Industrial Design Western Washington University

Overview

The Industrial Design programme at Western Washington University provides students with a professional foundation in creating and developing concepts for products and systems. This degree focuses on optimising the function, value, and appearance of everyday items for the benefit of both users and manufacturers.

Students engage in a rigorous design process that balances technical engineering with artistic expression. The curriculum covers a broad range of essential topics, including problem-solving methodologies, marketing principles, and usability research. You will also gain practical experience in three-dimensional model-making and ergonomics.

The training provided is deep and thorough, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills to carry complex projects from initial conception through to working prototypes.

Why Industrial Design at Western Washington University?

This award-winning programme is NASAD accredited, making it the only nationally recognised course of its kind in the region. Students benefit from faculty members who possess extensive professional experience as industrial designers, bringing real-world perspectives directly into the classroom environment.

The university offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated wood and metal machinery and a professional walk-in paint booth. Within the Engineering and Design Department, students can utilise advanced labs for CNC machining, rapid prototyping, and FDM 3D printing.

Additional resources include specialised areas for injection moulding, composite materials, electronics, and soft-tooling. The programme also boasts an impressive employment rate, with 97% of graduates currently working in industrial design or related fields at world-leading global organisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27690 per year
• National fee: USD 27690 per year
• Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Industrial Design
• Design Process
• Craftsmanship
• Aesthetics
• Problem Solving Methodologies
• Marketing
• Usability Research
• Model-making Techniques
• Manufacturing Processes
• Ergonomics
• Materials
• Design
• Rapid Prototyping
• Composite Materials
• Electronics

Careers with Industrial Design

Graduates are prepared for successful careers as practicing designers within corporate, consulting, or entrepreneurial environments. The programme has a strong reputation for producing professionals who are highly sought after by major international companies across various sectors.

Recent alumni have secured roles at prestigious organisations such as Nike, HP, Microsoft Xbox, and Boeing. Other graduates have found employment with specialised firms like Specialized Bicycles, Burton, Intel, and GE, working in roles ranging from junior designers to lead product developers.

The industry-focused training also prepares students for positions at creative agencies and tech giants including Google, Oculus, and Valve. Many graduates also pursue opportunities in outdoor equipment design with companies like Mountain Hardwear, Dakine, and Cascade Designs.