Industrial Design Courses and Certificates
Do you enjoy art as well as technology? Earning a certificate in industrial design will prepare you for a career which blends the two. Learn more about courses and certificates in industrial design here. Schools offering Industrial Design degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Kinds of Industrial Design Certificates are Available?
Most certificate programs are designed to be completed in two semesters. Some programs may take three years part-time. Classes may be offered through daytime degree programs, or nighttime continuing education and professional development programs. Industrial design courses and certificate programs aren't generally available online but some schools may offer distance education options that focus on design principles and methods.
How Does This Field Help People?
Industrial designers reimagine products we use every day, trying to make them more beautiful, more ergonomic, more environmentally friendly or less expensive to manufacture. They also design brand-new products. Industrial designers work on products for the home, the office, and outdoors, including everything from automobiles to zippers.
What Prerequisites Will I Need?
For most certificate programs, you will not need to show any evidence of previous coursework. Creativity and an eye for color are helpful. You should also be comfortable working with sophisticated computer software. Some certificate programs are intended for people who already have a bachelor's degree, and in this case you may be required to show a portfolio of previous work. If a portfolio is expected, but you don't have one, you may be required to take extra classes in order to develop your portfolio.
What Are Some of the Courses I Might Take?
An industrial design certificate program will teach you the principles of design and introduce you to some of the computer software used in the industry, such as SolidWorks. Some programs may require you to take English composition as well as electives in other fields. Sample core courses might include:
- Drawing
- Color theory
- Digital photography
- 2D and 3D product design
- Product development
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
What Are My Career Options after Graduation?
A certificate in industrial design will help prepare you to work in the areas of product design and development. With your knowledge of CAD programs such as SolidWorks, you might become an an engineering technician or technical assistant. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement for a career in this field (www.bls.gov). You might be able to use some of your course credits towards a bachelor's degree in industrial design. Some certificate programs are intended for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another area, but would like to cross over to the field of industrial design.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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