If you are interested in a career in product design services, it may be confusing to know exactly where to start. It takes a truly innovative mind to embark on this path, but everyone, regardless of natural skill level, must start somewhere. Here is a handy list of schools in the United States that offer some of the top bachelor’s and post-bachelor programs in the field in the United States:
Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)
The industrial design school at ASU was ranked #20 in the nation in 2018. It is one of the most esteemed public universities in all of Arizona. ASU Herberger Institute also has a compelling mascot: Sparky the Sun Devil!
Notable alumni:
- Wilbur R. Ingalls Jr (1923-1997), architect
- Kate Spade (1962-2018), fashion designer and entrepreneur
- Brian Skeet, industrial designer
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
There are plenty of aspects about Perdue that make it unlike no other! For example, there is an airport within the campus! The Department of Art Design will prepare you for a well-balanced career with its extensive multi-educational program.
Notable alumni:
- Orville Redenbacher (1907-1995), founder of the world-renowned popcorn business brand
- Neil A. Armstrong (1930-2012), the first man on the moon.
Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI)
If you’re looking for a school that is specifically geared towards getting you employed at a product design and development company, then RISD may be the ideal choice for you. Founded in 1877 by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, is one of the very first design schools in the United States. The institution also offers continuing education programs for children and older adults.
Notable alumni:
- James Franco, actor and filmmaker
- Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy and American Dad!
- Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland
The University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
Love thee Notre Dame, the most famous and selective Catholic university in the United States. Located just south of the Michigan border, Notre Dame offers a variety of extensive art and design program that will leave you with a more than impressive resume! You will also have the opportunity to also enjoy football weekends that you will never forget!
Notable alumni:
- Condoleezza Rice, the first female African-American secretary of state and the first female to serve as national security advisor.
- Rudy Ruettiger, motivational speaker and former football player
Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
Stanford is prestigious for being the second most difficult university to be admitted to in the United States, even harder than Harvard! Product design companies would be more than astounded to discover you are a Stanford alum! If you think you are up for the challenge, you may find the Design Thinking Bootcamp to be highly beneficial, allowing you to get out of your comfort zone and truly start thinking outside of the box.
“Design Thinking Bootcamp changed the way I work and how I interact with my team. The program made me realize that learning does not happen in your office. You have to go to extreme customers and engage your team’s unique and diverse personal experiences to design products that change the world.”
— Susan Newman, Director of Professional Services, METER Group, March 2016 Alum
Notable alumni:
- Elon Musk, entrepreneur
- Reese Witherspoon, actress
Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY)
“Be true to your work, and your work will be true to you.”
As the slogan suggests, Pratt believes in putting your heart and your soul into everything you produce. In fact, it is primarily known for its individual schools geared towards industrial design services, architecture, and interior design. If you, as well as the admission staff, agree that you would be a good fit.
Notable alumni:
- Robert Redfort, actor and filmmaker
- Rob Zombie, film director and songwriter
