Product Design Programs in Cary, North Carolina

Getting a Product Design Degree in Cary, North Carolina

Pursuing a Product Design Degree in Cary, North Carolina offers an excellent pathway to a career in designing innovative products that meet today’s consumer needs. Product Design blends creativity with technical skills to develop and refine everyday objects and advanced technological products. Prospective students can choose from various degree options—from undergraduate programs such as a Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) or a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design – Product Design to graduate programs including the Master of Industrial Design (MID). These programs typically integrate core courses in human factors, ergonomics, computer-aided design (CAD), prototyping, and specialized topics such as sustainable design and UX/UI.

About Cary, North Carolina

Cary is a progressive town located in Wake County and is well known for its high quality of life and supportive educational environment. The town is administered by the Cary City Government, which partners with local and state agencies to enhance educational opportunities. For more information, please visit the official Cary website. Cary is home to diverse neighborhoods and local landmarks that foster a culture of innovation and community engagement, making it an excellent location for creative professionals.

Product Design Programs in Cary, North Carolina

While Cary itself may have limited Product Design degree programs, several nearby institutions offer comprehensive courses and degree options for aspiring product designers. Below are three recommended schools:

  1. Wake Technical Community College – Cary Campus

    • Address: 1300 Longleaf Rd, Cary, NC 27511 (Located in the heart of Cary)
    • Program Overview: Wake Tech offers various design courses that serve as a strong foundation for students interested in Product Design. These courses emphasize practical skills and creative problem-solving.
    • Website: Wake Tech

  2. North Carolina State University

    • Address: 2110 NC State Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695 (Approximately 15 miles from Cary; located in Raleigh’s Research Triangle Park area)
    • Program Overview: NC State’s accredited Industrial Design program is available as a Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) and a Master of Industrial Design (MID). The program is renowned for its studio-based learning environment and industry partnerships with organizations such as IDEO and Nike. Admission requires competitive SAT scores (around 1370 for undergraduates) and a portfolio submission for the BID program.
    • Product Design Program Page: NC State Industrial Design

  3. Appalachian State University

    • Address: 103 Campus Drive, Boone, NC 28608 (Approximately 120 miles from Cary)
    • Program Overview: Appalachian State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design – Product Design that emphasizes contextual research and sustainable design. The program is designed to prepare students for the evolving challenges of product creation and innovation. Undergraduate admission scores average around 1180, and the course curriculum is recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices.
    • Product Design Program Page: Appalachian State Industrial Design – Product Design

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Cary, North Carolina

Aspiring product designers in Cary are in proximity to several leading employers in the tech and design sectors. Notable companies include:

  • SAS Institute

    • Address: One SAS Campus Drive, Cary, NC 27513 (Situated within Cary)
    • Overview: A global leader in analytics software, SAS Institute continually recruits creative talent, including product designers, to enhance its suite of software solutions. Visit their careers page for current opportunities.
    • Careers Page: SAS Careers

  • Cisco Systems

    • Address: 1701 N. McDowell Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27607 (Approximately 15 miles from Cary; located in Raleigh’s tech district)
    • Overview: Cisco Systems, known for its innovations in networking and technology solutions, offers robust employment opportunities for product designers focused on UX/UI and product lifecycle management. Their focus on sustainable and user-focused designs makes it an appealing option for graduates.
    • Careers Page: Cisco Careers

Additionally, local resources like the Cary Innovation Center support startups and design entrepreneurs, providing a platform for emerging designers to showcase their talents and connect with industry experts.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in a Product Design program include:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Undergraduate programs might require competitive SAT scores (e.g., 1370 for NC State or 1180 for Appalachian State).
  • Portfolio Submission: Applicants, especially for programs like NC State’s BID, must present a portfolio that highlights creativity and technical aptitude.
  • Entrance Exams: Some graduate programs may require GRE scores as part of the admission process.
  • Age Requirements: Applicants generally must meet minimum age criteria as defined by the educational institution.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

The career prospects for product designers remain promising. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries between $50,000 and $70,000, while senior roles can command between $90,000 and $120,000 annually. The job market is supported by continuous advancements in technology, sustainable practices, industry partnerships, and an overall demand for innovative product solutions. To explore more detailed information on job growth, roles, and salary projections, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Industrial Designers.

State and Local Educational Regulatory Bodies and Degree Resources

For those interested in pursuing a Product Design Degree in Cary, it is essential to be aware of the various educational authorities and resources:

  • Cary City Government: Oversees local education initiatives and partnerships. Visit Cary City Government or call (919) 469-4000 for more information.
  • Wake County Public School System (WCPSS): Manages K-12 education and career technical programs. More details are available at WCPSS or by calling (919) 850-1600.
  • North Carolina Department of Education (NCDPI): Regulates and funds public education, including post-secondary programs. Visit NCDPI or call (919) 807-3300.
  • U.S. Department of Education: Oversees federal education funding and compliance. Explore opportunities at U.S. Department of Education.

The state offers diverse degree options including NC State University’s BID and MID programs as well as Appalachian State University’s BS in Industrial Design – Product Design. Accreditation is maintained by bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Verify program details via the NASAD website.

Professional organizations such as the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) offer networking opportunities, conferences, and career resources that further enhance educational and professional development.

Get Started Today

The comprehensive educational and career resources available in and around Cary make it an excellent starting point for a career in Product Design. With supportive local and state institutions, clearly defined prerequisites, and thriving employment opportunities, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to these schools and begin their journey toward a successful career in product design.