Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering
141-147 credits
Introduction
Industrial Design students learn creative problem-solving methodologies, design research, drawing skills, model making and prototyping techniques, materials, design software, manufacturing processes, user research, ergonomics, form development, and design theory. These skills are applied in the design of many new and innovative products which eventually comprise the student’s portfolio.
Why Consider an Industrial Design Major?
The Bachelor of Science Degree program in Industrial Design prepares graduates to begin work as practicing designers in corporate, consulting, or entrepreneurial positions. Industrial Design is a professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize function, value, and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both the user and the manufacturer.
The Industrial Design degree program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190; phone (703) 437-0700.
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Staff Designer for a corporation that manufactures, electronics, furniture, outdoor gear, etc. | Design Consultant working in a small design firm that consults with a variety of manufacturers | Entrepreneur developing new products and creating businesses.
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Declaration of Major
Entrance Portfolio Requirement
Declaration of a pre-major in the Industrial Design program at Western Washington University requires the submission of a portfolio which, in the judgment of the faculty, offers evidence of a candidate’s potential for success within the program.
A portfolio is a collection of an applicant’s best work, revealing the applicant’s interests and presented as professionally as possible. Applicants should submit work from high school/university courses, professional work, or self-initiated projects. For more information on design portfolios, please refer to the Industrial Design program website, cse.wwu.edu/engineering-design/industrial-design.
Portfolios are reviewed by an industrial design committee three times per year prior to the quarter of acceptance into the pre-major. Submission deadlines are posted on the Industrial Design program website. If applicants do not qualify for acceptance one quarter, they may apply for a following quarter after improving the content of their portfolio.
Since the sophomore series of design courses begins in the fall and the courses are sequential, it is highly recommended that transfer students begin studies in the fall quarter or earlier. Most Industrial Design courses are only offered one quarter per year and serve as prerequisites for the subsequent courses, so it is important to begin the sequence in September.
Entrance Portfolio Submission Format
To apply for admission to the pre-major, an individual must submit a portfolio according to the format and content guidelines listed on the Industrial Design website.
Sophomore Portfolio Review
The sophomore portfolio review is held once a year during the third week in March and takes place after the pre-major courses have been successfully completed. Students will be selectively admitted as Industrial Design majors based on their performance as pre-majors.
The requirements for this second portfolio review include successful completion of the following classes: MATH 115 or MATH 118; PHYS 114; ENGR 101; ENGR 115; ID 110 or ART 110 or DSGN 220; ID 120; ID 210; ID 220; ID 310; one Art History course (ART 109 recommended); a maximum of 110 credits remaining to graduate; and a portfolio.
More information on the second portfolio review is available on the Western Washington University Industrial Design website. Early advisement is essential.
The Industrial Design program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190, phone 703-437-0700.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
The creation of innovative intellectual property is the cornerstone of the industrial design profession, and the academic dishonesty policy will be scrupulously observed; students should take note that plagiarized responses to course curriculum will not be counted for grading purposes and may result in ineligibility to be awarded the industrial design major.
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