Product Design Programs in Chandler, Arizona

Getting a Product Design Degree in Chandler, Arizona

Product Design is a multidisciplinary field that merges creativity with technical skills to produce functional, aesthetically appealing products. In Chandler, Arizona, prospective students can choose from various educational paths including Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs, Certificate of Completion (CCL) courses, and specialized programs focusing on 3D printing, prototyping, and product development. Whether you are considering a traditional four-year degree or a shorter-term certificate, understanding the different product design education paths is essential for planning a successful career.

About Chandler, Arizona

Chandler, Arizona is a dynamic city located in Maricopa County and known for its innovative spirit and strong community focus. The city is home to several neighborhoods such as Ocotillo and Downtown Chandler, and it boasts landmarks like the Chandler Fashion Center and the Chandler Museum. For more detailed local information, visit the official Chandler website.

Product Design Programs in Chandler, Arizona

Although there may not be an extensive list of exclusively product design schools in Chandler, several nearby institutions offer excellent Product Design programs and courses. Below are three options, including local and neighboring institutions, along with their addresses, neighborhoods, and approximate distances from Chandler.

  1. Maricopa Community Colleges (Mesa Campus)

    • Program Offered: AAS in Industrial Design Technology and Certificate of Completion in Design Specialist.
    • Description: Maricopa Community Colleges provide hands-on training with courses such as Solid Design I (SolidWorks), 3D Printing and Prototyping, and Technical Documentation. The program emphasizes practical experiences like 3D scanning, reverse engineering projects, and developing Bills of Materials (BOM).
    • Address: 200 W College Ave, Mesa, AZ 85201
      Neighborhood: Downtown Mesa
      Distance from Chandler: Approximately 10 miles
    • Website: Maricopa Community Colleges

  2. Arizona State University (Tempe Campus)

    • Program Offered: Degree programs in design offering coursework in product design fundamentals, industrial design processes, and advanced design methodologies.
    • Description: ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum covers key areas such as rapid prototyping and technical documentation, supported by modern CAD software training.
    • Address: 350 E 4th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
      Neighborhood: Downtown Tempe
      Distance from Chandler: Approximately 20 miles
    • Website: Arizona State University

  3. Phoenix College

    • Program Offered: Courses and modules in product and industrial design that focus on both the creative and technical aspects of design.
    • Description: Phoenix College provides opportunities to develop skills in areas including SolidWorks-based design and additive manufacturing techniques, preparing students for roles in product development and industrial design.
    • Address: 400 W Jackson Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85003
      Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix
      Distance from Chandler: Approximately 20 miles
    • Website: Phoenix College

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Chandler, Arizona

Chandler is home to several major employers in the tech and manufacturing sectors that actively seek skilled product designers. Below are a few prominent organizations offering career opportunities:

  • Intel Corporation

    • Description: Intel’s Chandler campus is at the forefront of technology innovation, offering roles in industrial design and product development in a collaborative environment.
    • Address: 2200 Mission College Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85225
      Neighborhood: Ocotillo
    • Website: Intel Corporation

  • Microchip Technology Inc.

    • Description: Specializing in microcontroller and analog semiconductors, Microchip Technology supports product design roles that involve advanced engineering and design problem-solving in a competitive field.
    • Address: 2355 N Scottsdale Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
      Neighborhood: Mid-Chandler
    • Website: Microchip Technology

  • ON Semiconductor

    • Description: ON Semiconductor offers opportunities in product development where designers work with state-of-the-art technology and innovative manufacturing processes.
    • Address: 1655 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85224
      Neighborhood: West Chandler
    • Website: ON Semiconductor

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Enrollment in Product Design programs typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. For AAS programs, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (a C or better in program courses) and complete prerequisites such as MPT101 (Technical Math) and MPT111 (Technical Drawing). Advanced courses may also require a portfolio submission. Certificate programs (CCL) generally do not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and accept rolling applications.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers is promising, with numerous career paths available—from industrial design to product development engineering. Product designers can expect median salaries ranging from approximately $63,000 to $85,000 for industrial designers and $75,000 to $100,000 for product development engineers. For more detailed industry statistics and job growth projections, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrial Designers page.

Regulatory Bodies and Resources for Chandler, Maricopa County, Arizona

Prospective students should be aware of the key educational regulatory bodies at different levels:

  • City-Level:

    • Chandler Unified School District

  • County-Level:

    • Maricopa County Education Service Agency (MCESA)
      • Purpose: Supports county-wide education initiatives and workforce development.
      • Website: Maricopa Community Colleges
      • Contact: (480) 731-8000

  • State-Level:

    • Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
      • Purpose: Governs Arizona’s public universities including ASU, NAU, and UArizona.
      • Website: Arizona Board of Regents
      • Contact: (602) 229-2500

  • Federal Oversight:

State-Specific Degree Information and Curriculum Details

Chandler, and by extension Maricopa County, offers robust degree options in product design, particularly through Maricopa Community Colleges. The available educational pathways include:

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Associate in Applied Science (AAS): Focus on Industrial Design Technology.
    • Certificate of Completion (CCL): Concentration in Design Specialist skills.

  • Specializations:

    • 3D Printing and Prototyping: Emphasizing CAD software (SolidWorks) and additive manufacturing.
    • Product Development: Emphasizing rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and technical documentation.

  • Admission Requirements:

    • AAS Program: Minimum GPA of 2.0, prerequisite courses (MPT101 and MPT111), and portfolio submission for advanced courses.
    • CCL Program: No standardized testing requirements with rolling application deadlines.

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core Courses: Solid Design I (using SolidWorks – MPT151), 3D Printing and Prototyping (MPT255), and Technical Documentation (2D/3D).
    • Practical Experience: Hands-on projects including 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and development of BOMs.

  • Accreditation:

Professional Organizations and Additional Resources

Aligning yourself with a professional organization such as the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) can greatly enhance networking opportunities, provide access to design competitions, and offer job board resources. Additionally, state and local resources that supplement education in the region include:

  • Arizona Science and Technology Festival: azscitech.com – An annual event that showcases STEM education and career opportunities.
  • Chandler Innovation Incubator: ChandlerAZ.gov – Supports startups and small businesses in technology and design.
  • Maricopa County Workforce Development: Maricopa.gov – Offers training grants and job placement services, especially valuable for manufacturing and design careers.

Get Started Today

With a solid foundation in product design education and a thriving local industry, Chandler, Arizona offers a range of fantastic opportunities for aspiring product designers. Take the initiative to explore these programs and resources, contact your school of choice through their inquiry forms, and step confidently into a promising career in product design.