Industrial Design Division
Industrial Design Department
Course Descriptions
Product Design BS Course of Study
Our human-centered approach to product design provides an immersive experience in applying innovative design methods to create professional design solutions.
Along with core visual, creative, technical and analytical skills, students gain a comprehensive understanding of design research methodologies, business principles, materials technologies, manufacturing processes, global trends and sustainability through our state-of-the-art research lab, CMTEL (Color, Materials and Trends Exploration Laboratory).ß
Curriculum is subject to change.
For students entering Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 | |||
| Writing Studio OR Writing Studio: Intensive | 3 | ||
| Prototype Process 1 | 3 | ||
| Design Fundamentals 1 | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 1 | 3 | ||
| Product Design 1 | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 | |||
| 3 Credits of HHIS | 3 | ||
| Product Prototype Process 2 | 3 | ||
| Digital Design 1 | 3 | ||
| Design Fundamentals 2 | 3 | ||
| 2nd Term Review | 0 | ||
| Visual Communication 2 | 3 | ||
| Product Design 2 | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 | |||
| History of Industrial Design | 3 | ||
| Materials & Methods 1 | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 3 | 3 | ||
| 3D Modeling 1 | 3 | ||
| Product Design 3 | 3 | ||
| ID Graphics | 3 | ||
| TERM 4 | |||
| Human Factors & Design Psychology | 3 | ||
| Product Analysis | 3 | ||
| Product Design 4 | 3 | ||
| 4th Term Review | 0 | ||
| 3D Modeling 2 OR Intro to Zbrush for Wearables & Soft Goods OR Rhino: Basic Product Creation OR VR Modeling for Footwear | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 4 | 3 | ||
| Internship Portfolio | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 | |||
| Design for Sustainability | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 5 OR Product Interaction Studio | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 1 | 3 | ||
| Industrial Design Research | 3 | ||
| TERM 6 | |||
| Business of Design | 3 | ||
| 6th Term Review | 0 | ||
| Visual Communication 6 | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 2 | 3 | ||
| TERM 7 | |||
| The Design Professional | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 3 | 3 | ||
| Capstone Workshop | 0 | ||
| Transdisciplinary Studio | 3 | ||
| TERM 8 | |||
| Product Capstone Project | 3 | ||
| Professional Prep and Graduation Review | 3 | ||
| Grad Assessment | 0 | ||
| ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Humanities & Sciences electives: | |||
| Humanities | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences | 3 | ||
| Science & Technology | 3 | ||
| Business & Professional Practice | 3 | ||
| Any of the above | 6 | ||
| Studio Electives | 9 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total H&S Units | 42 | ||
| Total Studio Units | 90 | ||
| Total Required Units | 132 | ||
Graduate Industrial Design MS Course of Study and
Graduate Industrial Design MS/MBA—Innovation Systems Design
Our design methodology, which we refer to as Strategic Innovation, takes a systems-level view and strives to balance the business, technological and human aspects of any challenge.
By combining coursework in both business and making, this broadly applicable creative process produces empathetic solutions to essential human needs and allows designers—and enterprise—to be resilient and to grow.
The typical length of study for the MS in Industrial Design is six full terms, and the program may be completed in two years. Length of study for the MS/MBA dual degree in Innovation Systems Design, in conjunction with Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Management, is six full terms and may be completed in two years.
Curriculum subject to change.
For students entering Fall 2024
| TERM 1 | |
| M1 Studio | 3 |
| Visualization 1 | 3 |
| Visual Form 1 | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 1 | 3 |
| Sparks and Connections | 3 |
| 3D Development 1 | 3 |
| Visualization CG Lab | 3 |
| TERM 2 | |
| M2 Studio (Tactical Design) | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 2A | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 2B | 3 |
| Visual Form 2 | 3 |
| Visualization 2 | 3 |
| 3D Development 2 | 3 |
| Design Investigations | 3 |
| TERM 3 | |
| Materials and Methods 3A | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 3B | 3 |
| System Design Research | 3 |
| M3 Studio | 3 |
| 3D Development 3 | 3 |
| Visual Form 3 | 3 |
| Visualization 3 | 3 |
| TERM 4 | |
| 4th Term Review | 0 |
| Entrepreneur Methodology | 3 |
| M4 Studio | 3 |
| Visualization 4 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| TERM 5 | |
| Entrepreneur Studio | 3 |
| Workshop 5 | 3 |
| M5 Studio | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| TERM 6 | |
| Workshop 6 | 3 |
| M6 Studio | 3 |
| Completed Thesis | 0 |
| Electives | 6 |
| TOTAL | |
| Total Required Units | 99 |
| TERM 1 | |
| M1 Studio | 3 |
| Visualization 1 | 3 |
| Visual Form 1 | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 1 | 3 |
| Sparks and Connections | 3 |
| 3D Development 1 | 3 |
| Visualization CG Lab | 3 |
| TERM 2 | |
| M2 Studio (Tactical Design) | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 2A | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 2B | 3 |
| Visual Form 2 | 3 |
| Visualization 2 | 3 |
| 3D Development 2 | 3 |
| Design Investigations | 3 |
| TERM 3 | |
| Materials and Methods 3A | 3 |
| Materials and Methods 3B | 3 |
| System Design Research | 3 |
| M3 Studio | 3 |
| 3D Development 3 | 3 |
| Visual Form 3 | 3 |
| Visualization 3 | 3 |
| TERM 4 | |
| 4th Term Review | 0 |
| Drucker Business Courses | 18 |
| M4 Studio | 3 |
| TERM 5 | |
| Drucker Business Courses | 18 |
| M5 Studio (Thesis) | 3 |
| TERM 6 | |
| Workshop 6 | 3 |
| M6 Studio | 3 |
| Completed Thesis | 0 |
| TOTAL | |
| Total Required Units | 111 |
Spatial Experience Design Department
Course Descriptions
Spatial Experience Design BS Course of Study
ArtCenter’s Spatial Experience Design program complements rigorous coursework with hands-on experiences in professional settings.
