Industrial Design is a Bachelor Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 120 units to complete, with a total tuition of $163,920.
Program Overview
The BFA program builds on foundational skills, allowing students to develop their personal design vision within a structured, supportive environment. Guided by experienced industry professionals, students learn to balance aesthetics, business strategy, and societal impact in their work. Coursework integrates design thinking, advanced technical skills, and industry-focused projects, preparing graduates with strong portfolios and the versatility to succeed across diverse design sectors.
As an Industrial Design student, you’ll join a creative community focused on craftsmanship, innovation, and professional growth.
On campus, you’ll work in professional-grade studios with drafting tables, workstation labs running the latest Adobe and Autodesk software, a VR Room for virtual design, and a full 3D print lab. Our fabrication spaces include laser cutters, water jet cutters, and both 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machines, so you can bring complex ideas to life. You’ll also have access to heavy-duty sewing machines, professional paint booths, and a wide range of fabrication tools for prototyping and model making.
If you study remotely, you’ll connect to our high-performance workstations online. You’ll use the same Adobe and Autodesk tools as on-campus students, from anywhere in the world.
What sets this Program apart
In the School of Industrial Design’s STEM-designated program, you’ll turn visions of the future into real objects—both physical and digital. Art meets science as you design everything—from transportation vehicles to consumer products—with empathy, logic, and creativity. You’ll collaborate with brands like GM, NASA, and CamelBak, graduating with a portfolio that proves you’re industry-ready.
Online Learning Program. [img data-src="https://bpiqpjsgebtv-u1573.pressidiumcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/INDOnline-1.webp"]
Admission Requirements and Process
Academy of Art University maintains an inclusive admissions policy for all undergraduate programs. Previous experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Academy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent. The university does not require or administer an ability-to-benefit examination for admission.
State authorization for online education.
Online education providers are required to seek authorization by many U.S. states and territories to enroll their residents and those physically located in their jurisdictions. Academy of Art University restricts enrollment for applicants in and from areas where online programs are not approved. Current and prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s State Authorization for Distance Education Status Table to determine whether the Academy is authorized to offer their degree programs in the state where they will be located while taking online courses.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentAcademy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent.
- Proof of secondary school completionSubmit an official or unofficial high school transcript indicating graduation or GED documentation, a transcript showing a conferred Associate or Bachelor’s degree, a signed Home…
- Application and feeComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee, which is required to process an application.
- Transcript deadlineTranscripts and/or diplomas must be received by the start of the student’s first semester at Academy of Art University.
- No portfolio requiredPrevious experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply.
- Transfer creditTransfer evaluation transcripts must be submitted by the end of the student’s first semester; coursework presented for transfer must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions SpecialistSchedule a meeting with one of our admissions specialists. They’ll guide you to the school and program that best fits your goals and help you navigate the application process.
- 2Apply for admissionComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. Provide your social security number on your admissions application so your financial aid can be processed.
- 3Submit proof of high school completionSend your high school transcript, GED documentation or other accepted proof of secondary school completion; it must be received by the start of your first semester.
- 4File the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov and use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.FAFSA Code for San Francisco Campus: 007531
- 5Complete your financial aid planMeet with Student Financial Services to review your financial options, then accept or decline your financial aid awards in the Student Portal.
Program Schedule
Start dates. Spring 2027 semester starts 2/3/2027 (application deadline 1/25/2027); Summer 2027 starts 6/21/2027 (deadline 6/14/2027); Fall 2027 starts 9/8/2027 (deadline 8/30/2027).
Undergraduate students must carry a minimum study load of 12 units per semester to be considered as full-time students. Students are expected to attend summer semesters to meet their scheduled completion date.
Our online programs offer immersive classroom experiences both in real time and on demand.
- February 03rd, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- September 08th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Undergraduate tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,366 per unit for domestic students ($1,682 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 120-unit program’s tuition is $163,920 for domestic students.
Fees.
- Application Fee: $50 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Registration Fee: $50 per semester (nonrefundable after the cancellation period)
- Enrollment Fee: $95 for first-term domestic students, charged in lieu of the $50 registration fee ($100 for international students)
- Student Activity Fee: waived for students taking all courses online
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund: $0
- Course fees vary by course; fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections
- Materials/Supplies: $545 average per semester
Estimated program charges for a domestic student taking all courses online: tuition $163,920, application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $550, for $164,615, plus course fees. Course fees vary by course, and fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections (see the Course Fees & Prerequisites list). The university’s published Total Program Cost estimates are for full-time, onsite students.
