Product Design Programs in Chicago, Illinois

Getting a Product Design Degree in Chicago, Illinois

Earning a Product Design Degree in Chicago, Illinois opens up a diverse range of educational and career opportunities. Product Design involves the blend of creativity, technology, and user-focused problem-solving to bring innovative products to life. Educational paths include undergraduate programs like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with an emphasis on industrial design, graduate pathways such as a Master of Design (MDes) or dual degree programs (MDes/MBA, MDes/MPA), and even doctoral research opportunities. These varied avenues allow prospective designers to choose the path that best fits their career goals and creative aspirations.

About Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a dynamic city renowned for its architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Prospective students will appreciate the city’s mix of historic areas like the Loop and modern districts such as Printer’s Row. To learn more about the city’s offerings, visit the official website for Chicago. Whether you are interested in exploring the bustling downtown or the creative enclaves throughout the city, Chicago provides an inspiring backdrop for your education and professional growth.

Product Design Programs in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to several schools offering Product Design programs and related courses. Below are three institutions with robust offerings:

  • Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

    • Program and Degrees: Offers graduate programs such as a Master of Design (MDes), dual degree options (MDes/MBA, MDes/MPA), and a Ph.D. in Design.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616 (located in the Bronzeville neighborhood).
    • Program Page: IIT Design Programs
    • Highlights: IIT’s programs emphasize human-centered design, interaction design, and research-driven innovation. Its competitive tuition for the MDes is approximately $45,000 per year, reflecting a deep commitment to interdisciplinary education.

  • The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

    • Program and Degrees: SAIC is well-known for its design and art programs, including courses geared toward product design and related fields.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603 (located in the Loop).
    • Program Page: SAIC Academic Programs
    • Highlights: SAIC offers a curriculum that blends artistic exploration with practical design skills, preparing students for both studio practice and commercial design work.

  • Columbia College Chicago

    • Program and Degrees: Offers courses and specialized tracks in product and industrial design, integrating technology and creative methodologies.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 600 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605 (situated in Printer’s Row).
    • Program Page: Columbia College Chicago Academics
    • Highlights: This institution provides hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships that enable students to tackle real-world design challenges.

If additional programs outside of Chicago are of interest, nearby programs such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) offer a BFA in Industrial Design at approximately 160 miles away. UIUC emphasizes sustainability, manufacturing innovation, and human-centered design. For more details on UIUC’s program, see the UIUC Industrial Design BFA.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a hub for design innovation and product development. Major companies that routinely hire product designers include:

  • IDEO Chicago

    • Description: A global design firm known for its groundbreaking work in innovation and creative problem-solving.
    • Location: Based in the West Loop, IDEO is a leader in designing products that merge usability with cutting-edge aesthetics.
    • Official Website: IDEO

  • HOK

    • Description: An established firm with a significant presence in architecture, engineering, and design. HOK’s Chicago office works on projects that require meticulous product and spatial design.
    • Location: Their office is situated in the River North neighborhood.
    • Official Website: HOK

  • Gensler

    • Description: A global design and architecture firm that employs product designers to innovate in diverse sectors. Gensler is known for creating environments that inspire creativity and functionality.
    • Location: Their downtown Chicago office is a prime example of urban design excellence.
    • Official Website: Gensler

These companies illustrate the broad range of opportunities available—from tech and consumer products to architecture and urban design. For more detail on job outlooks within the field, prospective designers are encouraged to consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook for Industrial Designers.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet specific prerequisites when applying to Product Design programs. Typical requirements include:

  • Undergraduate Programs:

    • A portfolio review showcasing creative projects and design skills.
    • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and high school transcripts.

  • Graduate Programs:

    • A completed bachelor’s degree in a related field.
    • Submission of a comprehensive portfolio.
    • GRE scores (optional for programs like IIT’s MDes).

  • International Students:

    • Proof of English proficiency via TOEFL/IELTS.
    • Detailed transcript evaluations.

These prerequisites ensure that applicants possess the foundational skills and creative aptitude necessary for success in rigorous Product Design courses.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers is promising, with competitive salaries and growing opportunities in various sectors. In Illinois, common titles include Industrial Designer with a median salary of approximately $71,000 per year and UX/UI Designer at around $85,000 per year. Career paths span industries such as tech, manufacturing, and design consultancy. For more detailed statistics and projections, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Industrial Designers.

College Regulatory and Educational Resources

Students should be aware of the various regulatory bodies that guide educational programs in Chicago and beyond:

  • City Regulatory Bodies:

  • County Regulatory Bodies:

  • State and Federal Oversight:

    • Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE): Provides accreditation and program approvals at IBHE (phone: (217) 557-7359).
    • Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE): Supports transitions from K-12 to post-secondary education. Check ISBE or call (217) 557-6760.
    • U.S. Department of Education: Oversees national education policy. Visit U.S. Department of Education and for accreditation details see the Accreditation Database.
    • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): Provides data to inform educational choices. Explore NCES and College Navigator.

Additionally, professional organizations such as the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), and AIGA Chicago offer networking, certification, and professional development opportunities. Events like Chicago Design Week and initiatives through Cook County Workforce Development further support budding product designers.

Get Started Today

The journey to a successful career in Product Design in Chicago, Illinois, is filled with resources, academic programs, and industry connections. With rigorous curricula, competitive admission standards, and extensive local opportunities, there’s no better time to commit to your future in design. Take the first step by reaching out to your chosen school today through the inquiry forms on their official websites, and start your path toward a fulfilling career in product design.