Industrial Design Programs in Augusta, Georgia

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Augusta, Georgia

Industrial Design is a dynamic field that merges creativity with functionality, focusing on the aesthetics, usability, and marketability of products. Prospective students can choose among various education paths, including Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master’s degrees. This guide details the process of earning an Industrial Design degree in Augusta, Georgia, and highlights the available Industrial Design programs, courses, and education options essential for a successful creative career.

About Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage and notable landmarks, including the Augusta Canal and numerous well-preserved historic districts. For more official information about the city, visit the official Augusta website. Augusta offers a blend of traditional Southern charm and modern innovation, making it an engaging place to pursue an Industrial Design degree.

Industrial Design Programs in Augusta, Georgia

While Industrial Design programs within Augusta are limited, local and nearby educational institutions offer excellent opportunities for aspiring designers. Below is a current list of schools offering relevant programs:

  • Augusta University – Pamplin College of Art

    • Program: BFA in Art & Design with an interdisciplinary focus integrating digital media and fine arts.
    • Address: 161 E Gordon Blvd, Augusta, GA; located near downtown Augusta.
    • Website: Augusta University Art & Design
    • Description: Augusta University delivers a robust curriculum emphasizing healthcare design and community engagement.

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)

    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Master of Industrial Design.
    • Address: 225 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA; located in Midtown Atlanta.
    • Distance: Approximately 150 miles from Augusta.
    • Website: Georgia Tech Industrial Design
    • Description: Georgia Tech is renowned for its rigorous approach to design education with core courses covering Industrial Design Fundamentals, Human Factors, and Materials Science along with a comprehensive studio sequence from form-making to product development.

  • Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Savannah, GA

    • Program: Various art and design courses that offer interdisciplinary coursework touching on industrial design principles.
    • Address: 601 S Habersham St, Savannah, GA; located in Savannah’s historic district.
    • Distance: Approximately 130 miles from Augusta.
    • Website: SCAD Official Website
    • Description: SCAD provides a creative environment where industrial design intersects with other art disciplines, preparing students for diverse design challenges.

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Augusta, Georgia

Augusta offers a range of career opportunities for Industrial Designers in both established institutions and innovative local organizations. Key employers and design-related organizations include:

  • Augusta University Health

    • Website: Augusta University Health
    • Neighborhood: Located in downtown Augusta.
    • Description: As a major healthcare provider, Augusta University Health frequently seeks design innovators to improve product usability and patient experience.

  • Augusta Design Community

    • Description: This local networking group supports design professionals across diverse sectors including manufacturing and creative design projects. Although the official website is unavailable, interested individuals are encouraged to connect through Augusta University’s Art & Design department for more details.

Additionally, for an in-depth look at career outlooks, prospective Industrial Designers can review data on the Industrial Designers job outlook on BLS.gov.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Before entering an Industrial Design program, prospective students should be prepared to meet several prerequisites:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
  • Portfolio Requirements: Submission of a portfolio demonstrating creativity, technical skills, and design potential.
  • Standardized Tests: For bachelor’s programs, many institutions require SAT or ACT scores; for instance, Georgia Tech recommends an SAT score of 1300+ or an ACT score of 28+.
  • GPA Standard: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is often expected.
  • Interviews and Additional Materials: Some programs may also require entrance exams or interviews to assess the candidate’s suitability.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Georgia

Official City, County, and State Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Augusta-Richmond County Board of Education

  • Richmond County Higher Education Commission

    • Purpose: Coordinates postsecondary education partnerships in Richmond County.
    • Note: Website currently unavailable; contact via the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Education.

  • Georgia Board of Regents

    • Purpose: Governs the University System of Georgia, including Industrial Design programs.
    • Website: Georgia Board of Regents
    • Contact: (404) 962-3500

  • U.S. Department of Education

State-Specific Degree Information and Requirements

  • Types of Degrees Available

    • Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design: Offered by Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta).
    • Master of Industrial Design: Also available at Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta).
    • Art & Design Programs: Offered by Augusta University with an interdisciplinary focus.

  • Admission Requirements

    • Bachelor’s Programs:
      • Portfolio review (as required by Georgia Tech).
      • SAT/ACT scores (with recommended minimums: SAT 1300+, ACT 28+ at Georgia Tech).
      • A minimum GPA of 3.0.
    • Master’s Programs:
      • Portfolio submission.
      • GRE scores (criteria vary by institution).

  • Curriculum Requirements

    • Georgia Tech (BS in Industrial Design):
      • Core courses such as Industrial Design Fundamentals, Human Factors, and Materials Science.
      • A progressive studio sequence focused on form-making to product development.
    • Augusta University (Art & Design Programs):
      • An interdisciplinary focus with integration of digital media and fine arts.

  • Accreditation

    • Accrediting Body: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
    • Verification: Check NASAD Accredited Institutions for current accreditation status.

Professional Certification Options

Prospective Industrial Designers may choose to enhance their credentials through professional certification. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) offers the Certified Industrial Designer (CID) program, which provides benefits such as networking, conference participation, and design competitions. For more details, visit the IDSA website.

Get Started Today

This comprehensive overview of Industrial Design education and career pathways in Augusta, Georgia, encourages interested individuals to take the next step. Explore your options by contacting schools directly via the contact forms on their websites. Begin your journey into Industrial Design by discussing your academic and career goals with industry professionals today.