Overview

The Industrial Design programme at Academy of Art University provides students with a rigorous environment to develop advanced creative and technical skills. This curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice through collaborative projects and expert mentorship. Students are encouraged to find their unique voice while mastering the tools necessary for modern design.

Why Industrial Design at Academy of Art University?

The institution is renowned for its "no barriers" approach to education, focusing on talent and hard work rather than standardised testing. Students benefit from facilities that mirror professional environments, including a state-of-the-art equipment lab and a dedicated bronze foundry. Learning is led by working professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry demands. The university also offers a strong supportive community for veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing additional funding and resources for those who have served.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33426 per year
National fee: USD 26586 per year
Local fee: USD 26586 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on practical fabrication and design principles. Modules may include:

Clay Modelling
Design Management
Industrial Design
Anatomy
Printmaking
Sculpture
Welding
Wood Fabrication

Careers with Industrial Design

Graduates from this programme are prepared for leadership roles within the global design industry. Alumni have successfully secured positions at prestigious organisations, demonstrating the professional standard of the portfolio developed during their studies. Potential career paths and employers include:

Design Manager at Lincoln Motor Company
Technical Designer at Gensler
Senior Vice President at Warner Bros. Discovery
Designer at Disney Theatrical Group

The programme emphasises the creation of a career-ready portfolio that speaks louder than a traditional résumé, allowing graduates to launch directly into competitive creative sectors such as automotive design, entertainment, and architectural technology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Industrial Design Processes

Perspective

Model Making

The Science of Design: Ethnographic Methods

Professional Practices & Communication

Design Project

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-24 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-19 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

63 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

San Francisco, United States

Disciplines

Industrial Design View 62 other Masters in Industrial Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Application form or online application
$50 application fee
Official transcripts from your undergraduate college or university showing completion of an undergraduate degree.
Resume
Portfolio

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33426 USD / year

≈ 33426 USD / year
Out-of-State

26586 USD / year

≈ 26586 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

26586 USD / year

≈ 26586 USD / year

Additional Details

Graduate Tuition (Domestic Students): $1,407/unit – 3 units per class

Graduate Tuition (International Students): $1,615/unit – 3 units per class

Living costs

San Francisco

United States

2206 - 4119 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Industrial Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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