Product Design Programs in Tampa, Florida

Getting a Product Design Degree in Tampa, Florida

Earning a Product Design Degree in Tampa, Florida involves a careful exploration of design principles, technical skills, and creative innovation. Product Design is an interdisciplinary field combining art, technology, and user experience to create effective products. Students can choose from a variety of educational paths, including undergraduate degrees such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Emerging Media or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Graphic Design, and advanced studies with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) that emphasizes interdisciplinary design-centered work. This guide outlines available Product Design programs, key admission requirements, local employment opportunities, and valuable resources for prospective art educators and creative professionals.

About Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a major metropolitan city located on the west coast of Florida. Known for its dynamic cultural scene and diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown Tampa and Ybor City, Tampa offers numerous opportunities for those interested in the arts. For further information about the city’s initiatives, visit the City of Tampa Education and Workforce Development page. Local landmarks like the Tampa Riverwalk and historic Ybor City contribute to the rich backdrop that inspires many creative professionals.

Product Design Programs in Tampa, Florida

Residents of Tampa have access to several excellent Product Design programs:

  1. University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa Campus

    • Program: BFA in Emerging Media with a Graphic Design track
    • Address: 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620 (located in East Tampa)
    • Highlights: This program offers comprehensive training in areas such as branding, UI/UX design, typography, and digital tools. Students benefit from internship opportunities with companies like Walt Disney Imagineering and IDEO.
    • Website: USF

  2. University of Tampa (UT)

    • Program: Courses and concentration tracks in Graphic Design and Interactive Media
    • Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 (situated in Downtown Tampa)
    • Highlights: UT provides a curriculum that emphasizes both creative and technical skills along with hands-on project experience in digital media and design.
    • Website: University of Tampa

  3. Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

    • Program: Associate degrees and certificate courses in Design Technology and Graphic Design
    • Address: 2301 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33619 (located in a central Tampa neighborhood)
    • Highlights: HCC offers affordable, career-oriented courses that prepare students for immediate entry into the design industry.
    • Website: Hillsborough Community College

In cases where additional options are needed, nearby schools such as the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and the University of Florida offer programs in Graphic Design and design-centered interdisciplinary studies. FAMU is located in Tallahassee and the University of Florida in Gainesville, approximately 280 and 260 miles away from Tampa, respectively.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Tampa, Florida

Local employment opportunities for Product Designers span a range of industries including finance, manufacturing, and creative consulting. Several organizations are noted for hiring product designers:

  • Raymond James

    • Address: 100 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 (Downtown Tampa)
    • Overview: This major financial services firm employs product designers as they innovate in digital solutions and customer experiences.
    • Employment Opportunities: Visit the Raymond James Careers page.

  • Jabil Circuit

    • Address: 2891 Harnett Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (located approximately 19 miles from Tampa)
    • Overview: A global manufacturing company, Jabil offers careers in product design and industrial innovation, providing opportunities to work on advanced design projects.
    • Employment Opportunities: Check the Jabil Careers page.

  • Motive Creative Solutions

    • Address: 555 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 (Downtown Tampa)
    • Overview: This local design consultancy focuses on digital media, branding, and product innovation, making it an ideal hub for emerging product designers.
    • Employment Opportunities: Visit the Motive Creative Solutions website.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet several prerequisites before enrollment:

  • Academic Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is essential.
  • Standardized Testing: For undergraduate programs, SAT scores (e.g., 1235 for USF) or ACT scores (e.g., 27 for USF) are common benchmarks. Graduate programs like the MFA may require GRE scores.
  • Portfolio Submission: A well-rounded portfolio demonstrating creative and technical skills is required for most Product Design programs.
  • Entrance Exams: Some institutions may conduct additional entrance assessments to evaluate design aptitude.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers in Florida remains promising. Entry-level Product Designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000, while mid-career UX/UI Designers can expect salaries ranging from $65,000 to $100,000. The career paths extend into roles such as design director, creative lead, and specialized technical positions. For more detailed employment statistics and growth projections, refer to the Industrial Designers job outlook on bls.gov.

Get Started Today

With comprehensive programs available in Tampa and extensive local resources, aspiring product designers have a clear pathway to success. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate level education, the combination of technical training and creative exploration will equip you for a rewarding career. Contact a local school today through their admission forms to take the first step toward a future in product design.

Additional Resources and Regulatory Bodies

  • City-Level:

    • City of Tampa Education and Workforce Development oversees local educational initiatives and partnerships with design industries.
    • Website: https://www.cityoftampa.gov/ | Contact: (813) 274-8448

  • County-Level:

    • Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) manages career technical programs and K-12 education.
    • Website: https://www.hcps.org/ | Contact: (813) 272-4000

  • State-Level:

    • Florida Department of Education (FDOE) regulates higher education and statewide standards.
    • Website: https://www.fldoe.org/ | Contact: (850) 245-0505

  • Federal Oversight:

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Offered by USF (Tampa) in Emerging Media with a Graphic Design track.
    • Bachelor of Science (BS): Available at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Graphic Design.
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA): The University of Florida offers an MxD MFA program that emphasizes design-centered interdisciplinary studies.

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core courses include branding, UI/UX design, typography, and digital tool competency.
    • Internship opportunities with companies like Walt Disney Imagineering or IDEO are integral to the programs.
    • A Senior Design Studio course and a professionally developed portfolio are required for graduation.

Professional Organizations

  • Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA): Enhances industrial design education and professional standards.

Career Information

  • Job Prospects in Florida:

    • Common titles include Product Designer, with entry-level roles ranging from $50,000–$80,000, and UX/UI Designer roles typically paying between $65,000–$100,000.
    • Top employers include Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Google, and IDEO.

  • Additional State and Local Resources:

    • The Florida Design Industry Report 2024 offers insights into current trends.
    • Annual events such as Tampa Bay Design Week showcase local design talent and foster industry partnerships.
    • Hillsborough County Economic Development partners with local educational institutions like USF to support workforce development.