Industrial Design at CIA
Our Industrial Design program at The Cleveland Institute of Art consistently ranks as one of the top programs in the country. In fact, we are known for producing graduates who work at the top of their field, solving real-world problems and becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Build a Foundation for a Life-Long Career
Our rigorous curriculum centers on research, conceptualization, and refinement. This approach provides you with a strong understanding of the innovation process, users, market forces, manufacturing, sustainability, and business practices.
As an Industrial Design student, you will develop skills in visual communication, form development, and presentation as well as strengthen your knowledge of manufacturing, ergonomics, and marketing. You also will study drawing, modeling, and computer-aided design, which are critical to developing and communicating ideas. Our goal is to balance your growth in fundamental knowledge and skills with your individual areas of interest.
Gain Real-World Experience in the Classroom
Collaboration is an integral part of our program, and our faculty use solution-driven methods to teach students in a supportive, energetic classroom environment. As an Industrial Design major, you will explore broad design concepts and problems, and learn how to critically evaluate and refine solutions. You will work with students from other CIA programs, colleges, and businesses as well as several international companies to expose you to real-world challenges.
Each spring, you also will participate in CIA’s annual Spring Design Show. This exhibition of student work will allow you to refine your skills, gain firsthand exposure to industry practices, and network with professional designers.
Learn More
Find out more about our industrial design facilities, faculty, courses, and available scholarships. Check out potential career paths in industrial design or works created by our students.
View our Industrial Design Brochure
Click on an image to see a larger view.
Brian Peterson |
Casey Swanseger |
Gabriel Puerto |
Matt Swinton |
Matthew Wiggins |
Omar Hernandez |
Industrial Design Facilities
Industrial Design classes take place in an open studio comprised of individual student studios and collaboration spaces. Every student also has access to cutting-edge computer technology, shop facilities, presentation and project rooms, and rapid prototyping—a technology that turns your CAD/CAM design into a three-dimensional scale model.Careers in Industiral Design
Our Industrial Design program has an exceedingly high job placement rate. Many of our graduates work for product manufacturing and marketing firms such as Honda, Nike, and Fisher Price; consulting firms such as IDEO, Continuum, and Astro; or start their own consulting firm.
As a result of innovative thinking, a strong work ethic, and comprehensive training, our Industrial Design majors often become leaders in the field working in top product development studios designing:
- Automobiles
- Consumer products
- Furniture
- Medical products
- Toys
Download the Industrial Design program of study
Access Course Schedules and Description
Industrial Design Courses
- 3D Modeling 1.1 and 1.2
- 3D Modeling 2.1 and 2.2
- Communication Skills 1.1 and 1.2
- Design Center-Based Learning
- Ergonomics
- Freshman Environmental Elective: Design
- Graphics for Design
- Industrial Design 1.1 and 1.2
- Industrial Design 2.1 and 2.2
- Industrial Design 3.1
- Industrial Design 3.2: BFA Thesis and Exhibition
- Transportation Design
- Marketing and Design
- Materials and Processes
Scholarships
The Cleveland Institute of Art offers an extensive merit recognition program, using endowed scholarships and other private monies, to support our students. We offer scholarships through our academic departments, the Office of Admissions, and the Office of Financial Aid. Learn more about scholarships at CIA.
Download Institute Wide (Open) Awards
Download Award Recipient Information Sheet
Industrial Design Scholarships
Ford Motor Company
Awarded to Industrial Design student(s) exhibiting excellence in design with preference given to those with interest in transportation design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $7,000, shared by 1 or 2 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Ford Motor Company
Awarded to female Industrial Design students with with preference given to those with interest in transportation design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $7,000, shared by 1 or 2 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Ford Motor Company
Awarded to minority Industrial Design students with preference given to those with interest in transportation design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $6,000, shared by 1 or 2 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Greysmith Scholarship
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Industrial Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $460, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Hugh Greenlee '49 Scholarship for Excellence in Industrial Design
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Industrial Design who demonstrates financial need. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $320, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Nellie Anliker Nottingham Scholarship for Female Students Excelling in Industrial Design
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a female student majoring in Industrial Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $300, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates Scholarship Fund
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Industrial Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $2,670, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Roy P. Hess '48 Scholarship for Excellence in Industrial Design
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Industrial Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $550, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Viktor Schreckengost '29 Award for Excellence in Industrial Design
Awarded for outstanding achievement to students majoring in Industrial Design. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $3,400, shared by multiple winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.