Product Design Programs in Fontana, California

Getting a Product Design Degree in Fontana, California

Earning a Product Design Degree in Fontana, California opens doors to a dynamic field that combines creativity, technical skills, and engineering principles. Product Design involves developing innovative solutions that balance form and function, ranging from consumer electronics to automotive components. Educational pathways include hands-on certificate programs and comprehensive bachelor’s degrees, providing a clear roadmap for aspiring product designers.

About Fontana, California

Fontana is a bustling city in San Bernardino County known for its rich industrial heritage and rapidly growing communities. Home to diverse neighborhoods and local landmarks such as the historic downtown area and Fontana Park, the city offers a backdrop of cultural and economic dynamism. For more detailed local information, visit the official Fontana website.

Product Design Programs in Fontana, California

While Fontana itself has limited dedicated product design programs, several nearby institutions offer robust Product Design courses and degrees. Below are three institutions that prospective students may consider:

  1. Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC)

    • Program: Certificate in Industrial Design Engineering (Level III)
    • Location & Address: 1700 W Walnut Ave, Walnut, CA 91789 (approximately 17 miles from Fontana, situated in the heart of Walnut)
    • Description: Focused on product development, prototyping, and manufacturing processes, this program requires completion of Level I and Level II coursework (18 units each) and foundational design courses. Details about the program can be found on the Mt. SAC website.

  2. Otis College of Art and Design

    • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Product Design
    • Location & Address: 660 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (approximately 60 miles from Fontana; located in downtown Los Angeles)
    • Description: Emphasizing hands-on studio projects, design research, and prototyping, this highly collaborative program encourages portfolio submissions showcasing varied design projects. Learn more on the Otis College website.

  3. California State University, Long Beach

    • Program: Industrial Design Program
    • Location & Address: 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840 (approximately 45 miles from Fontana; in the Long Beach community)
    • Description: Part of the California State University system, this program integrates design thinking with technical and practical applications. It is ideal for students looking to merge functionality with aesthetic appeal. Additional information is available through the Cal State Long Beach website.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Fontana, California

Fontana’s industrial environment and proximity to major metropolitan areas create diverse employment opportunities for product designers. Local and regional companies often seek design professionals to drive innovation in manufacturing and consumer goods. Examples of key employers and opportunities include:

  1. Stellantis Fontana Plant

    • Address & Neighborhood: 3101 N D St, Fontana, CA 92335 (located in downtown Fontana)
    • Description: As a major automotive manufacturing facility now under Stellantis, this plant offers roles in engineering and design aimed at improving vehicle components and overall product aesthetics. Visit the Stellantis website for employment opportunities.

  2. Denso Manufacturing, Inc.

    • Address & Neighborhood: 600 E Palm Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92401 (approximately 15 miles from Fontana; located in downtown San Bernardino)
    • Description: Denso is known for its advanced manufacturing processes and innovative engineering solutions, providing roles that require a blend of technical design expertise and practical prototyping skills. For career details, check the Denso official website.

  3. Mattel, Inc. Headquarters

    • Address & Neighborhood: El Segundo, CA (approximately 60 miles from Fontana; in the El Segundo area)
    • Description: With a national reputation for creativity and product excellence, Mattel offers design positions that allow designers to work on consumer products ranging from toys to interactive digital experiences. Explore career opportunities on the Mattel Corporate website.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Typical admission requirements for Product Design programs include:

  • Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent is standard. Advanced programs may require some college-level coursework.
  • Portfolio Submission: For bachelor’s programs like the BFA at Otis College, submitting a portfolio of sketches, prototypes, and design projects is essential.
  • Coursework Pre-requisites: Programs such as the Certificate in Industrial Design Engineering at Mt. SAC require successful completion of foundational design courses (Level I and Level II).
  • Entrance Exams: While standardized test scores are not required for some programs (e.g., Otis College for 2024 applicants), applicants should review each institution’s specific admission criteria carefully.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers is robust, with diverse opportunities ranging from industrial design to UX/UI roles. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, while experienced professionals can expect earnings between $90,000 and $120,000 annually. With growth projections steadily rising, potential career paths include industrial designer, product manager, and user experience designer among others. For detailed labor market data and job projections, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Industrial Designers.

Product Design Degree Requirements and Resources for Fontana, San Bernardino, California

Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Fontana Unified School District
    • Purpose: Oversees K-12 education in Fontana, though not directly regulating product design programs.
    • Website: https://www.fusd.net/
    • Contact: (909) 357-5000

Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
    • Purpose: Manages county-wide educational initiatives and resources.
    • Website: https://www.sbcss.net/
    • Contact: (909) 386-2400

Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • California Department of Education

Federal Education Oversight Agencies

State-Specific Degree Information

Types of Degrees Available

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Product Design
    Offered by Otis College of Art and Design, this program emphasizes hands-on studio projects and multidisciplinary skills.
  • Certificate in Industrial Design Engineering (Level III)
    Offered by Mt. San Antonio College, this certificate program focuses on product development, prototyping, and manufacturing.

Admission Requirements

  • BFA at Otis College:
    Portfolio submission (physical or digital projects, sketches, prototypes) is required. No standardized test scores are required for 2024 applicants.
  • Certificate at Mt. SAC:
    Completion of Level I and Level II coursework (18 units each) is necessary, alongside foundational design course prerequisites.

Curriculum Requirements

  • BFA at Otis College:
    Core courses include Design Process, Design Research, Design Thinking, and Prototyping. Specializations cover areas such as Apparel, Consumer Electronics, Health & Wellness, and UX/UI Design. Internship opportunities with companies like Apple, SpaceX, and Nike also enhance learning.
  • Certificate at Mt. SAC:
    Required courses feature CAD, Shop Processes, and Manufacturing Materials, culminating in a senior project focused on portfolio development and fabrication.

Accreditation Information

Professional Organizations

  • Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)
    • Purpose: Promotes industrial design education and professional development.
    • Website: https://www.idsa.org/
    • Member Benefits: Opportunities for networking, conferences, and design awards.

Additional Resources

  • California State University System
  • Fontana Economic Development Department
  • San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board

Get Started Today

Fontana offers a promising pathway into Product Design, combining regional educational opportunities with a supportive industrial network. By exploring the variety of programs and resources available—from Mt. SAC’s certificate to Otis College’s comprehensive BFA—aspiring product designers can build a fulfilling career in innovation and design. Take the first step toward your creative future by contacting a school today through the inquiry forms on their websites.