Industrial Design

Offered as: Certificate, Major, Minor

Industrial Design is a multidisciplinary field that integrates industrial design, graphic design, engineering, and art to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and innovative products. It focuses on solving real-world problems by combining technical knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes with creative and user-centered approaches. Industrial designers bridge the gap between form and function, blending artistic vision with engineering precision to develop products that enhance the way people live, work, and interact with the world

Industrial Design Requirements

Program Requirements and Degree Plan will be available on May 1.

A certificate is a shorter program focusing on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. It does not result in a degree, but it can be completed alongside your major or as a stand-alone credential. Certificates are a great way to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your resume, and gain practical experience in a particular field.

A major is your primary field of study, focusing on a specific subject like biology or business. This differs from a degree, which is the overall qualification you earn (for example, a bachelor’s degree). Your major determines the specialized courses you will take in college. To complete your degree, a major must be paired with a minor.

A minor complements your major by allowing you to explore a secondary field of interest. It requires fewer courses than a major, making it a flexible way to broaden your knowledge, diversify your skills, or pursue a personal passion alongside your primary area of study.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado Foundation offers scholarships specifically for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Creative Problem Solving & Design Thinking
Visual Communication & Presentation Skills
3D Modeling & Digital Fabrication
Engineering Fundamentals & Material Exploration
User-Centered Design
Collaboration & Project Management
Branding & Product Identity

Industrial / Product Designer
UX / UI or Graphic Designer
Product Development Specialist
Furniture or Exhibit Designer
Automotive / Transportation Designer
Packaging Designer
Design Researcher
Entrepreneur / Product Innovator

Latest News

Western’s Art & Design Department Chair Chosen for Prestigious Fellowship

Training humanities faculty for leadership GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Art & Design Department Chair and Professor Tina Butterfield was one of only eight people from across…
Read More
Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

A Testimony from Natalie Edwards Pride Month Origins The first declaration of Pride Month was made in 1999 when President Clinton named June Gay and…
Read More
Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

When Western Colorado University was the first college established on the Western Slope in 1901, the primary dedication of the school was providing teacher preparation…
Read More

Quigley Hall 202

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

W

Common Questions

Common Searches

Scholarships by Department

General Western Scholarships

Top Skills

Career Pathways

Western’s Art & Design Department Chair Chosen for Prestigious Fellowship

Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

Tina Butterfield, MFA

S. Chase Hutchison, MFA

Greg VanderBeek, MS

Interim Dean

Administrative Assistant II