Students eager to pursue careers as product designers, industrial designers, and 3D modelers have a new WVC industrial design program to help prepare them, only the second program of its kind in Northern California.
The new West Valley College addition officially launches in fall 2026, but introductory courses offered in AY 2025-2026 have drawn full enrollment, said Shannon Mirabelli-Lopez, dean of the Bill and Leila Cilker School of Art and Design. Participants may choose between associate’s degree and certificate options.
"Industrial design weaves together aspects of art and aesthetics with engineering. The end product, from a Coca-Cola bottle to a VW Bug, reflects attention to how an object looks and how it works. “Industrial design is the discipline that makes us a truly complete ‘A & D’ (art and design) school and works to align all of our design disciplines as the skills are used throughout fashion, interior design, architecture, and commercial design,” Mirabelli-Lopez explained. “It will also allow us to move into accessories, footwear, and product development.”
Specialized coursework offered through the WVC program includes classes ranging from “Design for Manufacturing” to “Packaging Design.” In addition to its emphasis on UX, or user experience, West Valley’s industrial design program differs from competitors in making material fees low to no cost for students using the college makerspace.