University of Illinois Chicago
Industrial and Product Design
Field of study · Chicago, Illinois, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Chicago
Intl. Tuition
US$29,884 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)
Home Tuition
US$11,652 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Industrial and Product Design at University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Product design graduates work for consumer electronics, automotive, medical device and household goods companies, driving innovation from concept through manufacture. Key employers include Apple, Dyson, IDEO and major consumer goods firms.
Student life (indicative)
Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
22,170
Staff Ratio
17.0:1
International
7.5%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
61%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£37,920
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Industrial and Product Design
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Industrial and Product Design topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Industrial and Product Design
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
22,170
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
17:1
Students per staff
International Students
8%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.
- Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.
What Students Love
- Rich arts & cultural scene
- Active music scene
- Diverse international food scene
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
61%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£37,920
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Product design graduates work for consumer electronics, automotive, medical device and household goods companies, driving innovation from concept through manufacture. Key employers include Apple, Dyson, IDEO and major consumer goods firms.
- Product design graduates work for consumer electronics, automotive, medical device and household goods companies, driving innovation from concept through manufacture.
- Key employers include Apple, Dyson, IDEO and major consumer goods firms.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Technology
- Finance
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,770/month (housing $1,050, food $395, transport $95). Chicago is pricier than most Midwest cities but significantly cheaper than NYC or LA — great urban value.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,770/month (housing $1,050, food $395, transport $95).
- Chicago is pricier than most Midwest cities but significantly cheaper than NYC or LA — great urban value.