Payment options. Academy of Art offers many different ways to help you structure your payments, including interest-free installment plans and pre-payment options. The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer.
Financial aid. Aid available to undergraduates includes Cal Grants for eligible California residents, Pell Grants (eligible undergraduate students, first AA/BA/BS/BFA, and eligible education certificate candidates), FSEOG, Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA using Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.
Military and veterans. The Academy processes the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31), DEA (Chapter 35), Military Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your cost with the Academy of Art University Net Price Calculator: https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/academyart
Living expenses. The cost of attendance budget includes the costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, monthly allowances for room and board, transportation to and from school, and personal expenses such as clothes. Estimates of (Monthly) Living Expenses, 2026-2027:
- Food & Housing: $1,393 (student living with parents); $2,729 (student not living with parents); $4,133 (student living on campus, avg.)
- Personal Expenses: $507; $634; $441
- Transportation: $134; $184; $154
Federal student loan debt. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet:
- Most recent three year cohort default rate, as reported by the United States Department of Education: 2023: 0%; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of enrolled students in 2023/2024 receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 29%; 2024: 31%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 6%; 2024: 9%.
- The average amount of federal student loan debt of 2023/2024 graduates who took out federal student loans at this institution: 2023: $14,395; 2024: $14,864.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree – Core Classes.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Core: 24 units
- Sophomore Portfolio: 3 units
- Senior Portfolio: 3 units
- Major: 39 units
- Electives: 9 units
- Liberal Arts: 42 units
- Total: 120 units
BFA Industrial Design Degree Requirements.
- Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 4 Art Historical Awareness courses
- 1 Creative Communication course
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
- 1 Historical Awareness course
- 1 Quantitative Literacy course
- 1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
- 1 Employment Communications and Practices course
- 1 Materials Science course
- After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Program Learning Outcomes.
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Design Process and Storytelling/Narrative
- Summarize the acquired information and analysis to set relevant design objective(s) and design criteria
- Visually communicate a variety of creative and original design ideas that address the set design objectives and criteria
- Communicate the design decision-making process filtering the ideas through the set design criteria
- Visually communicate development processes of unique and appropriate forms to meet the design objectives
- Develop 3-D models reflecting design intentions and to evaluate design qualities
- Exhibit understanding in basic manufacturing and considerations for mass-productions
- Exhibit considerations for sustainability, human factors, and/or user experiences
Visual Communication
- Accurately communicate intended forms, proportions, dimensions, packaging information, details, colors, materials, and finishes in drawings
- Produce cohesive appearances between 2-D (drawings) and 3-D (models)
- Complete models and visualization with craftsmanship, application of colors, materials, and finishes appropriate to the project
Professional Readiness
- Produce a professional portfolio appropriate for seeking employment within the industry
- Demonstrate graphic sensitivity in portfolio design
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Our facilities, faculty, and industry partnerships—combined with hands-on training in generative AI—are all built to help you create a portfolio that won’t just compete, it will captivate.
- Clay Modeler
- Digital Modeler
- Footwear Designer
- Experience Designer
- Product Designer
- Toy Designer
- Transportation Designer
- UX/UI Designer
Program performance. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (calendar years 2023 & 2024, revised November 25, 2025):
- On-Time Completion Rate: 2023: 0% (0 of 40 students available for graduation); 2024: 2% (1 of 49 students available for graduation).
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: 33% (3 of 9 graduates available for employment); 2024: 20% (2 of 10 graduates available for employment).
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2023 graduates employed in the field (3): $55,001 - $60,000: 1; $70,001 - $75,000: 1; $85,001 - $90,000: 1.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2024 graduates employed in the field (2): $0 - $5,000: 1; $50,001 - $55,000: 1.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- 2026 Graduation Rates: Of the 437 students who entered the University during the fall 2019 semester as first-time, full-time freshmen in either the Bachelor, Associate, or Certificate programs, 146 or 33% completed the entire program within 150% of the normal time.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All full-time first-time undergraduate students (134) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 56%.
What to expect as a Academy of Art University student
We host guest speaker events throughout the year featuring designers and leaders from top global brands. These sessions take place in our Collaboration Room and stream live, giving you a direct line to professionals and new industry trends wherever you are in the world.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Academy of Art University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), currently on warning; its accredited status continues during the Warning period.
Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the San Francisco Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 910 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 83.4% rather than 100%.
Testimonials
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