BA in African and African-American Studies
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in African and African-American Studies at the University of ...
BFA in Design - Industrial Design
Lawrence, Kansas
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design with a specialization in Industrial Design at the University of Kansas offers a comprehensive and hands-on approach to the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing products. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the field of industrial design, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of design principles. The BFA in Design - Industrial Design provides a solid foundation for students to contribute to the development of innovative and user-centered products.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BFA in Design - Industrial Design program is carefully structured to cover a range of design principles, technical skills, and practical applications. Core courses include design fundamentals, 3D modeling, materials and manufacturing processes, ergonomics, and product prototyping. The program encourages students to explore their creativity while emphasizing the importance of functionality and user experience. Electives allow students to specialize in areas such as sustainable design, user interface design, or design thinking.
Research Focus: Research is a vital component of the BFA program, with a specific focus on applying design thinking to real-world problems. Students engage in research projects that explore user needs, market trends, and the impact of design on society. Faculty members actively contribute to design research, and students have the opportunity to participate in projects that contribute to the advancement of industrial design practices.
Industry Engagement: The BFA in Design - Industrial Design program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, recognizing the practical applications of design in various professional domains. Students have opportunities for internships, collaborations with industry partners, and participation in design competitions. The program actively fosters connections with design firms, manufacturing companies, and product development agencies, providing students with exposure to real-world design challenges and opportunities.
Global Perspective: The program integrates a global perspective into the curriculum, preparing students to address design challenges in a diverse and interconnected world. Courses explore international design trends, cultural influences on design, and global sustainability practices. Students are encouraged to consider the global impact of their designs, taking into account cultural, economic, and environmental factors in the creation of products that resonate on a global scale.
Facilities and Resources: The University of Kansas provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support the BFA in Design - Industrial Design program. Design studios, prototyping labs, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and material testing facilities ensure that students have access to the tools needed to bring their design concepts to life. The university's commitment to providing a conducive learning environment contributes to the success and innovation of its industrial design students.
Location
Lawrence, Kansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 29764
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $85
Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 53 is often required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Kansas (KU) in the United States is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, and this dedication extends to providing scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships aim to support and recognize the academic achievements and contributions of students from around the world.
Global Jayhawk Scholarship: The Global Jayhawk Scholarship is specifically designed for incoming undergraduate international students. This merit-based scholarship takes into account academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a cultural diversity. The award amounts vary, and recipients are selected based on a competitive application process.
International Excellence Award: The International Excellence Award is another notable scholarship program at KU. It is open to both undergraduate and graduate international students across various disciplines. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to the university community. Recipients may receive partial to full tuition coverage.
OIP Scholarships: The Office of International Programs (OIP) at KU administers several scholarships to support international students. These scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses, or research-related costs. OIP scholarships often emphasize cultural exchange, community engagement, and academic excellence.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments within the University of Kansas offer department-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often tied to academic performance, research endeavors, or contributions to the department's goals. Prospective students are encouraged to check with their intended academic departments for available opportunities.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Design with a specialization in Industrial Design at the University of Kansas are equipped with a diverse skill set, making them well-suited for a range of exciting career options in the dynamic field of industrial design.
Product Designer: One of the primary career paths for BFA in Design - Industrial Design graduates is becoming a product designer. Working for design firms, manufacturing companies, or as freelancers, product designers create innovative and aesthetically pleasing products, considering functionality, user experience, and market trends.
Automotive Designer: Graduates with a passion for automotive design can pursue careers as automotive designers. They work for automobile manufacturers, designing the exterior and interior elements of vehicles, ensuring that form meets function, and incorporating cutting-edge design principles into the automotive industry.
Consumer Electronics Designer: In the technology sector, BFA graduates can become consumer electronics designers. They contribute to the development of electronic devices, such as smartphones, wearables, or home appliances, focusing on creating user-friendly and visually appealing products.
Furniture Designer: For those interested in interior design and furniture, a career as a furniture designer is a viable option. Graduates can work with furniture manufacturers or as independent designers, creating functional and stylish furniture pieces that meet the needs of modern living spaces.
Environmental Designer: BFA graduates can specialize in environmental design, creating spaces that enhance the human experience. Environmental designers may work on projects such as retail spaces, museums, or exhibition designs, considering elements like lighting, layout, and aesthetics.
Sustainable Design Specialist: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, some graduates may choose to specialize in sustainable design. They work on projects that prioritize eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient processes, and designs that minimize environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible design industry.
User Experience (UX) Designer: BFA in Industrial Design graduates can transition into the field of user experience design. UX designers focus on creating seamless and enjoyable interactions between users and products, ensuring that the user journey is intuitive and meets the needs of diverse user demographics.
Design Researcher: For those interested in the research aspects of design, a career as a design researcher is an option. These professionals investigate user preferences, market trends, and emerging technologies to inform the design process and contribute valuable insights to design projects.
Design Manager/Team Lead: With experience, graduates may progress into leadership roles as design managers or team leads. In these positions, they oversee design projects, manage design teams, and contribute to the strategic direction of design initiatives within organizations.
Entrepreneur/Design Consultant: Many BFA graduates choose to start their own design consultancy or work as design entrepreneurs. They provide design services to clients, work on projects ranging from product design to interior spaces, and contribute to the entrepreneurial landscape with their creative expertise.
Educator/Design Instructor: Some graduates with a passion for teaching may choose to become educators or design instructors. They can teach design courses at educational institutions, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of aspiring designers.
Brand Strategist: BFA in Industrial Design graduates can leverage their design skills to become brand strategists. In this role, they work on developing and enhancing brand identities, ensuring that design aligns with brand values and resonates with target audiences.