Our students investigate every aspect of how we work, live and play to create spatial experiences that resonate in the global marketplace, from furniture and lighting design to conceiving restaurant and hospitality concepts.
Curriculum is subject to change.
For students entering Fall 2024
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 | |||
| Writing Studio OR Writing Studio: Intensive | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 1 | 3 | ||
| Spatial Design 1 | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 1 | 3 | ||
| Materials and Making | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 1 | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 | |||
| Branding Strategies | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 2 | 3 | ||
| Spatial Design 2 | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 2 | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 2 | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 | |||
| Illumination: Lighting | 3 | ||
| 3rd Term Review | 0 | ||
| Digital Process 3 | 3 | ||
| Spatial Design 3 | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 3: Applied Graphics | 3 | ||
| Color, Material and Concept | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 3 | 3 | ||
| TERM 4 | |||
| Intro to Modernism OR History of Industrial Design OR 3 Credits from Subject HHIS | 3 | ||
| GRID: Cog Sci+Spatial Design | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 4 | 3 | ||
| Spatial Design 4 | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 4 | 3 | ||
| Structure-Interior Architecture | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 | |||
| Theory of Structure | 3 | ||
| Sustainable Building Practices for Environmental Design | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| Sustainability Studio | 3 | ||
| Portfolio Studio | 3 | ||
| TERM 6 | |||
| 3 Credits from Subject HHIS | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 5 | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| 6th Term Review | 0 | ||
| Spatial Materials and Surfaces | 3 | ||
| Experience Design | 3 | ||
| TERM 7 | |||
| Human Factors and Design Psychology | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio OR Transdisciplinary Studio OR Designmatters Studio | 3 | ||
| Portfolio Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Degree Project: Development | 3 | ||
| TERM 8 | |||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| Degree Project: Studio | 3 | ||
| Senior Exhibition Design | 3 | ||
| ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Humanities and Sciences electives: | |||
| Humanities | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences | 3 | ||
| Science and Technology | 3 | ||
| Business and Professional Practice | 3 | ||
| Any of the above | 6 | ||
| Studio Electives | 6 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total H&S Units | 45 | ||
| Total Studio Units | 99 | ||
| Total Required Units | 144 | ||
Spatial Experience Design MS Course of Study
Learn to apply user experience-based design toward creating spaces that engage and delight the senses.
The typical length of study for the MS in Spatial Experience Design is four full terms plus one ArtCenter (ACL) summer term. The program may be completed in two years. A three-year option includes two additional full terms.
