The bachelor of science degree program in industrial design prepares graduates to begin working as practicing designers in corporate, consulting, or entrepreneurial positions. The industrial design program requires a completion of a total of 185 quarter credit hours. Due to the intense nature of studio courses and the quantity of requirements, the period of education can generally be expected to stretch beyond four years, and admission into the upper-division program is competitive. Early advisement is critical for a timely graduation.
Industrial design students are taught problem solving methodologies, marketing principles, usability research, drawing skills (both by hand and by computer), three dimensional model-making techniques, materials, three-dimensional form theory, color application, manufacturing processes, ergonomics, and design theory. These skills are applied in the design of many new and innovative products which eventually comprise the student's portfolio. The industrial design program requires long hours of concentrated effort and skill, especially in the upper division courses.
How large are Industrial Design classes?
Junior and senior classes are limited to 12 students in each studio class. Sophomore level Industrial Design classes typically range from 20 to 30 students.
Is distance learning available at WWU?
We do not offer a distance learning program for industrial design. Our course content constitutes class critiques, in-class demonstrations (daily for the drawing classes), team projects, field trips, and other activities which necessitate class attendance. We rely heavily on the ‘studio’ environment where students have 24 hour access to their own spaces and learn just as much from each other as they do from their teachers.
WWU ID Facilities
The students are provided work spaces in a studio environment where they can accomplish their assignments and complete their projects. Both junior and senior studio spaces are equipped with personal desks, wireless high speed internet, personal storage units, and furniture. Each studio also has a sink, microwave, and refrigerator.
The facility also has a well equipped shop with both wood- and metal machinery, a walk-in paint booth, along with courses that teach the use of these tools. Additional facilities within the Engineering Technology Department that are available to students as they enroll in the respective support courses. These labs include CNC machining, rapid prototyping, injection molding, composite materials, electronics, and soft-tooling labs.