Product Design Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Getting a Product Design Degree in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Product Design is a cutting-edge discipline combining creativity, technical skill, and user-centered innovation. Aspiring product designers can explore various education paths, including Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master’s programs. This guide provides a comprehensive look at earning a Product Design Degree in Minneapolis, Minnesota—from education requirements and program specifics to employment opportunities and career outlook.

About Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural institutions, and thriving business districts. The city, governed by the Minneapolis City Government (official website), offers a dynamic environment where history and modernity converge. Notable local landmarks and neighborhoods such as Downtown, Seward, and North Loop contribute to the creative ambiance that attracts students and professionals alike.

Product Design Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is home to several schools offering specialized Product Design programs as well as related design courses. Below is a list of three institutions providing robust design education:

  1. University of Minnesota – College of Design

    • Program: B.S. in Product Design
    • Address: 100 Union St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
    • Neighborhood: Downtown East area
    • Description: The University of Minnesota emphasizes technical design, sustainability, and user-centered innovation. Core courses include mathematics, science, and intensive design studio work. For more details, visit the UMN College of Design website.

  2. Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)

    • Program: B.F.A. in Product and Furniture Design; M.F.A. in design-related fields
    • Address: 2500 West Bank Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55410
    • Neighborhood: Located in the Seward neighborhood
    • Description: MCAD focuses on creative entrepreneurship, hands-on design training, and the integration of industry partnerships. Portfolio submission is mandatory for undergraduate admissions. Learn more at the MCAD official website.

  3. Augsburg University (Additional Nearest Option)

    • Program: Offers design courses and programs that complement product design studies
    • Address: 1100 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
    • Neighborhood: Downtown West area
    • Description: While not exclusively focused on Product Design, Augsburg University provides design education in creative communications and interdisciplinary arts. This option is approximately 1 mile from central Minneapolis, making it an accessible alternative for prospective students.

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Minneapolis

Minneapolis hosts a range of companies actively seeking skilled product designers. Local design firms, tech companies, and manufacturing giants contribute to a competitive yet promising job market:

  • Target Corporation

    • Address: 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Downtown Minneapolis)
    • Description: As a major retail giant with its corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Target offers career opportunities in product design and creative strategy. Visit the Target Careers page for current openings.

  • 3M

    • Description: Recognized nationally for innovation, 3M employs product designers to develop new materials and solutions. Although its headquarters span multiple locations, many roles are accessible within the Minneapolis area. Check the 3M official website for career opportunities.

  • Ecolab

    • Address: 8000 West Lake Road, St. Paul, MN 55114 (approximately 6 miles from Minneapolis)
    • Description: Ecolab, known for its contributions to manufacturing and technical services, seeks product designers to enhance its product development teams. Explore opportunities on the Ecolab Careers page.

Additionally, prospective designers are encouraged to review the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook for Industrial Designers to understand broader employment trends.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Prospective students must generally meet specific admission requirements:

  • Educational Background: Completion of 12th grade or possessing a high school diploma is required.
  • English Proficiency: For programs like the University of Minnesota’s B.S. in Product Design, minimum scores include IELTS (6.5), TOEFL (79), or PTE (59).
  • Portfolio Submission: Mandatory for programs such as MCAD’s B.F.A. in Product and Furniture Design, while being optional yet beneficial for UMN applicants.
  • Entrance Exams: SAT/ACT scores are optional for MCAD admissions in 2024, with design coursework or practical experience serving as an advantage.

Degree Requirements and Resources for Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

A range of official regulatory bodies and resources support product design education in Minneapolis and across the region:

  • Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies

    • Agency: Minneapolis Department of Education
    • Purpose: Oversees K-12 and higher education initiatives in Minneapolis.
    • Contact: Reach out via Minneapolis City Hall at (612) 673-3000 or visit Minneapolis City Government.

  • Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies

    • Agency: Hennepin County Education and Workforce Development
    • Purpose: Manages education programs and workforce development at the county level.
    • Contact: Call Hennepin County Administration at (612) 348-3000 or visit Hennepin County.

  • Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies

    • Agency: Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE)
    • Purpose: Regulates and funds postsecondary education in Minnesota.
    • Contact: Call (651) 642-0567 or email [email protected]; detailed information is available on their OHE website.

  • Federal Education Oversight Agencies

State-Specific Degree Information

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Bachelor of Science in Product Design: Offered by the University of Minnesota, focusing on technical design, sustainability, and user-centered innovation.
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Product and Furniture Design: Offered by MCAD, emphasizing creative entrepreneurship, practical design, and high graduation rates.
    • Master’s Programs: MCAD provides advanced degrees such as the M.F.A. in design-related fields.

  • Admission and Curriculum Details:

    • UMN: Requires 12th-grade completion, English proficiency tests, and recommends design-related coursework with internships integrated into the curriculum.
    • MCAD: Mandates a portfolio submission and considers SAT/ACT scores optional. Core curricula include creative practice, design history, and business fundamentals.

  • Accreditation and Professional Organizations:

  • Educational Resources:

    • Study Minnesota: Offers free access to program guides and application support via Study Minnesota.
    • TOEFL ITP Practice Tests: Available through ETS for international students.

  • Career Information in Minnesota:

    • Salary Ranges: Entry-level positions typically range from $60,000 to $80,000 annually; experienced product designers can earn between $90,000 and $120,000 per year.
    • Top Employers: Notable companies include 3M, Target, and Ecolab, alongside numerous local design firms.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The job market for product designers is promising, with steady growth and diverse opportunities across various industries. According to national statistics, entry-level product designers earn between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, while experienced professionals may earn up to $120,000 annually. These roles span product design, UX/UI design, and industrial design. For detailed career outlook statistics, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrial Designers page.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career in Product Design in Minneapolis opens doors to creative innovation, advanced education, and broad employment prospects. With comprehensive programs, supportive regulatory resources, and numerous professional organizations available, now is the time to take the next step. Contact your chosen institution today using the contact forms available on their websites and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in Product Design.