Product Design Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Getting a Product Design Degree in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Pursuing a Product Design Degree in Virginia Beach, Virginia opens a pathway to a dynamic career that blends creativity with technical precision. Product Design is the discipline of developing innovative, user-friendly products through iterative design, research, and engineering. Students can choose from a variety of education paths, including Bachelor of Science programs in Industrial Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, and career/technical certificates that build foundational skills in CAD and manufacturing techniques.

About Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is a coastal city known for its extensive shoreline, bustling boardwalk, and thriving cultural scene. The city’s rich maritime history and modern urban neighborhoods make it an attractive destination for creatives and professionals alike. For more information on local initiatives and community resources, visit the Virginia Beach Official Website.

Product Design Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach offers several pathways to gain a competitive edge in Product Design education. Local options include:

  1. Regent University

    • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
    • Description: Regent University’s graphic design curriculum integrates digital design, branding, and robust portfolio development with a unique emphasis on a Christian worldview.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 100 Regent University Way, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 – Situated in a central urban setting.
    • Website: Regent University BFA in Graphic Design

  2. Advanced Technology Center (VBCPS)

    • Program: Career/Technical Certificates in CAD, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks
    • Description: Managed by Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the Advanced Technology Center offers certification courses that prepare students for industry certifications and practical applications in product design and manufacturing.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located on Blockhouse Road in the city’s technical district, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
    • Website: Advanced Technology Center

  3. Virginia Tech (Nearest Option)

    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSID)
    • Description: Virginia Tech’s accredited BSID program emphasizes human-centered design, materials science, and rigorous engineering principles. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), this program offers extensive research and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA – approximately 260 miles from Virginia Beach.
    • Website: Virginia Tech BSID Program

Product Design Employment Opportunities in Virginia Beach

Graduates with a Product Design Degree can explore diverse career routes in product development, manufacturing, and technology design. Key employers in and around Virginia Beach include:

  1. BAE Systems

    • Description: BAE Systems is a global leader in defense and aerospace technology. Their Virginia Beach office often seeks product designers to contribute to advanced technology projects and innovative design solutions.
    • Neighborhood & Address: Located in the vicinity of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA; check current postings for detailed address information.
    • Website: BAE Systems Careers

  2. General Dynamics (Near Virginia Beach)

    • Description: General Dynamics is a prominent defense and aerospace company with facilities in Newport News, approximately 20 miles from Virginia Beach. The company frequently offers opportunities for product designers in engineering and research roles.
    • Neighborhood & Address: Based in Newport News, VA; ideal for candidates willing to commute from Virginia Beach.
    • Website: General Dynamics

Prerequisites for Product Design Programs

Enrollment in Product Design programs typically requires prospective students to meet several prerequisites, including:

  • Academic Requirements: Submission of SAT or ACT scores as needed by individual institutions.
  • Portfolio Submission: Particularly for graphic design programs, a portfolio showcasing artistic and technical skills is required.
  • Coursework Prerequisites: Foundational courses such as geometry are essential for modeling and simulation courses.
  • Additional Criteria: Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews, ensuring that candidates are prepared for the rigorous coursework.

Career Outlook for Product Designers

Product designers enjoy a favorable job market with opportunities across various industries, from tech startups to multinational corporations. In Virginia and nationwide:

  • Industrial Designers earn a median salary of approximately $85,000.
  • UX/UI Designers can expect a median salary near $95,000.
  • Mechanical Engineers involved in product innovation earn around $90,000.
    For further details on employment trends and salary data, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrial Designers page.

Additional Educational Regulatory Resources

Prospective students and professionals can also explore valuable guidance from several official educational regulatory bodies:

  • Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS): Oversees K-12 and career/technical education, including product design-related courses. Contact them at (757) 263-1000 or visit VBCPS.
  • Virginia Department of Education (VDOE): Regulates higher education and career/technical programs statewide. For more details, visit Virginia Department of Education.
  • U.S. Department of Education: Provides federal education policies and funding information. Explore their resources at U.S. Department of Education and National Center for Education Statistics.

Additionally, prospective product designers may benefit from affiliations with professional organizations such as the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), which advocates for industrial design education and professional development.

Get Started Today

The journey to earning a Product Design Degree in Virginia Beach, Virginia, involves not only enrolling in targeted courses but also engaging with a robust network of industry professionals and educational resources. Readers are encouraged to research these programs, review specific admission requirements, and take the next step toward a fulfilling career. Contact your chosen school today using the forms on their website to begin your educational journey in the field of Product Design.