Product Design Programs in Gilbert, Arizona

Getting a Product Design Degree in Gilbert, Arizona

Earning a Product Design Degree opens multiple creative career paths in industrial design, product development, and innovation management. Product Design focuses on developing functional, aesthetically appealing products by integrating design principles, technology, and market research. Educational paths vary from Associate degrees and Certificates of Completion in Industrial Design Technology to a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Industrial Design. Prospective students should consider not only program curriculum—covering core courses such as CAD/3D modeling (using tools like SolidWorks and Fusion 360), rapid prototyping (including 3D printing and CNC machining), and sustainability—but also specialized tracks in medical device design or automotive/aerospace product development.

Educational oversight in Gilbert, Arizona extends from local K-12 institutions, such as Gilbert Public Schools that partner with higher education initiatives, to county and state regulatory bodies including the Maricopa County Department of Education, the Arizona Department of Education, and the Arizona Board of Regents, which governs major institutions like Arizona State University (ASU). On a federal level, the U.S. Department of Education supports these academic endeavors.

About Gilbert

Gilbert, Arizona, is a thriving community known for its strategic location in Maricopa County and family-friendly neighborhoods. The city harmonizes modern development with a rich history, making it an attractive location for creative professionals and students alike. For more information about the community and local resources, visit the official Gilbert website.

Product Design Programs in Gilbert, Arizona

While Gilbert itself has limited higher education institutions offering a dedicated Product Design Degree, several excellent programs are available in nearby cities:

  1. Arizona State University (ASU) – Tempe Campus

    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Industrial Design
    • Address: Tempe, AZ 85287 (Tempe campus, centrally located in the Tempe neighborhood)
    • Distance from Gilbert: Approximately 25 miles away
    • Description: ASU’s program emphasizes global study opportunities, internships with corporate partners, and upper-division portfolio reviews. For more detailed program information, visit the ASU degree programs page.

  2. Mesa Community College (Maricopa Community Colleges)

    • Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Industrial Design Technology
    • Address: 531 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210 (situated in Mesa’s accessible urban area)
    • Distance from Gilbert: Approximately 12 miles away
    • Description: This program focuses on CAD/3D printing, rapid prototyping techniques, and hands-on learning designed for career readiness. Learn more on the Maricopa Community Colleges website.

  3. Scottsdale Community College

    • Program: Design-related courses in product development and industrial design fundamentals
    • Address: 6290 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (located in the downtown Scottsdale neighborhood)
    • Distance from Gilbert: Approximately 18 miles away
    • Description: Offering a suite of courses aimed at building strong design foundations, Scottsdale Community College represents an accessible option for students seeking supplementary product design education.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Gilbert, Arizona

Graduates with a Product Design Degree can seek diverse opportunities in product innovation and industrial design. Notable local and nearby employers include:

  • Honeywell Aerospace

    • Website: Honeywell Aerospace
    • Location: Based in Phoenix’s Central Phoenix neighborhood, approximately 20 miles from Gilbert
    • Description: A global leader in aerospace technology, Honeywell frequently recruits industrial designers for product development roles in advanced manufacturing sectors.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    • Website: General Dynamics Mission Systems
    • Location: Located in Scottsdale’s business district, about 15 miles from Gilbert
    • Description: Specializing in defense and aerospace systems, this firm offers career opportunities for product designers focused on innovative, high-precision product solutions.

Additionally, local resources such as the Gilbert Economic Development office support local tech startups and manufacturing initiatives, proving valuable for networking and career development in product design.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet the following prerequisites when applying to Product Design programs:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary.
  • GPA: Programs such as the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Certificate of Completion (CCL) typically require a minimum 2.0 GPA.
  • Portfolio: Submission of a design portfolio is mandatory for advanced courses and BSD programs; it should showcase previous design work and conceptual projects.
  • Standardized Tests: AAS/CCL programs generally do not require standardized tests, whereas BSD programs may require SAT/ACT scores (with institutions like ASU reporting an average SAT of 1230).

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers remains robust, with significant opportunities for creative innovation in various industries. Key points include:

  • Median Salaries: Industrial Designers typically earn a median salary of $77,280, while Product Development Managers report median earnings of $98,950.
  • Job Growth: Demand for product designers is expected to increase as companies invest in innovative and sustainable product solutions.
  • Potential Career Paths: Graduates may pursue roles in industrial design, product development, user experience, and related fields.
    For detailed employment statistics, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Industrial Designers.

Product Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Gilbert, Maricopa County, Arizona

Understanding the broader educational framework can further empower your academic journey:

  • Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • Gilbert Public Schools
      • Purpose: Oversees K-12 education and partnerships with higher education.
      • Website: Gilbert Public Schools
      • Contact: (480) 892-0729

  • Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • Maricopa County Department of Education

  • Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies:

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

  • Federal Oversight:

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Types of Degrees Offered:

    • Associate in Applied Science (AAS): Industrial Design Technology (Maricopa Community Colleges)
    • Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD): Industrial Design (Arizona State University)
    • Certificate of Completion (CCL): Industrial Design Technology: Design Specialist

  • Admission Requirements:

    • AAS/CCL: No standardized tests required, minimum 2.0 GPA, and a portfolio submission for advanced courses
    • BSD: SAT/ACT scores are required (ASU’s average SAT is 1230) along with a portfolio review for upper-division studios

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core Courses: CAD/3D modeling, rapid prototyping, sustainability, and human-centered design
    • Specializations: Options include medical device design and automotive/aerospace product development

  • Accreditation:

    • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits programs like ASU’s Herberger Institute of Design
    • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is not directly applicable for these programs

Professional Organizations and Resources

  • Professional Organizations:
    • Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA): IDSA – Offers certification and networking opportunities
    • Product Development and Management Association (PDMA): PDMA – Focuses on product lifecycle management
    • Arizona Industrial Designers Association: Arizona IDA – Hosts local workshops and meetups
  • Educational Resources:

Career Information and Professional Development

  • Job Prospects:
    • Typical roles include Industrial Designer and Product Development Manager, with competitive median salaries
    • Top employers include Honeywell Aerospace and General Dynamics Mission Systems
  • Professional Development:
    • Certifications such as the Certified Industrial Designer (CID) by IDSA and Lean Six Sigma qualifications are beneficial

Additional Resources

  • Arizona Science and Technology Festival: AZ SciTech – An annual event promoting STEM and design careers
  • Gilbert Economic Development: Gilbert Economic Development – Supports local tech startups and manufacturing initiatives
  • Maricopa County Workforce Development: Maricopa County – Partners with educational institutions for apprenticeships and job training

Get Started Today

This guide outlines the comprehensive steps and resources available for pursuing a Product Design Degree in and around Gilbert, Arizona. With clearly defined program prerequisites, robust industry partnerships, and strong regional educational support, the path to a career in product design is both attainable and promising. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to their chosen schools through the available contact forms and begin their journey toward a successful career in product design.