COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology is a structured, studio-based program that trains students to design functional, innovative, and user-centered products through a combination of creative exploration, technical skills, and real-world application. The 2025–2026 curriculum is organized over four years, gradually progressing from foundational design principles to advanced professional practice and capstone experiences.In the first year, students build essential artistic and design foundations through courses such as Drawing I, 2D Design I, and 3D Design I. These are paired with design drawing and general education courses that develop visual thinking, creativity, and communication skills. This stage helps students understand basic form, composition, and conceptual development.The second year introduces core industrial design principles. Students take courses such as Sophomore ID Studio I and II, ID Form, Human Factors Applications, Integrated Computer-Aided Design, and History of Industrial Design. These courses focus on usability, ergonomics, digital modeling, and the historical context of design, while strengthening technical and conceptual design skills.In the third year, students advance to more complex studio-based learning through Junior ID Studio I and II. They also study Materials and Processes, Graphic Tactics, and Career Planning, which prepare them for professional practice. At this stage, students begin developing more refined design solutions and explore real-world manufacturing and communication methods.The final year emphasizes professional readiness and capstone projects. Students complete Senior ID Studio I and II along with a two-part Senior Capstone sequence and a Professional Practice course. These experiences simulate real industry environments where students develop advanced product solutions and prepare portfolios for careers in industrial design.Overall, the Industrial Design program at Rochester Institute of Technology equips students with the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to design innovative products for industries such as consumer goods, healthcare, transportation, and technology.