Product Design Programs in Aurora, Colorado

Getting a Product Design Degree in Aurora, Colorado

Earning a Product Design Degree in Aurora, Colorado opens a pathway to a career in creating innovative and user-centered products. Product Design is an interdisciplinary field combining art, technology, and engineering to develop practical and aesthetically appealing products. Educational paths vary from Bachelor of Science programs in Industrial Design to specialized graduate certificates focusing on mechanical design and product development. Students can choose from various degree types that emphasize sustainable design, user experience (UX) design, and furniture design. Detailed admission requirements and curriculum specifics, such as portfolio submission requirements (for instance, at Metropolitan State University of Denver) and GRE requirements for certain graduate programs (at the University of Colorado Boulder), make it essential to review each program’s criteria.

About Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado is a dynamic city known for its rich cultural diversity and thriving local community. The city is home to several community resources including educational institutions and local landmarks that enhance the learning experience. For more information about Aurora, please visit the official Aurora government website. Key local organizations such as Aurora Public Schools and the Aurora Economic Development Council play significant roles in fostering educational and career development in the region.

Product Design Programs in Aurora, Colorado

While Aurora itself may not host numerous dedicated Product Design schools, several excellent programs in the surrounding areas offer comprehensive education in product design.

  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

    • Program: B.S. in Industrial Design
    • Address: 1307 York Street, Denver, CO 80204 (Downtown Denver – approximately 10 miles from Aurora)
    • Description: MSU Denver offers state-of-the-art labs and strong industry partnerships. Admission requires a portfolio submission (sophomore review) and a minimum 2.5 GPA for transfer students. For more details, visit the Industrial Design Program page.

  2. University of Colorado Boulder

    • Program: Mechanical Design and Product Development Graduate Certificate
    • Address: Boulder, CO 80309 (Approximately 40 miles from Aurora)
    • Description: This program focuses on manufacturability and design synthesis, preparing graduates for advanced product design challenges. Admission for graduate courses requires GRE scores. While details on specific product design courses are available on the department’s website, prospective students are encouraged to research thoroughly.

  3. Arapahoe Community College

    • Program: Art and Design courses that complement a career in product design
    • Address: 2790 Washington Street, Littleton, CO 80120 (Approximately 20 miles from Aurora, located in the Littleton neighborhood)
    • Description: Although not exclusively dedicated to Product Design Degrees, Arapahoe Community College offers a range of courses that help build foundational design skills and creative thinking. These courses can serve as a stepping stone for those planning to transfer into a four-year industrial or product design program.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora and its surrounding metropolitan areas host several organizations that value innovative product designers. Although local opportunities may be limited in number, prominent design firms, tech companies, and manufacturing businesses in the region often seek individuals with advanced creative and technical skills:

  • Lockheed Martin

    • Overview: A leading aerospace and defense company that occasionally recruits product designers for its diverse engineering projects. Recruiting offices in the Denver-Aurora region are known to consider candidates from various design backgrounds.
    • Website: Visit Lockheed Martin for employment opportunities.

  • Raytheon Technologies

    • Overview: Specializing in aerospace and defense technologies, Raytheon Technologies values innovation in product development. The company’s facilities in the greater Aurora area provide ample opportunities in advanced design and engineering roles.
    • Website: For career options, please visit Raytheon Technologies.

  • Ball Corporation

    • Overview: A major manufacturing company with operations near Aurora (located approximately 15 miles away in Broomfield, CO). Ball Corporation offers roles in product development and design, emphasizing sustainable and user-centric designs in their product lines.
    • Website: Explore career opportunities at Ball Corporation.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Applicants to Product Design Degree programs typically need to meet several prerequisites. Most programs require completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Students should be prepared to submit a comprehensive portfolio, which documents creative projects and technical skills; for example, MSU Denver mandates a portfolio submission during the sophomore review stage. Additionally, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for transfer students at some institutions, and standardized tests like the GRE are necessary for graduate-level programs, such as those offered by the University of Colorado Boulder.

It is also important for prospective students to be aware of local educational oversight bodies. In Aurora, Aurora Public Schools (APS) (website, phone: (303) 344-8060, email: [email protected]) manages K-12 and adult education programs. For county-level support, the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (website, phone: (303) 795-4400, email: [email protected]) provides resources to strengthen educational and workforce development. At the state level, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) (website, phone: (303) 866-2723, email: [email protected]) regulates postsecondary education. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education (website) offers national oversight and accreditation resources, including access to the Accreditation Database. Accreditation for Product Design programs is overseen by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); the accredited institutions list is available on NASAD’s website.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers shows promising growth, with projected corrections from emerging technologies and a persistent demand for innovative design solutions. Common career titles include Industrial Designer, Product Development Engineer, and UX/UI Designer. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $55,000 to $70,000, while more experienced professionals can expect compensation between $80,000 and $110,000. This optimistic outlook is supported by evolving market trends and increased investment in manufacturing and technology sectors. For detailed employment statistics and further career outlook information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Industrial Designers.

Get Started Today

Aspiring product designers in Aurora, Colorado are encouraged to take the next step in pursuing a career in innovative design. With comprehensive programs available within close proximity and a supportive network of local educational bodies, now is the time to explore your options. Reach out to the schools and use available contact forms to request more information. Begin your journey in product design and make a lasting impact in the world of creative innovation.