Ohio State University

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OVERVIEW

Ohio State's Department of Design, established in 1968, offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design preparing students to design objects, services, and systems across consumer products, medical equipment, and furniture. The curriculum emphasizes systems analysis, sustainable design, and portfolio development, with strong internship support and industry placements. Graduates are hired by MillerKnoll, The North Face, Honda, Milwaukee Tool, and Priority Designs, with a student-to-instructor ratio of 18:1 and a 100% graduate school acceptance rate for recent cohorts.

Established in 1968, The Ohio State University's Department of Design offers a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Industrial Design — a program that prepares students to design objects, services, and systems that improve everyday life across industries such as consumer products, medical equipment, furniture, and business tools. The curriculum emphasizes systems analysis, sustainable design, and portfolio development, culminating in an independent capstone project addressing real-world challenges. Students complete an 18-credit collaborative Design Foundations program in their first year, followed by progressive coursework in design research, visualization strategies, materials and production, and advanced collaborative design. The program features a required History of Art minor, strong internship support with placements at firms like Fisher-Price and Rogue Fitness, and encourages membership in professional organizations like IDSA and IxDA. With an 18:1 student-to-instructor ratio and 100% graduate school acceptance for recent cohorts, the department has produced over 3,400 alumni actively hired by companies including MillerKnoll, The North Face, Honda, Milwaukee Tool, Battelle, and Priority Designs.