Curriculum subject to change
For students entering Fall 2024
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 - FALL | |||
| Digital Process 6: Spatial | 3 | ||
| Materials and Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| Spatial Scenography Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Advanced Spatial Graphics | 3 | ||
| Space, Brand and Experience | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 - SPRING | |||
| Digital Process 7 | 3 | ||
| Grad Seminar | 3 | ||
| Ambient Media and Interactivity | 3 | ||
| Spatial Scenography Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Theory, Concept, Culture | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 - SUMMER (ArtCenter Lite) | |||
| Internship OR Elective Course | 6 | ||
| TERM 4 - FALL | |||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| Thesis Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| Classroom to Career | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 - SPRING | |||
| Thesis Studio 2 | 6 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 2 | 3 | ||
| Graduate Exhibition Design | 3 | ||
| Completed Thesis | 0 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total Required Units | 66 | ||
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 - FALL | |||
| Digital Process 3 | |||
| Environmental Design 3 OR Experience Design | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 3: Applied Graphics & Interactive | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 3 | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio: Advanced Spatial Rendering | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 - SPRING | |||
| History & Theory of the Built Enviornment OR Modern Latin American Architecture | 3 | ||
| Environmental Design 4 | 3 | ||
| Design Lab 4 | 3 | ||
| Structure—Interior Architecture | 3 | ||
| TS: Advanced Spatial Rendering | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 - FALL | |||
| Digital Process 6 | 3 | ||
| Materials and Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| Spatial Scenography Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Advanced Spatial Graphics | 3 | ||
| Space, Brand and Experience | 3 | ||
| TERM 4 - SPRING | |||
| Digital Process 7 | 3 | ||
| Grad Seminar | 3 | ||
| Ambient Media and Interactivity | 3 | ||
| Spatial Scenography Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Theory, Concept, Culture | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 - SUMMER (ArtCenter Lite) | |||
| Internship OR Elective | 6 | ||
| TERM 6 - FALL | |||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| Thesis Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| Classroom to Career | 3 | ||
| TERM 7 - SPRING | |||
| Thesis Studio 2 | 6 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 2 | 3 | ||
| Graduate Exhibition Design | 3 | ||
| Completed Thesis | 0 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total Required Units | 96 | ||
Furniture, Lighting and Fixtures MS Course of Study
The typical length of study for the MS in Furniture, Lighting and Fixtures is four full terms plus one ArtCenter (ACL) summer term. The program may be completed in two years. A three-year option includes two additional full terms.
Curriculum subject to change.
For students entering Fall 2024
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 - FALL | |||
| Topic Studio–Furniture | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio–Lighting | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 6: Furniture | 3 | ||
| Materials & Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| History and Business of Production Furniture | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 - SPRING | |||
| Advanced Topic Studio–Furniture | 3 | ||
| Advanced Topic Studio–Lighting | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 7 | 3 | ||
| Grad Seminar | 3 | ||
| Theory, Concept, Culture | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 - SUMMER (ArtCenter Lite) | |||
| Internship OR Elective Courses | 6 | ||
| TERM 4 - FALL | |||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| Thesis Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| Classroom to Career | 3 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 - SPRING | |||
| Thesis Studio 2 | 6 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 2 | 3 | ||
| Graduate Exhibition Design | 3 | ||
| Completed Thesis | 0 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total Required Units | 66 | ||
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 - FALL | |||
| Branding Strategies | 3 | ||
| Color, Material and Concept | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 4 | 3 | ||
| Visual Communication 3 | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio (Furniture or Lighting) | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 - SPRING | |||
| History & Theory of the Built Environment OR Modern Latin American Architecture | 3 | ||
| Illumination: Lighting | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 5 | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio—Lighting | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio—Furniture | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 - FALL | |||
| Topic Studio—Furniture | 3 | ||
| Topic Studio—Lighting | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 6: Furniture | 3 | ||
| Materials and Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| History and Business of Production Furniture | 3 | ||
| TERM 4 - SPRING | |||
| Advanced Topic Studio—Furniture | 3 | ||
| Advanced Topic Studio—Lighting | 3 | ||
| Digital Process 7: Furniture | 3 | ||
| Grad Seminar | 3 | ||
| Theory, Concept, Culture | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 - SUMMER (ArtCenter Lite) | |||
| Internship OR Elective Courses | 6 | ||
| TERM 6 - FALL | |||
| Topic Studio | 3 | ||
| Thesis Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 1 | 3 | ||
| Classroom to Career | 3 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 1 | 3 | ||
| TERM 7 - SPRING | |||
| Thesis Studio 2 | 6 | ||
| Thesis Writing Studio 2 | 3 | ||
| Fabrication Innovation 2 | 3 | ||
| Graduate Exhibition Design | 3 | ||
| Completed Thesis | 0 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total Required Units | 96 | ||
Transportation Design Department
Course Descriptions
Transportation Design BS Course of Study
Known for more than its longstanding influence in automotive design, our program helps prepare you for a career in all modes of transportation.
In addition to traditional elements of styling, comfort, safety and usability, our curriculum emphasizes vital topics such as sustainable mobility, the implications of brand, and product life cycle. Exploring the balance between form and function, Transportation Design students develop the ability to create vehicle concepts with distinct personality, improved function and broad social impact. Our program can help you gain fluency in drawing and in physical and digital modeling, as well as develop an understanding of vehicle architecture, materials, process and aerodynamics.
We offer three highly focused, advised areas of concentration: Vehicle Exteriors, Vehicle Interiors (including user interface and user experience) and Alternative Transportation (including motorcycle, marine, aircraft, personal mobility and public transit). No matter what type of transportation draws your passion, we can help prepare you for a highly rewarding career making an impact in that field.
