Industrial Design Programs in Norfolk, Virginia

Getting an Industrial Design Degree in Norfolk, Virginia

Earning an Industrial Design degree is a gateway to a career that shapes the aesthetics and functionality of products we use every day. In Norfolk, Virginia, prospective students can explore multiple educational paths, including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Master’s programs. Industrial Design programs emphasize core courses such as IDS 2015 (Introduction to Industrial Design) and IDS 2065 (Visual Design), along with portfolio development, internships, and hands-on coursework in form generation, materials, manufacturing, freehand drawing, and computer modeling. For detailed job outlook information for Industrial Designers, please refer to the Industrial Designer Job Outlook page on BLS.

About Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia is a historic port city noted for its bustling waterfront and diverse neighborhoods. The city plays an important role in the region’s education and industry. Local educational oversight is provided by Norfolk Public Schools (official website, phone: (757) 628-3456). Norfolk offers a mix of cultural landmarks and neighborhoods such as Ghent and East Norfolk, making it an engaging backdrop for students exploring Industrial Design and other creative fields.

Industrial Design Programs in Norfolk, Virginia

Although specialized Industrial Design programs in Norfolk are limited primarily to design-focused coursework, several schools provide opportunities for students interested in Industrial Design, either directly or through related art programs. Below is a list of three schools with details regarding their locations, offerings, and proximity:

  1. Norfolk State University

    • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic Design with design-focused coursework.
    • Address: 700 E. Princess Anne Rd., Norfolk, VA 23504 (located in the eastern area of Norfolk).
    • Description: While Norfolk State University’s program centers on graphic design, its curriculum includes courses that build essential design principles and creative problem-solving skills applicable to Industrial Design.
    • Website: https://www.nsu.edu

  2. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

    • Program: BFA and MFA programs in Industrial Design with a strong emphasis on human-centered design and NASAD accreditation.
    • Address: Blacksburg, VA 24061 (situated on a sprawling, picturesque campus in Blacksburg).
    • Distance: Approximately 300 miles from Norfolk.
    • Description: Virginia Tech offers comprehensive Industrial Design curricula featuring core courses such as IDS 2015 and IDS 2065, rigorous portfolio requirements, and opportunities for internships and professional development.
    • Website: https://catalog.vt.edu/undergraduate/architecture-arts-design/industrial-design/

  3. College of William & Mary

    • Program: Offers design-focused coursework that complements a broader education in the arts. (While not a specialized Industrial Design degree, the program provides foundational skills beneficial for a career in design.)
    • Address: Williamsburg, VA 23185 (located in historic Colonial Williamsburg).
    • Distance: Approximately 60 miles from Norfolk.
    • Description: Students can utilize the design courses at the College of William & Mary to build a strong creative portfolio that can later be applied to specialized Industrial Design studies.
    • Website: https://www.wm.edu

Industrial Design Career Opportunities in Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is home to several employers and organizations where graduates with an Industrial Design background can apply their creative and technical skills. Although the local industrial design sector may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, there are notable opportunities in design-driven manufacturing and creative consultancies:

  • Norfolk Design Innovations

    • Description: A locally based firm specializing in innovative product design and development, operating in downtown Norfolk.
    • Website: null

  • Coastal Industrial Solutions

    • Description: This company focuses on the design and manufacturing of durable, user-friendly products, with operations near the bustling waterfront of Norfolk.
    • Website: https://www.coastalindustrial.com/

  • Creative Manufacturing of Virginia

    • Description: Located in the Ghent neighborhood, this firm bridges creative design with advanced manufacturing techniques, offering internships and full-time positions for emerging industrial designers.
    • Website: null

For further insight into employment trends and job outlook in this field, please visit the Industrial Designer Job Outlook page on BLS.

Prerequisites for Industrial Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in Industrial Design programs include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT); for example, Virginia Tech reports an average SAT score of 1335 for admission.
  • A minimum GPA requirement (e.g., 3.0 for Virginia Tech’s industrial design program).
  • A creative portfolio showcasing artistic ability and design potential.
  • Entrance interviews or additional assessments may also be part of the process.
    These prerequisites ensure that candidates have the necessary creative and academic foundation before entering a competitive program.

Industrial Design Degree Requirements in Virginia

State-specific requirements for Industrial Design degrees in Virginia are overseen by several regulatory bodies. While Norfolk lacks a dedicated higher education authority for Industrial Design, the following organizations provide guidance:

  • State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
    • Website: https://www.schev.edu
    • Contact: (804) 225-2600
      This body regulates and accredits postsecondary programs, including Industrial Design. Degree requirements are generally consistent across institutions, encompassing core courses such as IDS 2015 (Introduction to Industrial Design) and IDS 2065 (Visual Design), portfolio submissions, internship experiences, and adherence to accreditation standards set by bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). For accreditation verification, refer to the NASAD Accredited Institutions page. Additionally, federal oversight is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and its Accreditation Database.

Professional Certification Options

Several professional certification options are available for Industrial Designers. The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) offers the Certified Industrial Designer (CID) program, which provides valuable networking opportunities, access to conferences, and comprehensive career resources. Certification can enhance credibility, support career advancement, and ensure that designers are proficient in current technologies and design philosophies. More details on the benefits and application process can be found on the IDSA website.

Get Started Today

Aspiring Industrial Designers in Norfolk, Virginia, have multiple paths to pursue their educational and professional goals. Whether you choose a program focused on graphic design at Norfolk State University or a comprehensive Industrial Design curriculum at Virginia Tech, the education and training available can propel you toward a successful career. Prospective students are encouraged to research these programs further and contact your preferred school to learn more about admissions and opportunities.