Industrial Design Programs in Des Moines, Iowa

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Des Moines, Iowa

Industrial Design is a discipline focused on creating innovative and functional products, combining aesthetics, engineering, and user-centered design. This guide provides an in-depth overview of earning your Industrial Design degree in Des Moines, Iowa, while exploring different educational pathways. Whether you are considering a four-year Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) or a Master of Industrial Design (MID) program, you will discover key details on admission requirements, curriculum structure, and career opportunities in the field.

About Des Moines

Des Moines is the heart of Iowa’s cultural and economic life, offering a dynamic mix of modern urban amenities and rich Midwestern tradition. The city is known for its impressive skyline, thriving art districts, and landmarks like the Downtown Des Moines Riverwalk and the Historic East Village. For more comprehensive municipal details, visit the official Des Moines website.

Industrial Design Programs in Des Moines, Iowa

While Des Moines itself offers several design opportunities, prospective Industrial Design students can choose from a combination of local and nearby institutions:

  1. Drake University – Department of Art & Design

    • Address: 250 S 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309 (Downtown Des Moines)
    • Program Details: Drake University offers design courses that blend creative arts with practical applications. Though not exclusively an Industrial Design degree, the program incorporates elements of product development and visual innovation that serve as a strong foundation for a career in design.
    • More Information: Visit the Drake University Art & Design page for details on courses and enrollment.

  2. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

    • Address: 1701 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50308 (Central Des Moines)
    • Program Details: DMACC provides a range of design courses that cover visual communications and aspects of industrial design. These courses are designed for students looking to gain practical skills and portfolio development in a flexible, community-oriented environment.
    • More Information: Explore the DMACC website to review their course offerings and application process.

  3. Iowa State University College of Design

    • Address: 161 Greene St, Ames, IA 50010 (Ames; approximately 35 miles from Des Moines)
    • Program Details: Renowned for its comprehensive Industrial Design programs, Iowa State University offers both the Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) and Master of Industrial Design (MID). The BID program includes core courses in product design, business, and engineering, along with an internship or sponsored project to foster real-world experience. The MID program advances students through research-focused studios and specialized design projects.
    • More Information: Learn more on the Iowa State University College of Design page.

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Des Moines

Des Moines and its surrounding areas offer a range of career opportunities for Industrial Designers. Major employers in the region include:

  1. Principal Financial Group

    • Address: One Principal Center, Downtown Des Moines, IA 50392
    • Overview: As a leading financial services organization headquartered in Des Moines, Principal Financial Group fosters innovation through in-house design teams that work on corporate identity and product development.
    • Employment Opportunities: Learn about career openings by visiting the Principal Financial Group careers page.

  2. MidAmerican Energy

    • Address: Located in Central Des Moines (exact address available on request)
    • Overview: MidAmerican Energy is committed to innovative infrastructure and technology improvements. Industrial Designers here may influence product and service designs that enhance consumer experiences in the energy sector.
    • Employment Opportunities: For job opportunities, please visit the MidAmerican Energy website.

  3. Pella Corporation

    • Address: Based in Pella, IA (approximately 25 miles from Des Moines)
    • Overview: Known for their excellence in window and door manufacturing, Pella Corporation demonstrates a commitment to design innovation. Their product development departments often recruit Industrial Designers to refine product aesthetics and functionality.
    • Employment Opportunities: Explore career options on the Pella Corporation careers page.

For a detailed look at the job outlook for Industrial Designers, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics industrial designers page.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Admission to Industrial Design programs generally requires:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing artistic ability and design projects.
  • Completion of core design courses, often including art, photography, computer science, or physics.
  • Some programs may include entrance exams or interviews to assess creative and technical skills.
  • For undergraduate applicants, a focus on developing foundational design skills is essential.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Iowa

Students pursuing an Industrial Design degree in Iowa must adhere to specific academic and regulatory standards:

  • Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID):
    • Completion of a core design program in the first year.
    • A rigorous curriculum involving product design, business fundamentals, and engineering principles.
    • Requirement to participate in an internship, study abroad, or a sponsored project.
    • Portfolio development is a critical part of the curriculum.
  • Master of Industrial Design (MID):
    • Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field.
    • The program focuses on advanced studio work, research, and specialized projects.
  • Accreditation Information:
    • Programs are verified by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Prospective students are encouraged to check NASAD’s accredited programs list for confirmation.

Additional regulatory resources include:

  • Des Moines Public Schools: Oversees K-12 education in the city. Visit their official website or call (515) 242-7700 for more details.
  • Polk County Board of Education: Manages public education in Polk County. Contact them directly at (515) 286-3199.
  • Iowa Department of Education: Regulates and funds public education across Iowa. Visit Iowa Department of Education or call (515) 281-5294.
  • U.S. Department of Education: Provides oversight for national education standards and funding. More resources can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website and its Accreditation and Innovation page.

Professional Certification Options

Industrial Designers can enhance their credentials by obtaining professional certifications. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) offers the Certified Industrial Designer (CID) program, which provides recognition, networking opportunities, and access to exclusive job boards and conferences. More information, including member benefits and certification details, is available on the IDSA website.

Get Started Today

The journey to an Industrial Design degree in Des Moines, Iowa, is both exciting and filled with opportunities. With a plethora of educational programs, industry resources, and career prospects at your fingertips, now is the moment to take the next step. Review program requirements, build a robust portfolio, and reach out to your chosen schools. Contact an educational institution today through the provided forms on their websites and begin your path toward a rewarding career in Industrial Design.