Product Design is a Master Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 36 units to complete, with a total tuition of $55,836.
Program Overview
The MA program delivers professional-level study in product design, refining core skills while fostering innovative practices. Students engage in classroom, studio, and collaborative projects, incorporating emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—into the creative process to generate, refine, and visualize concepts. Each student develops a targeted professional portfolio, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as Color, Materials, and Finishes (CMF), Design Research, Experience Design, or AI-enhanced design methods, positioning them for career advancement or entry into new design fields.
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
The Academy requires graduate applicants to demonstrate their ability and intent to complete a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Architecture program (M. Arch.). After submitting the application form and application fee, graduate applicants must submit a statement of intent, a résumé, college transcripts showing completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and a portfolio/reel. Upon receiving all application requirements, the department will review and will recommend that the student be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory Coursework.
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
- Bachelor’s degreeTranscripts must show completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent; you must submit official or unofficial transcripts from the institution from which you graduated.
- Application and feeSubmit the graduate application form and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Statement of IntentSubmit an explanation of Graduate School goals and desired outcomes of the graduate degree in a one page, typed essay.
- RésuméSubmit an itemized list of educational and professional experience.
- Portfolio/ReelA body of work representing the chosen discipline is required for class placement in the graduate program; additional materials may be required by the specific departments.
- Department reviewUpon receiving all application requirements, the department will review and will recommend that the student be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory…
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 admissionSubmit the graduate application form and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- 3Send your supporting documentsSubmit your Statement of Intent, résumé and college transcripts showing completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
- 4Submit your portfolio/reelSubmit a body of work representing your chosen discipline; registration for the appropriate classes is based on the skills demonstrated in the portfolio/reel.
- 5Department reviewThe department reviews your application and recommends that you be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory Coursework.
- 6File 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
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).
Graduate students must carry a minimum study load of 9 units 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. Graduate & Art Teaching Credential tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,551 per unit for domestic students ($1,857 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 36-unit program’s tuition is $55,836 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 $55,836, application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $200, for $56,181, 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. Federal aid available to Academy of Art University graduate students includes Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford (unsubsidized) Loans and Direct Graduate 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: 33%; 2024: 17%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 11%; 2024: 7%.
- 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
Master of Arts (MA) Degree.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Major Coursework: 33 units
- Graduate Liberal Arts: 3 units
- Total: 36 units
MA Industrial Design Degree Requirements.
- Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
- Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
Program Learning Outcomes.
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Visual Communication
- Produce work that demonstrates proficiency in branding, graphics, drawing, rendering, 3D modeling, and/or model making
- Communicate product forms, scales, dimensions, proportions, functions, component layout, and user interactions
Design Process
- Communicate findings from research and supporting materials
- Clearly define the problem/opportunity, hypothesis, main objectives, and design criteria deduced from research findings
- Use innovative processes and design methodologies to develop conceptually strong projects (including brainstorming, mapping, sketches, and synthesis/testing of many ideas)
- Produce variety of original design ideas that address set design criteria and evaluate them to determine the most appropriate design directions
- Explore and determine materials, color, form, manufacturing, ergonomics/human factors, and sustainability appropriate for the project(s)
Professional Readiness
- Produce a cohesive portfolio tailored to reflect career goals
- Communicate design story in clear and concise manner through portfolio pieces
- Exhibit 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: 21% (6 of 28 students available for graduation); 2024: 29% (6 of 21 students available for graduation).
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: 20% (1 of 5 graduates available for employment); 2024: 25% (2 of 8 graduates available for employment).
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2023 graduates employed in the field (1): $95,001 - $100,000: 1.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2024 graduates employed in the field (2): more than $100,000: 1; No Salary Information Reported: 1.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- Graduate Students (Full-time): % of all incoming full-time students (503) in Fall 2019 graduated in 5 years: 75%.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All incoming full-time graduate students (199) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 81%.
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
Images
