The Master of Industrial Design at NC State University is unique in that it offers a graduate design degree to both those with and without undergraduate degrees in Design. Several consequences result, one being an eclectic mixture of students within the studio setting, establishing a rich environment conducive to the exchange of accumulated knowledge and experiences. Another is an intensive first year curriculum carefully planned to give those with non-design backgrounds a solid foundation in formal principles of design. These courses are essential to properly prepare the student to undertake more involved studies. Specific placement is based upon one's skills on entry into the program.
During graduate studies, it is important to recognize that it is only through self-motivation and hard work that progress is achieved. It is the responsibility of the student to seek and take advantage of all the opportunities within the academic institution, as the primary responsibility of the faculty is that of catalyst, navigator and mentor.
In order to accommodate the wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds, the Master of Industrial Design program offers two “TRACKS” of graduate study. These are: a two-year, “TRACK TWO” degree path for candidates reaching the program with a prior bachelors degree in Industrial Design (totaling 48-credits); and a three-year “TRACK THREE” degree path for change-of-career students without a prior bachelors degree in Industrial Design (totaling 78-credits, of which 30 first year credits are to be pursued via preparatory coursework at an undergraduate senior level in our Industrial Design program).
TRACK II is a 48-hour graduate degree path for a candidate with a four-year undergraduate degree in Industrial Design (or comparable, directly-related design field).
Year One, Fall
ID 500 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series: Human Centered Design (6 cr/hrs)
ID 511 Industrial Design Materials and Processes I (3 cr/hrs)
ID 582 Design Methods Seminar (3 cr/hrs)
Elective (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 15
ID 500 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series: Extension and Engagement (6 cr/hrs)
ID 512 Industrial Design Materials and Processes II (3 cr/hrs)
ID 582 Design Practices Seminar (3 cr/hrs)
Electives (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 15
ID 500 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series: Product Innovation (6 cr/hrs)
ID 581 Final Project Preparation in Industrial Design (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 9
ID 588 Final Project Studio in Industrial Design (6 cr/hrs)
ID 582 Special Topics in Industrial Design (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 9
Total Degree Hours Required: 48
An extended degree path, TRACK III is a 78-hour program for candidates with an undergraduate degree in a non-design area. TRACK III students observe two sets of requirements while pursuing their studies: (1) A minimum of 30 hours in undergraduate courses before moving into graduate level coursework; and (2) following, a minimum of 48 hours of graduate-level courses (see TRACK II degree path above).
Year One, Fall (preparatory undergraduate coursework)
ID 400 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series (6 cr/hrs)
ID 255 Contemporary Manufacturing Processes I (3 cr/hrs)
ID 318/318L Ideation I w/ Lab (3 cr/hrs)
Elective (3 cr/hrs; undergraduate level)
Total Hours: 15 (non-graduate credit hours)
ID 400 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series (6 cr/hrs)
ID 315 Digital Product Modeling (3 cr/hrs)
ID 418/418L Ideation II w/ Lab (3 cr/hrs)
Elective (3 cr/hrs; undergraduate level)
Total Hours: 15 (non-graduate credit hours)
ID 500 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series (6 cr/hrs)
ID 511 Industrial Design Materials and Processes I (3 cr/hrs)
ID 582 Design Methods Seminar (3 cr/hrs)
Elective (3 credit hours)
Total Hours: 15
ID 500 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series (6 cr/hrs)
ID 512 Industrial Design Materials and Processes II (3 cr/hrs)
ID 582 Design Practices Seminar (3 cr/hrs)
Electives (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 15
ID 500 Advanced Industrial Design Studio Series (6 cr/hrs)
ID 581 Final Project Preparation in Industrial Design (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 9
ID 588 Final Project Studio in Industrial Design (6 cr/hrs)
ID 582 Special Topics in Industrial Design (3 cr/hrs)
Total Hours: 9
Minimum Undergraduate-level Credit Hours Required: 30
Minimum Graduate-level Credit Hours Required: 48
Total Degree Hours Required: 78
Note: Year Two and Three of TRACK THREE parallel those courses outlined in Year One and Two of the TRACK TWO degree path. Ultimately, both TRACK TWO and TRACK THREE students must have a minimum of 48 hours of graduate credits to graduate with the MID degree.
For information on applying for the Master of Industrial Design program, please visit the graduate admissions page of this website. For additional information on Graduate programs available at NC State University, visit the Graduate School website at: http://www.ncsu.edu/grad.