In this program, you’ll learn about research, concept development and prototype making, studying how people behave to better understand what their needs are. You will also be encouraged to design sustainable products that last many generations, keeping in mind diverse cultures.
Studying Industrial Design at OCAD U gives you the chance to learn theory and also take practical, creative hands-on courses, such as design and drawing.
The Industrial Design program is recognized by the Association of Canadian Industrial Designers.
Program Highlights
At the End of this Program...
At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree.
Admissions Requirements
- For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
- Portfolio
- Statement of Intent
- Official transcripts
- See detailed academic requirements here
Jobs You Can Get
Graduates of the program work in:
- Consumer and commercial product design
- Home and retail furniture design
- Systems and service design
- Emerging technologies
- Interaction and experience design
- Product and service design for health and wellness
Internships & Experiential learning
OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:
- Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
- Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
- Exclusive summer internships
- Gallery exhibitions of your work
- Freelance creative opportunities
- Jobs after graduation
What You'll Do in the Program
In first year, you’ll take intro classes in topics such as:
- Form and Structure
- Drawing for Industrial Design
- Communicating through Form
- History and Theory of Visual and Material Culture
In second year, you will study topics in more depth, such as:
- Emerging Technology
- Advanced 3D Drawing
- Material Explorations
- Contemporary Design Theories and Practices
Third year will feature classes in your interest and more advanced courses, such as:
- Design for Health
- Design Research and Innovation
- Compelling Experience Design
- Professional Preparation
In fourth year, you will focus on areas of your interest and work on a major design project. You’ll showcase your work at GradEx ̶ OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with more than 40,000 visitors.
Minors
In all undergraduate programs, you can choose a minor to go along with your major. A minor gives you the opportunity to pursue a focused secondary field, helping you expand your practice, skills and knowledge. They can make you stand out to employers, graduate schools, or in grant applications by showing expertise in more than one field.
You don’t need to choose a minor on your application; once you start at OCAD U, you can choose from over 90 electives to build towards one of our 25 focused minors. Learn more about Minor Programs here.
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