will broaden the scope of the projects. We will design through a process of iteration and reiteration, empathic exploration, and the development of the physical artifacts. Categories of products may include: consumer goods, equipment, transportation, furniture, or packaging. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| IDDE-702 | Design Laboratory II This course is the second of a two-course studio sequence that provides a forum for discourse and experimentation in design. Course continues the methodology established in Design Laboratory I, and extends the scope to human-centered concepts, artifacts and systems at both local and global levels. Assignments will include topics such as: responsible design practices, universal design, environmental sensibility, project management and fabrication. (Prerequisites: IDDE-701 or equivalent course and a student in the IDDE-MFA program.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| IDDE-703 | Function of Form The first of a two-semester sequence, this course emphasizes the experience of seeing, developing, and manipulating three-dimensional forms and compositions. Projects focus on developing the ability to see, organize, and understand the ambiguity inherent in the design process through the study of three-dimension design elements, the analysis of their relationships and the subsequent sensory responses. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| IDDE-704 | Form of Function The second of a two-semester sequence, this course emphasizes the technical skills necessary to manipulate material and data for the accurate three-dimensional communication of design intent. Projects focus on understanding the relationship of materials, manufacturing processes, products and the user. (Prerequisites: IDDE-703 or equivalent course and a student in the IDDE-MFA program.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| IDDE-705 | 2D Ideation and Visualization The first of a two-semester visualization sequence, this course focuses on developing the skills and methods necessary to generate, visualize and define design concepts in two-dimensions, in both analog and digital formats. Assignments may include orthogonal views, perspective drawings and descriptive illustrations, as means to develop and communicate design solutions. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| IDDE-706 | Integrated Design Visualization The second of a two-semester visualization sequence, this course further develops analog and digital visualization techniques, while expanding on graphic and three-dimensional components needed to create effective presentations and the workflows to achieve them. Assignments will also include crafting visual and verbal presentations that synthesize the concepts developed. (Prerequisite: IDDE-705 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| IDDE-711 | Design Research and Proposals This course focuses on developing research skills in the field of design. Emphasis is placed on an exposure to a wide range of methods, research sources, data collection, and evaluation. Students will select and plan a design research topic, conduct a search for background material, construct a proposal, and defend their research topic. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA, CMGD-MFA and IDDE-MFA majors and other CIAS and RIT graduate students with permission of instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| VCDE-701 | Design History Seminar This seminar focuses on a basis in the history of design, which complements the overall graduate studies in the School of Design. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course is thematic and emphasizes performance on the part of the student in dynamic dialogue on course topics. The course content focuses on subjects relative to the history and theory of design (people, processes, products, environment, culture and places), critical thinking and contextual historical issues. Students are expected to read seminal design articles, write critical essays and questions and to participate in weekly discussion groups. On-line technology is utilized in addition to slide lectures. (This course is restricted to students in the VISCOM-MFA, GRDE-MFA, CMGD-MFA and IDDE-MFA majors and other CIAS and RIT graduate students with permission of instructor.) Lecture 2, Seminar 2 (Fall). |
3 |
Open Elective |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| IDDE-671 | Graduate ID Studio I This is the first part of a two-course series that provides opportunities for fine-tuning of design process and development of meaningful solutions across multiple scenarios. Projects and assignments will explore the application of design methods and skills. Projects will also address large-community and global problems requiring team-based, trans-disciplinary collaborations. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| IDDE-672 | Graduate ID Studio II This is the second part of a two-course series that provides opportunities for fine tuning of design process and development of meaningful solutions across multiple scenarios. Projects and assignments will expand on the application of design methods and collaboration. Course content will integrate current and emerging technologies that influence design practice as well as society and culture. A strong focus will be on the testing and implementation of design solutions in effective ways. (This course is restricted to students in IDDE-MFA.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| IDDE-790 | Thesis: Research and Planning The first of a two-course thesis sequence, the focus of this course is on establishing content, planning, scheduling, and research seeking innovative solutions through the process of concept development, ideation, and in-process evaluation. Final articulation of the project is approved by a faculty committee, presented in a graduate thesis show and accompanied by a written document that addresses how the theories and methods used in the project impact the current and future state of design in society. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall). |
6 |
| IDDE-890 | Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation The second of a two-course thesis sequence, this course focuses on continued concept development of a thesis, concluding with the implementation and retrospective evaluation of chosen design problem. Solution is presented in a public exhibition, complemented by a written articulation of how the theories and methods employed in the project impact the current and future state of design in society. (Prerequisite: IDDE-790 or equivalent course.) Thesis 9 (Spring). |
6 |
Open Electives |
9 | |
Art History Elective* |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 60 |
|
* Art History Elective refers to any graduate level non-studio course searchable in SIS with the Art History attribute of ARTH.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MFA program in industrial design, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete a graduate application.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates strong design skills, visual sophistication, and aesthetic awareness. (Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.)
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives detailing the professional goals the candidate wishes to achieve, and the attributes the candidate brings to graduate study.
- Submit three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with balance sub-scores) is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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October 20, 2021
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September 7, 2021
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New leadership roles, faculty hires highlight changes in College of Art and Design
RIT's Schools of Art, American Crafts, Film and Animation, and Photographic Arts and Sciences are all under new leadership.