Curriculum is subject to change.
For students entering Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
| Class | H&S | Studio | |
| TERM 1 | |||
| Writing Studio OR Writing Studio: Intensive | 3 | ||
| History of Automobile Design | 3 | ||
| Visual 1 | 3 | ||
| Prototype Process 1 | 3 | ||
| Design 1 | 3 | ||
| TERM 2 | |||
| Art History Course | 3 | ||
| Vehicle Technology | 3 | ||
| Visual 2 | 3 | ||
| Model 2 | 3 | ||
| Design 2 | 3 | ||
| TERM 3 | |||
| Vehicle Architecture | 3 | ||
| Art of Research | 3 | ||
| 3rd Term Review | 0 | ||
| Design 3 Exterior | 3 | ||
| Design 3 Interior | 3 | ||
| Model 3 | 3 | ||
| Visual 3 | 3 | ||
| TERM 4 | |||
| Human Factors & Design Psychology | 3 | ||
| Insights for Transportation Design | 3 | ||
| Design 4 Exterior | 3 | ||
| Design 4 Interior | 3 | ||
| Model 4 | 3 | ||
| Visual 4 | 3 | ||
| TERM 5 | |||
| 5th Term Review | 0 | ||
| Design 5 Exterior OR Design 5 Interior | 3 | ||
| Model 5 | 3 | ||
| Visual 5 | 3 | ||
| Portfolio and Presentation | 3 | ||
| TERM 6 | |||
| Automotive Engineering | 3 | ||
| Design 6 | 3 | ||
| Model 6 | 3 | ||
| Visual 6 | 3 | ||
| TERM 7 | |||
| Automotive Industry | 3 | ||
| 7th Term Review | 0 | ||
| Design 7 | 3 | ||
| Model 7 | 1 | ||
| Visual 7 | 3 | ||
| TERM 8 | |||
| Design Professional OR 3 Credits from Minor Area | 3 | ||
| Design 8 | 3 | ||
| Model 8 | 1 | ||
| Visual 8 | 1 | ||
| ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Humanities and Sciences electives: | |||
| Humanities | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences | 3 | ||
| Business and Professional Practice | 3 | ||
| Any of the above | 3 | ||
| Studio Electives | 12 | ||
| TOTAL | |||
| Total H&S units | 45 | ||
| Total Studio units | 87 | ||
| Total Required Units | 132 | ||
Transportation Systems and Design MS Course of Study
True to its name, our program prepares students to design the future of transportation.
Our multi-disciplinary program combines social science, urban planning and policy with engineering and design to equip students to envision mobility solutions to today’s transportation challenges.
The typical length of study for the MS in Transportation Systems and Design is six full terms, and the program may be completed in two years.
Students must take the first four terms consecutively, after which they are encouraged to find an appropriate internship.
Curriculum subject to change.
|
TERM 1 |
|
|
Customer Centered Research 1 |
1 |
|
Digital Design Skills Part 1 |
1 |
|
Design Leadership and Team Building |
2 |
|
Intro to Future-casting and User Experience for Mobility |
3 |
|
Storytelling Fundamentals |
3 |
|
Systems Thinking |
1 |
|
Transportation Histories & Futures 1 |
3 |
|
Transportation Systems Studio 1 |
1 |
|
TERM 2 |
|
|
Vehicles and Systems Architecture |
1 |
|
Transportation Histories & Futures 2 |
3 |
|
Design Strategy Sprint 1 |
1 |
|
Interaction Design for Mobility |
3 |
|
Customer Centered Research 2 |
2 |
|
Digital Design Skills Part 2 |
2 |
|
Storytelling Advanced |
2 |
|
Digital Workshops |
0 |
|
Transportation Systems Studio 2 |
2 |
|
TERM 3 |
|
|
Interaction Design Studio Part 2 |
3 |
|
Transportation Histories & Futures 3 |
3 |
|
Interaction Design for Mobility Systems |
3 |
|
Digital Workshops |
0 |
|
Design Strategy Sprint 2 |
1 |
|
Research Support |
1 |
|
Transportation Systems Studio 3 |
3 |
|
Graduation Strategy |
1 |
|
Electives |
3 |
|
TERM 4 |
|
|
Digital Workshops |
0 |
|
Thesis Project Preparation |
3 |
|
Tranportation Systems Studio 4 |
6 |
|
Electives |
3 |
|
TERM 5 |
|
|
Thesis Development Studio |
6 |
|
Electives |
6 |
|
TERM 6 |
|
|
Thesis Validation Studio |
6 |
|
Thesis Writing Studio |
3 |
|
Completed Thesis |
0 |
|
Electives |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
Total Required Units |
82 |