 
Program Director:
Prof. Denis Feigler, Ph.D.
973-655-2091
Overview | Curriculum | Faculty | Studio Facilities | Student Work | Careers and Resources | Applying | All Design programs
BFA in Industrial Design/
What It’s About
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design at Montclair State focuses on the development of critical skills to support students’ goals of becoming visionary leaders in Industrial Design – a profession that is constantly evolving as new technology merges with new design philosophy and sustainability. Through coursework, advising and practical experience, students are trained in up-to-date methodologies and develop an understanding of the social, corporate and global economic environment that affects all areas of industrial design. To reinforce theoretical principals, every effort is made to exercise developing skills through simulated experiences and community projects. Alumni of the program often begin their careers upon graduation or continue on to graduate school for further study.
What Do Industrial Designers Do?
Industrial designers conceptualize and create consumer products that are used in virtually all areas of human activity – determining the look, shape, material and function of just about every product with which we work, play and interact. Successful product brands are designed with the “user in mind” and, therefore, with an intent to satisfy aesthetic (emotional), ergonomic (physiological) and manufacturing (technical) requirements.
Industrial design is a major contributor to “best practices” as they are defined in businesses today. Professionals in research and development, in fact, use the knowledge of industrial designers on a regular basis to create and improve brands, refine concepts and communicate solutions to clients.
Industrial designers must be able to work with professionals of other disciplines as well, using various data to solve design problems and develop creative end-results. The ability to collaborate and work in teams has critical importance in this interdisciplinary profession, which requires an awareness of psychology, sociology, technology and business. Successfully designed products come from this awareness and are the result of interconnectivity between design and science.
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What You Will Study
The Industrial Design curriculum is multidisciplinary and includes study of visualization methods, technical presentation, model making, problem solving, human factors, material and technology, 3-D digital modeling, art and design history, professional practices, as well as marketing and advertising theory. General-education courses enhance the mastery of broad knowledge areas and enable students to better compete as design professionals.
Advanced students study engineering principles, as well as design theory, delineation and research techniques. Upperclassmen continue with an investigation of professional practices used in today’s businesses and pursue advanced studio work, which culminates in the development of complete project arguments and technical documentations.
During the last two semesters, students concentrate on thesis projects in collaboration with industry partners. A seven-credit internship provides additional experience and can be a bridge towards professional pursuits.
Portfolio development is encouraged throughout the program.
Curriculum Links —
Curriculum requirements and course descriptions for the BFA in Industrial Design and other programs in the Department of Art and Design may be found through the following links:
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An Outstanding Faculty
Industrial Design majors work with an outstanding faculty and meet with internationally recognized professionals who visit the campus and invite classes to visit their ID studios in New York and New Jersey. Guest speakers come from the fields of patent law, tool design, mechanical engineering, architecture, the sciences and other business areas.
Faculty Links —
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Studio Facilities
The Department of Art and Design occupies several buildings on campus, housing fully-equipped studios for all art areas including a renovated complex for Industrial Design.
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Student Work
Successful industrial design students are curious, lateral thinkers who possess inherent creativity and problem-solving ability. They are visually sensitive and intellectually able to distinguish between good and bad design. It is important that they are motivated, committed, and determined to challenge themselves. Successful students accept professional criticism, guidance, and advice and persistently search for ways to improve on their project portfolio. Successful industrial design students are also good at managing their time; meeting deadlines and making sure all the details of a project come together.
Students in the Industrial program have produced a wide range of products, prototypes and environmental installations.
Student Work Galleries —
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Careers in Industrial Design/
Professional Resources
Industrial designers are employed in a wide range of capacities. While the field is competitive, ID specialists are also sought after by traditionally non-design fields like interior space planning, environmental design and the heavy machinery industry. The majority of industrial designers work in product development for manufacturing companies such as Black & Decker, Ford, Adidas, or Whirlpool and for big or small design consultancies like Curve ID, Frog Design, IDEO, or Design Continuum. The list is virtually endless and even includes jobs in the motion picture industry designing futuristic props, and the cosmetics industry designing products related to personal hygiene and wellness.
Recent graduates have secured full-time positions at Movado, Marchon Eyewear, MZ Berger & Company, Pac Team America, Toys-'R'-Us, EK Success and design consultancies in the area. International students also found positions in the field upon returning to their homeland.
There is virtually no limit to the list of ID careers as companies realize that industrial design can bring an invaluable edge to their products, turning them into competitive brands that satisfy user expectations.
Career-related Links —
Sample Career Areas (Industries that employ industrial designers)
- Transportation (automotive, airplane, boat)
- Sports products
- Fitness equipment
- Fashion accessories
- Home appliances
- Electronics
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- Furniture
- Lighting
- Medical equipment
- Office equipment
- Entertainment products: toys and games
- Communication
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- Multimedia equipment
- Packaging
- Exhibition display
- Tools and Machinery
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How to Apply
For information on applying to the BFA in Industrial Design and all programs in the Department of Art and Design, go to the Department Admissions page.
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All Design programs
The College of the Arts offers additional programs for students interested in design.
All programs:
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