<p>Hello everyone. I have made some posts in other categories the last few days since I am currently attempting to find a new major. My dream is to become an architect, but I was denied from a B.Arch program, which means now I can only really go for a masters after getting another degree. I have been searching some science majors but I haven't found anything I like. A long time ago I wanted to to engineering, but eventually I decided I wouldn't like it because it lacks the major creative aspect I enjoy. </p>
<p>Recently I looked into an Industrial Design program at a college I am thinking of transferring to. I know Industrial Design isn't explicitly a normal form of engineering, but this is the only place I can think of posting this since the degree is under the college of engineering technology. I know it involves a good amount of engineering, art and design courses, which I would like. But I am worried about getting into the program. It seems pretty exclusive, and since I was denied from an architecture program, I have a feeling the same would happen here. Does anyone have thoughts on this?</p>
<p>Also, what is the career outlook for ID? Is it even worthwhile to major in this, or will it be a degree that will lead me to a low-level job?</p>
<p>I’d advise against an ID degree, unless you have a strong passion for it. From your post it doesn’t sound like you do, you’re just searching for something. It’s really more of an art degree than, engineering. Since its kind of in between, I don’t think your job prospects will be very good. You either need to go fully into Engineering, like ME. Or something else entirely. I was going to say art, but that’s pretty hard to reccomend.</p>
<p>I have a friend who works at a well known industrial design firm in SF, they are mostly ME’s, some with good artistic ability.</p>
<p>While one would think ID and Mech Eng are counterparts as Arch and Civ Eng are, they are unfortunately not in terms of schooling. ID is mostly an art degree. The only school here in the US that puts ID in their engineering school is Western Washington in Bellingham. I have heard some people become Mech Eng and then do a masters in ID. However as Simbot noted, if you are a design oriented ME, you probably don’t need the ID degree. </p>
<p>The question really is what side of the design process do you want to be on? The “how it looks” or “how it works” role. ID is a 4 year degree then you are done, no internship, no licensing and so not as high paying. </p>
<p>ID programs are also not taught as as many tier one type schools so they may not be as hard as Arch. There are about 60 programs here in the U.S. and 20 are in art schools. Art schools are more about your portfolio and less about grades. Go to the IDSA [Industrial</a> Designers Society of America - IDSA](<a href=“http://www.idsa.org/]Industrial”>http://www.idsa.org/) and click on education to find schools.</p>