Product Design Programs in Frisco, Texas

Getting a Product Design Degree in Frisco, Texas

Product Design is a multidisciplinary field that combines aesthetics, engineering, and user-centered innovation to create products that are both functional and appealing. Individuals pursuing a Product Design Degree can choose from various educational paths, including Bachelor’s programs focusing on industrial design fundamentals and Master’s programs such as the Master’s in Applied Science (MSAS) or the Master’s in Design and Innovation (MADI). This guide offers a comprehensive look at the opportunities and requirements for earning a Product Design Degree in Frisco, Texas, and highlights local and near-by education options, key degree requirements, and career prospects.

About Frisco, Texas

Frisco is a growing city in Collin County, Texas, known for its modern amenities, family‐friendly neighborhoods, and dynamic business environment. The city supports a range of educational and professional opportunities through entities like the Frisco Independent School District, which oversees K-12 education and career/technical programs. Frisco is also known for its shopping centers, sports complexes, and thriving local community areas that encourage innovation and creativity.

Product Design Programs in Frisco, Texas

While Frisco itself offers limited degree-specific programs in Product Design, prospective students have excellent nearby options. Below is a list of three notable schools offering Product Design programs or courses:

  1. Collin College – Frisco Campus

    • Program Details: Collin College is part of the Collin County Community College District and offers technical and design-related courses that help build foundational skills for aspiring product designers.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Collin College’s Frisco Campus is situated in a modern educational complex in central Frisco. For direct inquiries, contact them at (972) 881-5000.
    • Website: Collin College

  2. Southern Methodist University (SMU)

    • Program Details: SMU offers advanced degree programs including the Master’s in Design and Innovation (MADI) and the Master’s in Applied Science (MSAS) with a Product Design and Innovation track. These interdisciplinary programs allow collaboration among the Lyle School of Engineering, Cox School of Business, and Meadows School of the Arts.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located in the University Park neighborhood of Dallas, SMU is approximately 35 miles away from Frisco.
    • Program Page: SMU Product Design and Innovation

  3. University of North Texas (UNT)

    • Program Details: UNT offers coursework and degree options in product design as part of its College of Visual Arts and Design. The curriculum is designed to integrate principles of industrial design, user experience (UX), and sustainable design practices.
    • Address & Neighborhood: UNT is located in Denton, TX, about 35 miles north of Frisco, offering a vibrant campus experience with access to creative industry networks.
    • Program Page: UNT College of Visual Arts and Design

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Frisco, Texas

Frisco and its surrounding areas are hubs for technology, manufacturing, and design firms that actively recruit product designers. Here are three organizations known for offering employment opportunities:

  1. Dell Technologies

    • Overview: Dell Technologies employs product designers in roles that emphasize user-centered innovation and industrial design.
    • Location & Distance: Although headquartered in Round Rock, Dell has significant operations in the Dallas–Plano area, approximately 20 miles from Frisco.
    • Employment Opportunities: Visit the Dell Careers page for current openings.

  2. Texas Instruments (TI)

    • Overview: TI is a leader in technology and innovation, employing product designers to develop cutting-edge electronic products.
    • Location & Distance: Based in Dallas at 12528 Dallas Parkway, TI is about 25 miles from Frisco.
    • Employment Opportunities: Explore career options on the Texas Instruments Careers page.

  3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

    • Overview: HPE frequently recruits product designers for roles that blend engineering with visual and functional design, supporting innovation in tech solutions.
    • Location & Distance: With offices in the Richardson area—which is roughly 15 miles from Frisco—HPE offers dynamic opportunities within collaborative work environments.
    • Employment Opportunities: Check the HPE Careers page for available positions.

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet a series of prerequisites before enrolling in a Product Design program. Typical requirements include:

  • Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s):

    • Submission of SAT or ACT scores (requirements vary by institution).
    • A portfolio review showcasing creative projects and design aptitude.

  • Graduate Programs (Master’s):

    • Some programs require GRE scores, though these may be waived for select institutions.
    • Demonstrated work experience or prior coursework in design or engineering is often preferred.

In addition to these academic requirements, students may need to pass entrance exams and meet minimum age criteria as determined by each institution.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

Product Design professionals are in demand, with many roles available in industrial design, innovation management, and user experience (UX) design. According to current market data, entry-level product designers earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, while experienced designers can expect $80,000 to $120,000 annually. The field offers diverse career paths in established tech companies, design firms, and manufacturing companies. For more detailed career information and industry projections, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Industrial Designers.

Official Educational Regulatory Bodies and Product Design Degree Information

Aspiring product designers in Frisco, Texas, have multiple levels of regulatory and resource agencies ensuring educational quality and industry standards:

  • City-Level Oversight:

    • Frisco Independent School District: Oversees K-12 education and career/technical programs. Website | Contact: (469) 633-6000

  • County-Level Oversight:

    • Collin County Community College District (Collin College): Provides technical and design-related programs. Website | Contact: (972) 881-5000

  • State-Level Oversight:

    • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): Regulates and accredits higher education programs in Texas. Website | Contact: (512) 427-6100

  • Federal Oversight:

    • U.S. Department of Education: Sets national education standards and funding guidelines. Website
    • Supplementary Data: NCES Data for Texas

State-Specific Degree Information

Product Design degree programs in Texas include:

  • Bachelor’s in Product Design: Emphasizes industrial design principles and introduces students to user-centered innovation and basic engineering.
  • Master’s in Applied Science (MSAS): Offers a specialized Product Design and Innovation track that integrates design attitude, studio courses, and collaborative projects.
  • Master’s in Design and Innovation (MADI): An interdisciplinary program that blends design, engineering, and business insights.

Curriculum Requirements and Specializations

Core courses include:

  • Innovation and Design Attitude (DSIN 7331)
  • Product Design Studio (DSIN 7332)
  • Integrated Product Design Studio (DSIN 7334)

Specializations often cover Sustainable Design and User Experience (UX) Design, with practical experiences provided through collaborations with local companies and global partnerships, such as those with SMU.

Accreditation and Professional Organizations

Accrediting bodies like ABET and NASAD Accredited Institutions play vital roles in ensuring that programs meet high-quality standards. Professional organizations—including the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), and User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA)—offer support and networking opportunities for graduates.

Get Started Today

The journey to becoming a skilled product designer begins with taking the first step toward a Product Design Degree. With a range of programs, clear prerequisites, and supportive educational resources in Frisco and its surrounding areas, opportunities abound for those ready to embrace this innovative field. Contact a school today using the inquiry forms on their web pages, and start building the future of design.