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There are two Master of Industrial Design (MID) programs of study available:
- The MID 2-year program is a studio-based graduate degree program designed to provide a more focused studio experience for those students who hold an undergraduate degree in industrial design or product design. Individuals seeking a more intensive studio experience to enhance their undergraduate studio–based degree are encouraged to apply to this program.
- The MID 3+ program (3 years plus one summer) is a studio–based graduate degree program designed to be a first professional degree for those students who do not have an undergraduate degree in industrial design or product design. Individuals seeking to apply their knowledge and experience from other disciplines to their education in the profession of industrial design are encouraged to apply to this program.
Both MID (2-year and 3+) programs offer the following:
- A hands-on practical education in design process and theory with opportunities to work on important design problems
- The preparation of students to be industrial designers or product designers capable of creating new product-service systems
- Studio content that is organized sequentially, from a local, national and international focus; the opportunity for an international studio is a part of the first semester of the final year.
- The opportunity for concurrent degrees in: Building Energy Performance, Landscape Architecture, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Design, Urban Design and others.
- The opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborations with students in other programs within The Design School, including: Building Energy Performance, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Visual Communication.
The 3+ program offers great opportunities for students; see what our students are saying
The MID in industrial design is a studio-based program in which students learn to design new products and service systems that solve critical global problems. Students engage in research, brainstorming, idea visualization, prototyping and testing of creative solutions that address critical problems faced in the world today.
Graduates of this program are adept in using principles of design innovation, sustainability and systems thinking in problem-solving and after graduation they often find positions in industry and academia.
At A Glance
Industrial Design, MID
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
- Location: Tempe
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete the program.
Admission
Application Procedures and Requirements
Application period
Online applications are open September 15 with a priority deadline of January 15 for the following programs: MArch 2-year; MArch 3+; MIA 2-year; MIA 3+; MID 2-year; MID 3+; MLA 2-year; MLA 3+; MS.Arch; MSD; MUD; MVCD 2-year; and MVCD 3+.
Summer Admission: MID 3+ programs only admit students to the summer term. We accept applications up until March 15th. Any applicant who would like to apply after these deadlines is welcome to contact designgrad@asu.edu.
Fall Admission: MID 2- year programs only admit students for the fall semester. We accept applications until June 15th.
Paying for College
Teaching and Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships are appointed each term to a select number of graduate students who are excelling in The Design School. Learn more about teaching assistantships including eligibility and application details.
Financial Aid
Learn more about your financial aid options.
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
Students who live outside of Arizona may be eligible for in-state tuition, find out if you qualify.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- a portfolio, letter of intent and contact information of three references submitted via SlideRoom (https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login)
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency through either the TOEFL or the IELTS regardless of current residency. The minimum score for admission to the program is 80 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) on the TOEFL or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS. Other information for international applicants can be found at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency.
The Design School requires that the portfolio, letter of intent and references be submitted via SlideRoom in addition to the Graduate College application requirements.
Admission to the program is selective. Admission cannot be deferred; students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted, otherwise they need to go through the entire application process again for the year in which they are applying.
The GRE is not required.
Applicants may be admitted to the two-year program with deficiencies if their previous coursework is not equivalent to the ASU undergraduate requirements and standards. Deficiencies must be completed prior to taking the required courses, if necessary; this may cause the student to take longer than two years to complete the program.
A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting the department.
Admission requirements for the two-year program
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing in a related field such as industrial design or product design.
Admission requirements for the three-plus year program
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing in a field other than industrial design.
Global Engagement Studios
The graduate program curriculum encompasses a travel studio which is completed in the fall semester of the final year. Students travel all over the world to locations such as Australia, South America, Europe, and Asia among others. This offers students the opportunity to experience a foreign country for one week at the beginning of the fall semester. This trip is faculty led and the cost is inclusive within tuition fees. The benefit of this experience to our graduate students is invaluable. To hear what our students are saying about the Global Engagement Studios and their experience view this video.
Admission Requirements
Master of Industrial Design Two-year Program (MID)
- Applicants must have completed a four–year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Industrial Design or New Product Design. The undergraduate degree must be granted by an institution that is recognized by ASU.
- Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by Graduate College. A 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) is preferred, but the students who have a GPA less than the minimum requirement may still receive consideration if they have supporting evidence of creative work, significant work experience, or other indicators of their potential to succeed in the program. Particular emphasis is placed on the last two years of the applicant's undergraduate GPA record.
- Admission to the Master of Industrial Design program is selective and cannot be deferred. In most cases, students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted. The MID program commences in the fall semester of each year.
- A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting designgrad@asu.edu.
- There is no GRE score requirement for the MID program.
- Applicants to The Design School graduate programs are required to complete a two-step application process. Applicants must submit the Graduate College application as well as The Design School SlideRoom application. For complete information on how to apply, please view the steps to apply on the admissions page.
Master of Industrial Design Three-plus Program (MID3+)
- Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a field other than industrial design or new product design from a college or university recognized by ASU.
- Admission to the Master of Industrial Design 3+ program is selective and cannot be deferred. In most cases students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted. The MID3+ program commences in the summer session of each year.
- There is no GRE requirement for the MID3+ program.
- A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting designgrad@asu.edu.
- Applicants to The Design School graduate programs are required to complete a two-step application process. Applicants must submit the Graduate College application as well as The Design School SlideRoom application. For complete information on how to apply, please view the steps to apply on the admissions page.
Accreditation
The undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Industrial Design at Arizona State University have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 2001.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design is composed of schools and individuals representing the highest traditions and aims in the education of the artist and designer. These members have proven, by the fact of their membership and activity in the organization, their deep interest in fostering high standards for art and design education.
For more information, please visit the NASAD website.
STEM Designation
The Master of Industrial Design program has the approved CIP code 15.1502: Engineering Design, which makes the program a recognized STEM degree program. STEM designation makes our students eligible for STEM specific Scholarships, OPT extension for International Students, and expanded GI benefits for Student Veterans.
Internships
Students completing a 2–year or 3+ graduate degree program in the following studio based disciplines are required to complete a summer internship: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, and Visual Communication Design. The internship takes place during the last summer that precedes the final year of the graduate program.
Learn more about about internships.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations serve as the public face for their respective professions, providing information to the general public about disciplinary practice and its role in improving the well-being of communities, promoting design excellence through the recognition of notable professional achievements, supporting the exchange of ideas and information about best practices between professional members through the development of conferences and through the support of opportunities for continuing education.
Learn more about professional organizations.
Student Organizations
Joining a discipline-specific student organization is a great way to help your long-term career plans and goals. Membership can add to your academic experience by building a portfolio, making important connections, networking and engaging with local and national professional communities.
Learn more about student organizations.