Industrial Design Programs in Lakewood, Colorado

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Lakewood, Colorado

Pursuing an Industrial Design degree in Lakewood, Colorado, involves exploring various educational pathways that lead to a career in shaping products and environments. Industrial Design focuses on the development of functional, aesthetically pleasing products through a blend of art and engineering. Prospective students can choose from multiple paths including Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, each with distinct curriculum requirements and admission processes.

Industrial Design programs emphasize courses in technical prototyping, graphic and verbal presentation skills, and collaborative projects. Many institutions also require a portfolio review as part of their admission process and include hands-on internships to bridge classroom learning with industry experience. For detailed job outlook information, refer to the Industrial Designers job outlook page.

About Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood is a diverse community located in Jefferson County, Colorado. Managed by the Lakewood City Government, this area fosters educational initiatives and local partnerships that support creative disciplines. Explore more about the city through the official Lakewood website. The region is characterized by its mix of modern urban neighborhoods and scenic local landmarks, providing a supportive backdrop for students and professionals in Industrial Design.

Industrial Design Programs in Lakewood, Colorado

Although Lakewood itself does not host a dedicated Industrial Design school, several nearby institutions offer robust Industrial Design programs within a short distance.

  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
    • Address: 320 West 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204 (Downtown/LoDo)
    • Distance: Approximately 8 miles from Lakewood
    • Overview: MSU Denver’s program emphasizes collaborative projects with industry partners and technical prototyping, culminating in a mandatory senior-year professional internship. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

  2. Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD)

    • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design with a specialization in sustainable design and CAD/BIM training
    • Address: 1120 19th St, Denver, CO 80202 (Downtown/LoDo)
    • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from Lakewood
    • Overview: RMCAD offers courses in drafting, building codes, and Revit/BIM training. Admission requires portfolio submission, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for transfer students. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

  3. Community College of Denver

    • Program: Industrial Design-related courses within the Visual Communications curriculum
    • Address: 1100 14th St, Denver, CO 80204 (Downtown)
    • Distance: Approximately 9 miles from Lakewood
    • Overview: The college offers foundational courses in design, preparing students for further study in Industrial Design. This pathway is ideal for those seeking a cost-effective start or a transfer opportunity to a four-year program.

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood and the greater Denver area boast various career opportunities for Industrial Designers. Key local employers include:

  • Ball Corporation

    • Focus: A Lakewood-based manufacturer specializing in packaging solutions.
    • Website: https://www.ball.com/
    • Neighborhood: Operating facilities in industrial districts of Lakewood.

  • General Dynamics

    • Focus: A defense contractor offering roles that integrate design and engineering solutions.
    • Website: https://www.gd.com/
    • Neighborhood: Located in areas accessible from Lakewood and downtown Denver.

These organizations, along with various other design firms in the region, offer exciting roles for graduates aiming to apply their creative and technical skills. They provide a dynamic work environment and competitive compensation, with opportunities outlined on the Industrial Designers job outlook on BLS.gov.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet several standard prerequisites:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Many programs require the submission of a creative portfolio showcasing design capabilities.
  • Some institutions may request entrance examinations or conduct interviews, particularly during portfolio reviews.
  • Applicants should be ready to demonstrate basic proficiency in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and other relevant technical skills.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Colorado

In Colorado, Industrial Design degree programs must adhere to both general accreditation standards and state-specific guidelines. The key regulatory bodies include:

State-specific details indicate that aspiring Industrial Designers in Colorado can pursue:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design through MSU Denver.
  • A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design with specializations such as sustainable design, CAD/BIM, and product design at RMCAD.

Admission requirements vary: MSU Denver typically conducts a portfolio review after the sophomore year, while RMCAD mandates an upfront portfolio submission and a minimum GPA for transfer applicants. Programs emphasize core courses that include collaborative projects, technical prototyping, drafting, building codes, and Revit/BIM training. Internships during the senior year provide practical experience, and accreditation is maintained through bodies such as NASAD and CIDA.

Professional Certification Options

Industrial Designers can further enhance their credentials by pursuing professional certifications. Organizations like the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) offer membership benefits including access to conferences, job boards, and networking events. Certification not only validates a designer’s skills but also provides ongoing professional development opportunities essential for career advancement.

Get Started Today

With a vast array of educational and career opportunities, the journey to earning an Industrial Design degree in Lakewood, Colorado, is both exciting and accessible. Whether you choose to begin your studies at a nearby university or college, the region offers excellent resources and partnerships for creative professionals. Take the next step by reaching out to your preferred institution, and start shaping your future in Industrial Design.