Industrial and Product Design
Total graduates
1,340
2025 · 62 schools
International share
13.2%
177 international students
Bachelor's degrees
1,194
9.9% international
Master's degrees
121
47.1% international
Overview
Industrial and Product Design is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the development of new products and systems that enhance user experience, functionality, and aesthetics. This discipline combines elements of engineering, design, and business to create innovative solutions that meet consumer needs and market demands.
Students in this major learn to sketch ideas, create prototypes, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to bring their concepts to life. The curriculum often includes courses in materials science, ergonomics, manufacturing processes, and sustainability, preparing graduates to consider not only the look and feel of a product but also its environmental impact and usability.
Industrial and Product Designers play a vital role in various industries, including consumer electronics, furniture, automotive, and medical devices. They work closely with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure that the final product is not only visually appealing but also functional, cost-effective, and manufacturable.
The field is increasingly focused on user-centered design, which emphasizes understanding the needs and behaviors of users to create products that enhance their daily lives. As technology advances, designers are also exploring the integration of smart technology and automation into products, making this a dynamic and evolving field.
Overall, a degree in Industrial and Product Design equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive job market, where creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities are highly valued. Graduates often find careers as product designers, design researchers, or project managers in various sectors, contributing to the development of innovative products that shape our world.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 2% and the international share went from 7.1% to 13.2%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 62 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | 197,830 | $33.92 | $70,560 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 93,560 | — | $94,700 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | 33,490 | $44.84 | $93,260 |
| Designers, All Other | 9,480 | $38.02 | $79,090 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.