Industrial Design Programs in Indianapolis, Indiana

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Indianapolis, Indiana

Industrial Design is a dynamic field focused on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing products that meet human needs. In Indianapolis, aspiring designers can explore various educational paths—from associate degrees to bachelor’s and beyond—each catering to different career goals within the design sector. This guide explains the process of earning an Industrial Design degree in Indianapolis while highlighting relevant schools, career opportunities, and degree requirements.

About Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana’s capital, is a hub for education and innovation. It offers a rich cultural tapestry with renowned neighborhoods such as Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, and Downtown. For further details about the city, please visit the official Indianapolis website.

Industrial Design Programs in Indianapolis, Indiana

Local educational institutions offer several Industrial Design programs and courses. Below is a curated list of schools available in or near Indianapolis:

  • Herron School of Art + Design (IUPUI)

    • Program: Industrial Design and related art and design courses.
    • Location: Downtown Indianapolis, at 20 N Meridian Street.
    • Description: Herron School of Art + Design provides robust studio instruction, modern prototyping facilities, and portfolio development support.
    • Website: Herron School of Art + Design

  • Ivy Tech Community College

    • Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Design Technology.
    • Location: Indianapolis campus; located in the urban core.
    • Description: Ivy Tech offers open enrollment with no initial portfolio requirement and a curriculum covering architecture, mechanical design, and graphic design, including internship opportunities.
    • Website: Ivy Tech Community College

  • Purdue University – West Lafayette (Nearest Option)

    • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design.
    • Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, approximately 110 miles west of Indianapolis. The campus is nestled along Purdue Mall.
    • Description: Known for state-of-the-art prototyping labs and a curriculum that emphasizes design principles, prototyping, and user experience, Purdue’s program provides rigorous academic and hands-on learning opportunities.
    • Website: Purdue University

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Indianapolis

Indianapolis hosts several prominent companies and design firms that offer opportunities for Industrial Designers:

  • Eli Lilly and Company

    • Industry: Pharmaceutical product design and development.
    • Location: Downtown Indianapolis; headquarters located near the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
    • Description: A leader in global healthcare, Eli Lilly provides career opportunities across design, research, and product development.
    • Careers Page: Eli Lilly Careers

  • Cummins Inc.

    • Industry: Engineering and design in manufacturing.
    • Location: Although headquartered in Columbus, Indiana—approximately 50 miles from Indianapolis—Cummins is recognized for its innovation in product and industrial design.
    • Description: Cummins Inc. is renowned for its engineering excellence and offers a range of design-centric positions in product development.
    • Careers Page: Cummins Careers

For additional career outlook information, refer to the Industrial Designers job outlook on bls.gov.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in Industrial Design programs include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • A portfolio showcasing creative projects (required later in some programs, such as the sophomore portfolio review in Purdue’s BFA).
  • For transfer students, a minimum GPA (for instance, Purdue requires a 2.5 GPA).
  • Some programs, like Ivy Tech’s AAS, employ open enrollment with minimal entry requirements.
  • Entrance exams or interviews may be part of the admission process for certain institutions.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Indiana

In Indiana, educational requirements and oversight for Industrial Design degrees involve several regulatory and accrediting bodies:

Official City, County, and State Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Indianapolis Department of Education
    • Oversees K-12 education and career and technical education programs.
    • Website | Contact: (317) 226-4000
  • Marion County Office of Education
    • Manages county-wide educational initiatives and higher education partnerships.
    • Website | Contact: (317) 327-4900
  • Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)
    • Regulates and funds public education, including technical programs.
    • Website | Contact: (317) 232-6610
  • U.S. Department of Education
    • Governs federal education policies and accrediting standards.
    • Website and related resources at NCES.

State-Specific Degree Information and Accreditation

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design at Purdue University
    • Admission: No initial portfolio is required, though a sophomore review is mandatory; transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
    • Curriculum: Covers core design principles, prototyping, and user experience; students access facilities with CNC machines, 3D printers, and software like Rhino 3D.
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Check NASAD’s list for verification.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Design Technology at Ivy Tech Community College
    • Admission: Open enrollment policy with no portfolio requirement; requires completion of 60 credit hours, including 17 general education credits.
    • Curriculum: Offers specializations in architecture, mechanical design, and graphic design with embedded internship opportunities.
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Verify via HLC’s directory.

Professional Certification Options

Industry certifications can significantly boost career prospects. Notable certifications include:

  • Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Certification
    • Purpose: Provides networking, professional development, and credentialing for Industrial Designers.
    • Website: IDSA
  • City-Specific Professional Organizations
    • AIGA Indianapolis
      • Focuses on connecting design professionals, including those specializing in Industrial Design.
      • Website: AIGA Indianapolis

Certification enables designers to validate their skills, stay abreast of industry trends, and expand professional networks.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career in Industrial Design in Indianapolis, Indiana, starts with carefully selecting an education path that suits your aspirations. With local programs, comprehensive degree requirements, and the support of professional organizations, the future is promising for aspiring designers. Contact a school today through the forms on their websites to begin your journey.