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School of Visual Art and Design

  • McMaster College

Industrial Design

Industrial designers shape the products, tools, technologies, and experiences people use—from furniture and wearable devices to medical equipment and consumer products. Through studio projects and hands-on making, you will learn to turn ideas into human-centered, tested prototypes for sustainable manufacturing. Developed in partnership with the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, the Industrial Design degree unites creativity, technology, craftsmanship, manufacturing principals, collaboration, and problem-solving. You will graduate with a professional portfolio and real-world industry experience that confirms your ability to design meaningful and functional systems and products for the world we share.

Master the art of making by connecting design, manufacturing and technology.

Launching in fall 2027, USC’s new B.S. in Industrial Design will prepare you to design physical products for the people and industries who use them. In your design and engineering coursework, you will learn how form, materials, manufacturing and the design process shape the objects and systems people use each day.

What You Will Study

  • Design with people in mind

    Research user needs and turn your findings into product ideas that are useful in everyday life.

    Learn through making

    Turn your sketches into physical models and working prototypes. In our studios and makerspace, you will test how a product works and refine your design.

    Connect design and engineering

    You will learn to design human-centered products that are visually compelling, functional, sustainable, and ready to be made.
Person working on a laptop displaying a digital vehicle model, with automotive components in the background.

Industrial Design Courses and Careers

Your studio work will progress from product design fundamentals to advanced collaborative projects. Courses in design research, visualization, materials and manufacturing—along with an internship and senior capstone—will help you develop a professional portfolio for careers in product design, furniture design, computer aided design and digital modeling.

Teach Industrial Design at USC

The School of Visual Art and Design is building its Industrial Design program for fall 2027. Explore open positions and learn more about opportunities to join USC.

Explore open positions in the School of Visual Art and Design

Program approval: The B.S. in Industrial Design was approved by the USC Board of Trustees in June 2026. Final approval from the state is pending in Fall 2026. More information about the degree will be posted soon. If you are a prospective student and would like to learn more about the B.S. in Industrial Design, reach out to the Director of the School of Visual Art and Design, Andrew Graciano, to set up an appointment: graciano@mailbox.sc.edu.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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