Industrial Design | West Valley College

Catalog 2026-2027

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Industrial Design

Associate in Science Degree

The Associate of Science degree in Industrial Design (Industrial Design, AS) prepares students for entry-level positions in the field, related field, and/or transfer to a bachelor's degree program in a similar discipline. Students learn foundational skills in problem solving, concepting, iterative prototyping, and acquiring proficiency with the range of technology platforms. Through research and critical thinking, students apply such skills to address user experience, functionality/usability, and aesthetic form. Upon completion of the program, students possess an entry-level portfolio that facilitates their transition to internships, freelance or contract opportunities, or application to a bachelor's degree program at the university level. Graduates are prepared for potential employment as Model Makers, Visual Designers, or CAD modelers/drafters. With further academic advancement and completion of a bachelor's program, career opportunities include roles such as Product Designer, User Experience Designer, or Set/Exhibit Designer.

Major Core Requirements (38.5 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
Select one:
ARTHC1200
ARTHC1200H

Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary
Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary - Honors

3 units
3 units
ARTH001EDesign in Society3 units
ARTS031ABeginning Drawing 3.5 units
ENGR025Introduction to Materials3 units
GDES001Adobe Creative Apps for Graphic Design3 units
GDES020AUX Design 14 units
IDES010Manufacturing Design I3 units
IDES020Manufacturing Design II3 units
IDES030Visualization 1 for Industrial Design3 units
IDES040Visualization 2 for Industrial Design3 units
IDES050SolidWorks for Industrial Design3 units
PHYS010Conceptual Introduction to Physics4 units

Major Electives: Select one (3-3.5 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
ARTS033CColor Design3.5 units
GDES009Introduction to Typography3 units
IDES060Packaging Design3 units
INTD020Color Theory and Application3 units

Total Major Units: 41.5-42 units

To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:

  1. Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
  2. Completion of WVC or Cal-GETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the Cal-GETC General Education pattern.
  3. Complete additional degree-applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Research, problem solve, conceptualize, develop, test, and prototype solutions for user experience, functionality and usability.
  • Aesthetically create and iterate on design concepts through sketching, hand rendering, CAD, and CAD rendering.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with the range of technology platforms used in industrial design.
Last Updated 6/30/26