Co-op/
Internship Encouraged
Salary and Career Info
Industrial Design MFA
A master's in industrial design that explores design theory, design history, and human-centered design as you create a range of consumer products.
Program skills
Students obtain a user-centered approach in identifying relevant user needs and defining design opportunities as well as a technical and theoretical understanding of materials and processes as they relate to manufacturing. They effectively use form color, graphics, materials in the development of product aesthetics, conceptual sketching, mixed media rendering, computer-aided design, and soft and hard model making.
Software Applications: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, InDesign), SolidWorks, Rhinoceros and AutoDesk Fusion 360.
Program facilities equipment
Computer labs offer students hands-on design experience using Macintosh and Windows platforms. The software includes Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, InDesign), SolidWorks, Rhinoceros and AutoDesk Fusion 360. Design courses are conducted in large studio spaces adjacent to a well-equipped model-making shop. Students have access to a variety of maker-space facilities within the College of Art and Design that include 3D printing, stereolithography, CNC and laser cutting.
Program job titles reported
Industrial Designer; Product Designer
Program significant points
- Commercial and industrial designers usually work closely with engineers, materials scientists, marketing and corporate strategy staff, cost estimators, and accountants.
- Those with strong backgrounds in engineering and computer-aided design, as well as extensive business expertise, will have the best prospects.
Select program hiring partners
Allegion, Bally Design, BioLite, Cascade Maverik Lacrosse, Core Home, FirstBuild, Fisher-Price Brands, GE Appliances, Hallmark Cards, Hamilton Beach Brands, MASH Studios, Melissa and Doug, Menasha Packaging, MSA Safety, Packaging Corporation of America, Pepsi, Rich Products, Staach, Inc., Staples, The Timberland Company
Industries
88.9%
Outcome Rates
Total percentage of graduates who have entered the workforce, enrolled in full-time graduate study, or are pursuing alternative plans (military service, volunteering, etc.).
52.90%
Knowledge Rate
Total percentage of graduates for whom RIT has verifiable data, compared to national average knowledge rate of 41% per NACE.
| Outcome | % of Students |
|---|---|
| Employed | 88.90% |
| Full-time Graduate Study | 0% |
| Alternative Plans | 0% |
Experiential Learning
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your art and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in industrial design.
Creative Industry Day
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.