Product Design Programs in Scottsdale, Arizona

Getting a Product Design Degree in Scottsdale, Arizona

Earning a Product Design Degree in Scottsdale, Arizona offers a comprehensive pathway into the creative and technical fields that drive innovative product development. Product Design involves the combination of artistic creativity and engineering principles to create functional and aesthetically engaging products. Aspiring designers can choose from various education paths including Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs for Industrial Design Technology, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design programs, and advanced graduate degrees such as the Master of Industrial Design and Master of Science in Design.

About Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is a dynamic city known for its rich cultural scene, engaging neighborhoods, and robust local business community. As part of Maricopa County, Scottsdale is home to numerous art galleries, public sculptures, and design events that inspire creativity. For more detailed community information, visit the City of Scottsdale. Local landmarks include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the distinct Old Town Scottsdale area.

Product Design Programs in Scottsdale, Arizona

Although there are limited programs located directly within Scottsdale, several excellent product design programs are available nearby:

  1. Arizona State University (Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts)

    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, Master of Industrial Design, and Master of Science in Design.
    • Description: ASU’s Herberger Institute offers transdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships, and a comprehensive curriculum covering core courses such as SolidWorks/CAD design, 3D printing and prototyping, project management, and technical documentation. Internship components are mandatory for the bachelor’s program, while graduate programs require portfolio reviews and emphasize sustainable and user-centered design specializations.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 411 S 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281 – located in downtown Tempe, approximately 12 miles from Scottsdale.
    • Learn More: ASU Herberger Institute.

  2. Maricopa Community Colleges – Industrial Design Technology Program

    • Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Design Technology.
    • Description: This program focuses on hands-on coursework including 3D printing labs and SolidWorks certification preparation. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED with a minimum C grade in foundational courses. Although portfolio submissions are not explicitly required, they are recommended to enhance admission prospects.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Mesa Community College – 250 W University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201 – situated in Mesa’s downtown area, approximately 15 miles from Scottsdale.
    • Learn More: Maricopa Industrial Design.

  3. Phoenix College – Design Programs

    • Program: While Phoenix College does not offer a dedicated Product Design Degree, its design-related courses and certificate programs provide a strong foundation for budding product designers.
    • Description: The curriculum integrates technical design software, 3D prototyping techniques, and creative design methodologies. These courses are designed for students seeking an Associate-level credential with possibilities for transfer to four-year institutions.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 4141 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008 – located in the Encanto neighborhood, roughly 20 miles from Scottsdale.
    • Learn More: Phoenix College.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale and its surrounding areas boast numerous employment opportunities for product designers, pairing creative talent with leading technology and manufacturing companies:

  1. General Dynamics Mission Systems

    • Description: This organization in Scottsdale’s northern area specializes in advanced defense technology and systems integration, employing product designers to streamline cutting-edge product development.
    • Learn More: General Dynamics Mission Systems.

  2. Honeywell Aerospace

    • Description: Based in the greater Phoenix area, Honeywell Aerospace employs product designers in the development of innovative solutions for the aerospace industry. Located in close proximity to Scottsdale, Honeywell provides opportunities to work in interdisciplinary teams focused on high-technology products.
    • Learn More: Honeywell Aerospace.

  3. Idea Rebel

    • Description: A local innovative design consultancy located in Old Town Scottsdale, Idea Rebel specializes in both product and digital design. Their creative approaches and hands-on design methods offer promising career opportunities for emerging designers.
    • Learn More: Idea Rebel.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in a Product Design program include:

  • Educational Credentials: High school diploma or GED.
  • Portfolio: A collection of creative and technical work is recommended for a competitive application, particularly for bachelor’s and graduate levels.
  • Test Scores: SAT/ACT scores may be required (optional for ASU’s 2024 cohort) and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally preferred.
  • Graduate Requirements: For master’s level programs, GRE scores are optional, but a comprehensive portfolio review is mandatory.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The career market for product designers remains promising, with both industrial and product design roles showing solid growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average salary of approximately $68,850 per year for Industrial Designers and around $83,000 per year for Product Designers. Job growth continues due to increasing demands in technological innovation, sustainable design, and digital transformation. For detailed employment statistics and projections, visit the Industrial Designers page on bls.gov.

Get Started Today

Scottsdale, Arizona offers both dynamic educational options and robust professional opportunities for aspiring product designers. Whether you are drawn to technical design, innovative prototyping, or creative digital artistry, there is a program and career path that suits your aspirations. Explore your options, reach out to your chosen institution using their contact forms, and take the first step toward a successful career in Product Design.

Additional Resources for Educational Excellence:

  • City of Scottsdale: Oversees local education initiatives and workforce programs. City of Scottsdale.
  • Maricopa County Education Service Agency (MCESA): Provides comprehensive resources for local education. MCESA | Contact: (602) 506-3866.
  • Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR): Regulates Arizona’s public universities and program standards. Arizona Board of Regents | Contact: (602) 229-2500.
  • U.S. Department of Education: Offers accreditation and federal education monitoring. U.S. Department of Education | Explore the Accreditation Database.

For professional growth, consider joining organizations such as the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and participating in local events like Phoenix Design Week.