Industrial Design Programs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Industrial Design is a dynamic field that combines creativity and technical expertise to develop products and solutions for everyday life. Earning an Industrial Design degree opens a path to diverse design careers, whether through traditional on-campus programs or innovative courses that combine theory with practical application. This guide explores the various Industrial Design programs, degree requirements, and career opportunities available to prospective students in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

About Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, known for its rich history and modern infrastructure, offers a unique blend of cultural landmarks and thriving neighborhoods such as Bricktown and Midtown. For further insight into the city’s offerings, visit the official Oklahoma City website. The city provides an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and community engagement—ideal for pursuing an Industrial Design degree.

Industrial Design Programs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

While Oklahoma City hosts several educational opportunities, prospective students can also explore nearby institutions offering specialized Industrial Design courses and degrees. Below are three notable programs:

  1. University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)

    • Program: BFA in Interior Design (NASAD-accredited)
    • Address: 1101 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond, OK 73013
      (Approximately 16 miles north of Oklahoma City, located in central Edmond)
    • Description: UCO focuses on real-world projects and offers comprehensive training in design fundamentals, portfolio development, and NCIDQ exam preparation.
    • Website: https://www.uco.edu/

  2. Oklahoma State University (OSU)

    • Program: MS in Design, Housing, and Merchandising
    • Address: 100 OKSTATE, Stillwater, OK 74078
      (Approximately 85 miles north of Oklahoma City, situated in the heart of Stillwater)
    • Description: OSU offers a graduate program emphasizing sustainable design, innovative research methods, and collaborative projects with industry partners.
    • Website: https://www.okstate.edu/

  3. University of Oklahoma – Tulsa

    • Program: MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering (online option available)
    • Address: 411 E 15th St, Tulsa, OK 74103
      (Approximately 106 miles east of Oklahoma City, located in downtown Tulsa)
    • Description: This program integrates interdisciplinary curriculum with a focus on 3D modeling, research methodologies, and capstone projects designed for modern industrial challenges.
    • Website: https://engineeringtechonline.ou.edu/ise/

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City provides a range of career opportunities in the Industrial Design field. Local employers and organizations are continuously seeking talented designers for various roles:

  • Devon Energy Corporation

    • Industry: Manufacturing and energy sector, with significant design and product development roles.
    • Address: 300 N Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
      (Located in the downtown area)
    • Description: A key player in the energy sector, Devon Energy offers opportunities in product innovation, sustainable design, and corporate strategy.
    • Website: https://www.devonenergy.com/

  • Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

    • Purpose: Though not an employer, the Chamber provides networking events, industry insights, and career development workshops which can be valuable for Industrial Design professionals.
    • Website: https://www.okcchamber.com/

For detailed employment statistics and job outlook information for industrial designers, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet several prerequisites when applying for Industrial Design programs:

  • Undergraduate Applicants:
    • Portfolio submission is essential, as demonstrated by UCO’s program requirements.
    • Minimum GPA requirements (e.g., a 2.5 GPA at OSU) and standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are typically expected.
  • Graduate Applicants:
    • A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a STEM field, is often required.
    • Additional materials such as the GRE (optional for OU-Tulsa) and TOEFL scores for international students may be necessary.
      These admissions criteria ensure that candidates have a solid foundation and the potential for advanced study in Industrial Design.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Oklahoma

Pursuing an Industrial Design degree in Oklahoma involves aligning with both national accreditation standards and state-specific educational regulations. The state’s educational regulatory bodies include:

At the degree level, students can pursue:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design at UCO.
  • Master of Science (MS) in Design, Housing, and Merchandising at OSU, or MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering at OU – Tulsa.

Core curriculum typically includes courses in design history, research methods, and 3D modeling, coupled with hands-on experience through internships or capstone projects. Accreditation is assured by bodies like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Professional Certification Options

For those seeking to enhance their credentials, several professional certifications are available:

  • NCIDQ Exam: Recognized in the interior design industry, it validates design competence and is often integrated into programs like UCO’s BFA.
  • Lean Six Sigma: Useful for those focused on process optimization within product design.
  • Professional Organizations: Membership in the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) provides valuable networking opportunities, access to design competitions, and career resources.
    Additionally, accreditation guidance can be obtained through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Get Started Today

This comprehensive overview highlights the pathways to earning your Industrial Design degree in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With diverse program options, clear admission requirements, and a robust network of career opportunities and professional resources, there is no better time to explore this exciting field. Contact a school today using their online forms to begin your journey in Industrial Design.