Industrial Design Programs in Lincoln, Nebraska

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Lincoln, Nebraska

Pursuing an Industrial Design degree in Lincoln, Nebraska offers aspiring designers an opportunity to merge creativity with technical expertise. Industrial Design focuses on the creation and development of functional, aesthetically pleasing products, and graduates can choose from various educational paths—from associate degrees in related fields to bachelor’s programs emphasizing design thinking and spatial constructs. Whether you wish to develop your portfolio through practical projects or attend a lecture-based course, understanding the education landscape is crucial.

About Lincoln

Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and a hub for education and innovation in Lancaster County. The city is home to a range of cultural institutions and historic neighborhoods, and you can learn more from the official City of Lincoln website. Local landmarks such as the Historic Haymarket and the University District contribute to Lincoln’s rich educational and creative atmosphere.

Industrial Design Programs in Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln offers several options for Industrial Design education, although explicit Industrial Design programs are not available. Instead, closely related fields like graphic design, architecture, and product design provide a solid foundation. Below is a list of programs available in or near Lincoln:

  1. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) – College of Architecture

    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Design with a focus on courses in design thinking, spatial constructs, and digital modeling.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located in the University District, UNL is situated at 360 Kimmel Lane, Lincoln, NE 68588.
    • Program Details: Admission requires meeting prerequisites such as ACT/SAT scores and acceptance into the College of Architecture. For more detailed information, visit the UNL Design program page.

  2. Southeast Community College (SCC)

    • Program: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Graphic Design/Media Arts
    • Address & Neighborhood: Situated in Lincoln near the south side at 6717 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68510.
    • Program Details: This program emphasizes real-world design simulations and portfolio development. Application deadlines run from December 1, 2024, to February 1, 2025, and a portfolio submission is required. Learn more on the Southeast Community College program page.

  3. Doane University (Nearest Option)

    • Program: Interdisciplinary Design Courses focusing on creative problem solving and visual communication
    • Location & Distance: Located in Crete, Nebraska—approximately 20 miles southeast of Lincoln at 500 E 10th St, Crete, NE 68333.
    • Program Details: While not exclusively an Industrial Design program, the courses offered provide valuable skills applicable to product and industrial design careers. For further details, please visit the Doane University Academics page.

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Lincoln, Nebraska

Career opportunities for Industrial Designers in Lincoln span across diverse sectors, including design consultancies, manufacturing, and tech startups. Employers value candidates with a robust design portfolio and practical experience. Notable organizations include:

  • HDR, Inc.

    • Description: A global architecture and engineering firm with a local office in Downtown Lincoln, offering opportunities in design innovation.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 101 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 (Downtown).
    • Careers Page: Explore opportunities on the HDR, Inc. careers page.

  • Burns & McDonnell

    • Description: An engineering, architecture, and construction firm with strong design and product development departments.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 330 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 (North Loop area).
    • Careers Page: Visit the Burns & McDonnell careers page for more information.

  • Creative Manufacturing Solutions

    • Description: A design-oriented manufacturing firm catering to evolving industrial needs and technology integration.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 200 Industrial Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68504 (Industrial Park area).
    • Careers Page: For job opportunities, check out their Creative Manufacturing Solutions careers page.

For additional job outlook information for Industrial Designers, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in Industrial Design programs include a strong foundational education backed by a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are usually required to submit a portfolio showcasing their creative work, and some programs may mandate standardized test scores or entrance examinations. For example, the A.A.S. in Graphic Design/Media Arts at SCC requires a portfolio submission, while the B.S. in Design at UNL necessitates admission into the College of Architecture along with ACT/SAT scores.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Nebraska

Nebraska does not offer explicit Industrial Design programs; however, related fields such as graphic design, architecture, and product design provide comprehensive education for aspiring designers. State-specific degree options include:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Graphic Design/Media Arts at Southeast Community College
  • Bachelor of Science in Design (B.S.) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Curriculum requirements at these institutions typically cover core courses in design thinking, spatial constructs, digital modeling, and portfolio development, along with internships or collaborative projects to enhance practical experience. Accreditation is maintained through reputable organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) for programs like UNL’s College of Architecture and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Local and state regulatory bodies include:

  • Lincoln Public Schools – Oversees K-12 education in Lincoln. Contact: (402) 436-1000; website.
  • Lancaster County Board of Commissioners – Supports county-wide educational initiatives. Contact: (402) 441-7447; website.
  • Nebraska Department of Education – Manages state education policies and standards. Contact: (402) 471-2295; website.
  • The U.S. Department of Education provides national education policies and funding. For data and verification, see NCES.

Professional Certification Options

Professional certifications can further validate an Industrial Designer’s expertise and commitment to the field. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) offers certification and membership benefits such as networking opportunities, career resources, and access to exclusive industry events. Explore these professional benefits by visiting the IDSA website.

Get Started Today

The journey toward a rewarding career in Industrial Design begins with taking the first step in choosing the right educational program. With a variety of local programs and nearby options, prospective students in Lincoln can build a strong foundation in design and product development. Contact a school today through their inquiry forms and take that essential step toward shaping your future in design.