Master of Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States of America, Rochester

University Rank:#951

The Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Rochester , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 2, 2027.

About Master of Industrial Design

Form, function, and experience tell a story of considered design and the best possible outcome. The industrial design master's will enhance your career success by further developing your knowledge in design processes and technology. This project-based program allows you to explore design theory, design history, and human-centered design. You will conduct unique research on various topics of interest, which will further your understanding of the industry and society. As you conclude your studies, you will obtain hands-on experience in technical competence, analytical thought, sustainability, and transdisciplinary collaboration, all key to fueling your career.

RIT's Master's in Industrial Design

The industrial design MFA is for career enhancement or redirection. The educational experience is project-oriented, requiring research into design methods and technologies. Cross-disciplinary collaboratives provide an experiential dimension.

The first year of study includes seminar courses in design history and research, which are common to all graduate students in the School of Design. In addition, studio courses involve extensive design work with respect to sustainability, design process, the meaning of artifacts, and critical analysis. Additional course work using three-dimensional software for modeling and fabrication fills out the program.

In the second year students conduct research and develop a thesis project, which is presented in a graduate thesis exhibition or presentation, and is documented in a written thesis report.

Students are also interested in: Integrative Design MS, Architecture M.Arch.

A master's in industrial design that explores design theory, design history, and human-centered design as you create a range of consumer products.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology

Entry Requirements

Transcript(s)

RIT requires transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended, including transcript grading keys.
International students should provide transcripts (or mark sheets) and degree certificates from all post-secondary institutions.

To submit your transcript(s) for application review:

Upload copies or official transcript(s) with the submission of your online application, or
Upload your transcript(s) through your admissions portal after you have submitted your application

Upon enrollment at RIT, you will need to contact your prior college or university and request that your official, final records be sent directly to RIT. Documents you upload are not considered official.

Degree Requirements

All applicants to RIT’s graduate programs must hold—or currently be completing—a four-year baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, granted by an accredited college or university.

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate coursework, your admission will be contingent upon submission of your final transcript showing the degree granted and the date of the degree.

3-Year Degrees from International Universities
RIT will review applicants with 3-year degrees from international universities. Students with 3-year degrees from India must meet all of the following conditions:

The college or university is WHED recognized, and
The college or university is NAAC accredited with an "A" grade, and
You have passed in the 1st Class (or equivalent).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may request a WES evaluation or you would need to complete (or be in the process of) postgraduate study.

If your 3-year undergraduate degree is currently in progress, you may be admitted contingent upon obtaining your degree in the 1st class or equivalent.

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana
RIT considers Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana to be comparable to US bachelor’s degrees under the following conditions: the HND is a 2-year program that followed a 2-year National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program, for a total of at least 4 years of post-secondary study.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your online application. Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 88

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Industrial Design

Typical Job Titles

Industrial Designer

Product Designer

Salary and Career Information for Industrial Design MFA

Cooperative Education and Internships

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It's the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your art and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in industrial design.

Creative Industry Day

RIT's Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology

Application Fee 65

How to Apply for Master of Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology

Find your degree of choice and review the admission requirements.
Create an RIT admissions account to begin your application. All you need is your email, first and last name, and birthdate to get started.

Master of Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States of America, Rochester