Commercial Design Courses and Degree Programs
Commercial design broadly describes areas of the design field that have marketable, commercial potential. If you are interested in developing your creative aspirations in the worlds of architectural, interior or product design, read on to learn about the courses and degree programs you may need.
What You Need to Know
Commercial design is a field where creative expression becomes marketable through architecture, product, or interior design. There are many programs for prospective designers at undergraduate and advanced levels.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Options</b> </td><td> Bachelor's or associate's degrees, graduate certificate programs are available.</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Illustration, drafting, building codes, construction, sketch and color, and computer-aided software.</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Programs</b> </td><td> Product Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architectural Design</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatUndergraduateCoursesWillITake">What Undergraduate Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Undergraduate programs concentrating in disparate areas of commercial design may feature common elements and coursework. You may be introduced to computer-aided design (CAD) software programs, enabling you to bring multi-dimensional design concepts to life. You may choose from undergraduate programs available in a variety of areas of commercial design, including architectural design, interior design, industrial design, and product design.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfAssociateSDegreeProgramsInCommercialDesignAreAvailable">What Type of Associate's Degree Programs in Commercial Design are Available?</h3><p>An Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design as well as an Associate of Applied Arts in Architectural Design may be available. Coursework may include architectural history, architectural graphics, interior materials and structure, and kitchen and lighting design. Additional course topics may include sketching and space planning. An internship might also be required.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatBachelorSDegreesAreAvailable">What Bachelor's Degrees are Available?</h3><p>There are many bachelor's degree programs with relevant coursework in commercial design. For example, students may consider a bachelor's degree in product design. A Bachelor of Industrial Design is also available. For more in-depth studies, you can also choose a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design degree program. These courses may be covered:
</p><ul><li>Architectural visualization
</li><li>Residential properties
</li><li>Architectural construction
</li><li>Building codes and regulations
</li><li>Furniture design
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCourseworkCanIExpectInAnAdvancedDegreeProgram">What Coursework Can I Expect in an Advanced Degree Program?</h3><p>You may obtain a master's degree in several areas of commercial design. Graduate programs build on an undergraduate curriculum. Your coursework may include design case studies, research and criticism. You may be asked to develop a portfolio of individual design work and complete self-directed or group projects.
</p><p>Your program may also contain additional elements of professional development, including product development and merchandising. While architectural design and interior design concentrations may involve developing a concept into completed design drafts and multi-dimensional computer models, industrial design or product design concentrations may entail fabrication techniques leading to the development of a finished product. A Master of Industrial Design may be available in addition to a Master of Design and a Master of Interior Architecture degree program. A Graphic Design Graduate Certificate program might be another option.</p>