Undergraduate Curriculum

All incoming undergraduate students enter Iowa State as pre-majors, complete the Core Design Program, and then apply for admission to the professional Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) program. Along the way, students are required to complete two of the following three options:

• Study abroad
• Internship
• Sponsored-project

The sponsored-project studios provide students with hands-on experience work for various industries and established companies to propose, design, and create product and service solutions. Previous sponsored studios have included work with Boeing, Vermeer, Shock Doctor, United Sports Brands, Rubbermaid, and more.

Our curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in product design and adds complementary influences from business and engineering to create one of the most comprehensive industrial design experiences in the country.

Catalog 2021-22 sheet for Download BID Curriculum Sheet 2021-22
Catalog 2019-20 sheet for Download BID Curriculum Sheet 2019-20
Download Approved Gen Ed List (PDF)
Download Approved HTC List (PDF)

Our program provides students with the ability to add a unique emphasis area to their degree program, helping them focus their research and explore a potential career path. Interested in footwear or soft goods? Choose courses from across the university to fulfill your concentrated electives requirement.

We provide numerous opportunities to discover and practice the industry’s most desirable skills, from digital sculpting and high-tech model making to professional internships and study abroad to make our graduates competitive in the market place.

Recommended High School Preparation

Beyond meeting the minimum high school requirements for admission to Iowa State University and the College of Design, students who plan to enter the professional Bachelor of Industrial Design degree program are encouraged, but not required, to take courses in:

• Art
• Photography
• Journalism
• Computer science
• Physics