MS in Industrial Design

One size does not fit all.

Students with interests outside industrial design may take designated courses in the PhilaU Sustainable Design, Textile Design, Interactive Design and other programs. Students with prior backgrounds in design can be given advanced standing in the MSID program; an initial advanced standing determination is made as part of the application process based on review of transcripts and portfolio. Please consult the program director, Tod Corlett with questions.

Foundational Skills

Students with industrial design skills and backgrounds can receive advanced standing within the program. Students from non-ID backgrounds take tailored sets of foundational skills courses so they can design and present their work at the same high level as those with industrial design experience. These foundational classes are assigned in consultation with the program director; an initial determination will be made based on transcripts, portfolio and personal statements during review of admission materials. Generally, students requiring four or fewer foundational courses are allowed to take them concurrently with the first semesters of graduate work so they can graduate without delay.

Foundational Courses

Varies according to advanced placement; based on portfolio and transcript review.

• Ergonomic Studies
  
• Design I for Industrial Design (offered fall only)
  
• CAD I for Industrial Design
  
• Drawing Essentials
  
• Design Development Drawing
  
• Materials and Processes for Manufacturing
  
• Materials and Processes for Fabrication
  

Core Curriculum

All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.

Total: 42 Credits

FIRST YEAR

Summer (4 Week Semester)

Skills and Methods for Industrial Design*

Fall

User Centered Studio (4 credits)

Research and Design Process

Elective

Spring

Collaborative Studio (5 credits)

Current Issues Seminar

Independent Study, Internship or elective course (can be taken second year)

SECOND YEAR

Summer  

Alternate time for electives, or Internship, Independent Study

Fall

Masters Project I: Research and Design (4 credits)

Prototyping Interactive Systems

Elective

Spring

Masters Project II: Development and Evaluation (5 credits)

Design Business and Entrepreneurship

Independent Study or Internship  (can be taken first year or during Summer 2)

Recommended Electives:

Intercultural Innovation in China

Soft Goods, Active Sports and Accessory Design

*week-long workshop, held in August

For complete course descriptions, please review the Thomas Jefferson University Catalog.