COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSID) program at San José State University is a 120-unit degree that combines general education, foundational coursework, and specialized design training to prepare students for professional careers in industrial design. The curriculum includes 19 units of lower division general education, with some requirements satisfied through major coursework, along with 6 units of American Institutions, 9 units of upper division general education, and a 3-unit writing requirement, while physical education is waived. Students also complete 24 units of major preparation and 54 units of major requirements, ensuring a comprehensive and structured academic experience. Major preparation introduces students to essential concepts in design, including design in society, elementary physics, and art history, along with foundational studio courses such as visualization and industrial design fundamentals. Additional preparation in critical thinking or logic strengthens analytical skills. After completing initial coursework, students must pass a competitive portfolio review to be admitted into the BSID program, making it a selective and performance-based major. The major requirements emphasize hands-on, studio-based learning and include courses in materials and processes, industrial design methods, ergonomics, visualization, digital and physical prototyping, and advanced design projects. Students are required to complete multiple portfolio development courses throughout the program to demonstrate their growth and maintain progress in the major. Elective options allow students to explore specialized areas such as sustainable design, interaction design, entrepreneurship, healthcare design, and product development, providing flexibility to align with individual career goals. An internship component offers real-world professional experience, while the capstone sequence focuses on advanced design projects and final portfolio development. Overall, the program emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and professional readiness, preparing graduates for careers in product design, user experience, and related industries.