Product Design MA

The MA program delivers professional-level study in product design, refining core skills while fostering innovative practices. Students engage in classroom, studio, and collaborative projects, incorporating emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—into the creative process to generate, refine, and visualize concepts. Each student develops a targeted professional portfolio, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as Color, Materials, and Finishes (CMF), Design Research, Experience Design, or AI-enhanced design methods, positioning them for career advancement or entry into new design fields.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree
Major Courses

This program is available online and on campus

School of Industrial Design

IND 610

Industrial Design Processes Major/3

Learn the fundamentals of design thinking. You'll discover the art, science, and business aspects of design. You'll learn through various design process techniques how to solve problems creatively.

IND 612

Industrial Design Drawing 1: Perspective Major/3

Learn to draw objects accurately. You'll use one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective, practice plotting light, shadow, and reflection, and use visualization methods and freehand drawing techniques to create accurate drawings of basic forms.

IND 621

Model Making Fall Studio Major/3

Turn concepts and two-dimensional sketches into quick three-dimensional product models. You'll focus on speed, safety, accuracy as you increase your ability to communicate and evaluate your ideas.

IND 630

Design Project 1 Major/3

Combine your introductory drawing and model-making skills to explore your personal and professional interests under an assigned general topic. You'll go through a typical design process that includes preparation, design research, design, and implementation phases.

IND 651

Materials and Processes Major/3

Develop your understanding of materials, the manufacturing process, and how both play a part in the design process. You'll investigate the major types of plastics and metal categories, their respective characteristics, and how they're used in various product manufacturing processes. (This course is cross-listed with IND 329 and LA 329.)

IND 662

Design Drawing 2 Major/3

Practical freehand sketching abilities are a valuable asset. You'll apply line, light, shade, shadow, value and contrast to shapes found in manufactured products, and begin the use of color. (This course is cross-listed with IND 211.)

IND 680

Design Project 2 Major/3

Merge your more advanced drawing, model-making, and digital modeling skills to explore your personal and professional interest within a broad topic through a more sophisticated design process.

IND 712

Design Drawing 3 Major/3

Rapid freehand sketching techniques will improve your work. You'll quickly sketch free and geometric forms focusing on textures and material delineation. (This course is cross-listed with IND 251.)

IND 730

Design Project 3 Major/3

Apply your advanced skills and sophisticated understanding of the design process to a topic of your choice. Prepare for MA final review or MFA midpoint reviews. Finish with a comprehensive portfolio piece.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Major Coursework	33
Graduate Liberal Arts	3
Total	36

MA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Cross Cultural Understanding course

Additional Information

Graduate Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Visual Communication

Produce work that demonstrates proficiency in branding, graphics, drawing, rendering, 3D modeling, and/or model making
Communicate product forms, scales, dimensions, proportions, functions, component layout, and user interactions

Design Process

Communicate findings from research and supporting materials
Clearly define the problem/opportunity, hypothesis, main objectives, and design criteria deduced from research findings
Use innovative processes and design methodologies to develop conceptually strong projects (including brainstorming, mapping, sketches, and synthesis/testing of many ideas)
Produce variety of original design ideas that address set design criteria and evaluate them to determine the most appropriate design directions
Explore and determine materials, color, form, manufacturing, ergonomics/human factors, and sustainability appropriate for the project(s)

Professional Readiness

Produce a cohesive portfolio tailored to reflect career goals
Communicate design story in clear and concise manner through portfolio pieces
Exhibit graphic sensitivity in portfolio design