Dec 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Industrial Design, BS


The Bachelor of Science Industrial Design (BSID) program, offered by the Department of Design , prepares students for a career in industrial design through a curriculum in design studio, theory and skill classes supported by courses and content in technology, business, science, the arts and humanities. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, creative design process management, aesthetic theory, communication skills and awareness of business as well as humanistic dimensions of product development. The program draws upon extensive resources of local and internationally prominent design firms and alumni. It emphasizes exposure to professional practice. Studio projects provide experience with a diverse spectrum of products, user scenarios, and industries, leading to a comprehensive professional portfolio. The Industrial Design program is on the list of schools approved by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and is accredited by National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

Upon successful completion of the first year of study as a Design Studies, BA  major, students can elect to participate in the BSID Portfolio Review. This review evaluates a student’s demonstrated ability and successful candidates are accepted into the BSID major. The subsequent years of study in the BSID major are highly structured and require passing three annual portfolio courses: DSID 123A , DSID 125A , DSID 128A .

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 39
Major Preparation 24
Major Requirements 57
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements  apply to this major.  

Core Lower Division General Education (21 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 18 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 0 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education


The Physical Education Requirement is waived for this major. See the Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)


At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found in the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  section.

This requirement is fulfilled in this major with:

Major Preparation (24 units)


Major Requirements (57 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)