Drexel University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Product Design is a full-time, four-year undergraduate program that prepares students for cutting-edge careers in the fields of industrial design, product development, consumer electronics, housewares, toy development, healthcare, and more. With a multidisciplinary design curriculum that combines art, engineering, and technology through the lens of sustainable design, students are encouraged to become creative problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Students in the Drexel Product Design major can expect small class sizes and intensive studio-based coursework with a design approach focused on product development and commercialization.

Product Design Course Requirements

Drexel Westphal’s undergraduate Product Design major is a 188-credit degree program, which can be completed in four years, including a six-month professional co-op experience. Students begin taking courses in the Product Design major during their first year of study, while also fulfilling general education requirements in the humanities and foundational coursework in design and the visual arts.

With an individualized approach to experiential learning, Drexel Product Design students gain a well-rounded foundation in product research, development, design, and commercialization, taking required courses in:

• History and Analysis of Product Design
• Introduction to Product Design
• Applied Making
• Applied Design Visualization
• Computer Aided Imaging in Product Design
• Applied Materials in Product Design

Students in the Product Design degree program also take required courses in visual studies, digital media, engineering, and economics, such as:

• History of Modern Design
• Digital Design Tools
• Introductory Drawing
• Modern Materials in Your World
• Principles of Microeconomics

Product Design majors spend two terms, or six months, gaining full-time professional experience through Drexel's renowned cooperative education (co-op) program. The Steinbright Career Development Center and Product Design faculty provide resources and assist in job placement, giving Drexel Product Design majors the advantage of industry experience when seeking employment after graduation.

See here for a sample plan of study for Product Design majors.

Product Design Elective Classes

In addition to required Product Design courses, students in the Drexel BS in Product Design take 33 credits in electives, which they can use to enhance their studies or even pursue a minor. Most minors offered by Drexel University are 24 credits. To see a full list of undergraduate minors, visit the Course Catalog.

The Product Design program leverages the expertise of its industry-leading faculty by offering specialized electives, such as:

• Waste and Design
• Design for Soft Goods: Wearables for Healthcare
• Toy Play and Design
• Bio-Inspired Design and Sustainability

Senior Project in Product Design

Drexel’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Product Design culminates in a capstone project demonstrating control over all aspects of the design process, from research and development to commercialization. Under the supervision of Product Design faculty, Product Design majors present their final projects in a thesis exhibition attended by their peers and industry representatives. Examples of Product Design senior projects include healthcare devices and prosthetics, furniture prototypes, mobile apps, virtual reality designs, and more.

See examples of Product Design student work here.

If you are interested in learning more about the Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Product Design, contact the Westphal Admissions Team at 215.895.1738 or send an email to westphaladm@drexel.edu.