Industrial Design Programs in Peoria, Arizona
Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Peoria, Arizona
Pursuing an Industrial Design degree in Peoria, Arizona introduces students to a field where creativity meets technology. Industrial Design is devoted to creating usable, efficient, and sustainable products through research, design studios, and technical training. Prospective students can choose among various educational paths—from Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSD) programs to Associate degrees and even Master’s degrees that emphasize transdisciplinary projects and environmental solutions.
About Peoria, Arizona
Peoria, Arizona, located in Maricopa County, offers a supportive community with diverse neighborhoods and local landmarks. The City of Peoria Education Department plays an active role in local educational initiatives, workforce development, and school partnerships. For more information about the city, visit the official Peoria website.
Industrial Design Programs in Peoria, Arizona
While Peoria itself does not list dedicated industrial design programs, students in the area can access top programs from nearby institutions:
Arizona State University (ASU) – Tempe Campus
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSD), Master of Industrial Design (MID), and a Master of Science in Design with an Industrial Design concentration.
- Address & Neighborhood: 500 South Third Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 (located in the dynamic Downtown Tempe district).
- Description: ASU’s programs focus on sustainable design, user-centered solutions, transdisciplinary projects, and include a mandatory internship component.
- Website: ASU Industrial Design Programs
Maricopa Community Colleges – Industrial Design Technology Program
- Program Offered: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Design Technology, emphasizing CAD, 3D printing, and technical documentation.
- Address & Neighborhood: Programs are offered at various campuses; for instance, Glendale Community College is located at 11001 W. Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85306 (approximately 15 miles north of Peoria, in the central Glendale area).
- Description: This program provides technical training designed to support entry-level positions in design and manufacturing, integrating industry partnerships for hands-on experience.
- Website: Maricopa Community Colleges Industrial Design Technology
Additional Option – Mesa Community College (Nearest Alternative)
- Program Offered: Industrial design-related courses and certificate programs that can supplement a formal degree and support technical skills in design.
- Address & Neighborhood: Mesa Community College, 1235 East Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85204 (approximately 20 miles east of Peoria, located in downtown Mesa).
- Description: While not a complete degree program in Industrial Design, the curriculum offers complementary courses to build a strong technical foundation for design careers.
- Website: Visit the official Mesa Community College website for more information.
Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Peoria, Arizona
Peoria and the greater Maricopa County region offer diverse career prospects for Industrial Designers. Local employers and design firms provide a range of opportunities:
Honeywell
- Industry: Aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
- Location & Neighborhood: With operations based in the greater Phoenix area, Honeywell is situated in downtown Phoenix—a major business hub approximately 20 miles from Peoria.
- Opportunities: Honeywell offers numerous design and engineering roles.
- Website: Honeywell Careers
Intel
- Industry: Technology and manufacturing.
- Location & Neighborhood: Intel’s facilities are located in nearby Chandler, about 20 miles from Peoria, in a dynamic technology park setting.
- Opportunities: Career openings range from product design to research and development in industrial design applications.
- Website: Intel Jobs
For additional career data and employment statistics, readers are encouraged to consult the Industrial Designers job outlook page on bls.gov.
Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs
Prospective students should meet typical prerequisites to enroll in Industrial Design programs, including:
- Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is mandatory.
- Portfolio Submission: Especially for Bachelor’s programs, candidates must present a robust portfolio showcasing design work and creative projects.
- Test Scores: For some Bachelor’s programs, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, and prerequisites such as MAT 170 (Precalculus) may be expected.
- Entrance Exams/Interviews: Some courses or upper-division studio courses require additional evaluations or interviews.
Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Arizona
Students pursuing an Industrial Design degree in Arizona must align with both general and state-specific requirements:
State-Specific Educational Oversight
- City of Peoria Education Department: Oversees educational initiatives in Peoria. Visit their website or call (623) 773-7000 for information.
- Maricopa County Education Service Agency (MCESA): Provides educational support services, including career and technical education programs. More details are available on the MCESA website.
- Arizona Department of Education (ADE): Manages state-wide education standards and CTE programs. Visit Arizona Department of Education.
- Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR): Governs public universities in Arizona, including ASU. Explore details on the ABOR website.
Degree and Curriculum Information
- Bachelor’s Programs: Typically include courses in design studios, materials science, human-centered design, CAD, and 3D printing. Internship experiences, such as those required by ASU, enhance practical training.
- Associate Programs (AAS): Emphasize technical skills and industry partnerships without standardized test requirements.
- Master’s Programs (MID): Focus on environmental solutions, advanced research, and transdisciplinary projects.
Accreditation and Verification
- Accrediting Bodies: ASU’s Industrial Design program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), while Maricopa Community Colleges are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Federal Oversight: The U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provide additional accreditation and educational data.
Professional Certification Options
Industrial Designers can pursue several professional certifications to enhance their career profile:
- Certified Industrial Designer (CID): Offered by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), this certification validates skills and industry knowledge.
- Benefits of Certification: Membership in IDSA provides access to workshops, conferences, job boards, and design competitions. For more details, visit the IDSA website.
Get Started Today
The journey toward an Industrial Design degree in Peoria, Arizona is filled with opportunities and resources. With access to neighboring educational institutions offering comprehensive programs and strong local industry support, students can build a promising career in design. Contact a school today to begin your path in Industrial Design, and take the first step towards a fulfilling, innovative career.