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Offering programs at the undergraduate and graduate level and emphasizing a holistic human-centered approach, Carleton University School of Industrial Design is just one of two schools in Canada listed by the Industrial Designers Society of America.

Strengths 
  • A professional undergraduate program and advanced research at the graduate level.
  • Canada’s capital offers access to a rich cultural community of arts and museums and is a great place to live. 
  • Large number of alumni spread out across the country and world offer mentorship, internships, teaching and hire graduates regularly. 
  • International exchange programs are available for undergraduates. 
  • Interdisciplinary minors at the undergraduate level and interdisciplinary courses and supervision at the graduate level.
  • Funding for domestic students at the graduate level. 

Overview

Carleton University holds one of the most established and highly reputable industrial design programs in North America. Theoretical courses in design, manufacturing, business and tech build a solid foundation, while studio courses capitalize on facilities like sensor and prototyping labs. A 12-week placement and three-term co-op designation provide real-world training for undergraduates. The Ottawa locale means unprecedented access to government R&D labs, plus collaborations with large corporations.

The Carleton Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) provides a broad-based university experience including international exchange opportunities and a 12-week design internship or co-op option. The design courses consist of theoretical and experiential design studios. Students have access to exceptional spaces and laboratory workshops for hands-on learning, where they work on drawings, models, and digital design software, while learning about materials, marketing, environmental issues, user needs and testing. They are exposed to increasingly complex real world design projects as they move through the program. Graduates are highly sought after in the corporate and public sectors, where they work on developing more innovative products and services.

Each year, 15 students are admitted to the Master of Design (MDes), an interdisciplinary 2-year program to further deepen students’ knowledge in specific areas of design. Students examine and incorporate multi-faceted design principles and practices through courses, electives and an interdisciplinary thesis. Areas of study include Accessibility and Inclusivity, Design Education, Entrepreneurship, Extreme Environments, Health and Wellness, Interaction Design, Design Thinking, Service Design (Public and Corporate), Social Innovation, Strategic Design, Sustainable Design, and User Experience Design.

The School prides itself on its faculty — one of the largest in North America, —  alumni network and job opportunities for graduates.

Notable alumni

Karim Rashid, Steven Wagner (President, Salus Marine Wear), Metaphase founder Bryce Rutter.

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