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FACT SHEET: PRODUCT DESIGN PROGRAM, School of Architecture and Allied Arts
- Program Description
- The School of Architecture and Allied Arts is proposing a new major leading to an undergraduate degree in product design and material studies. Resources to support this new degree are a primary focus of the school's fundraising efforts. Once the necessary resources are in place, and, if approved by the University of Oregon and the State Board of Higher Education, the material studies and product design degree will be Oregon's first academic program in product or industrial design.
- Rationale
- In today's economy, product design is emerging as a critical factor in growth of Oregon companies. Graduates of this new program could expect careers with companies producing products from sports equipment to household goods, from furniture to medical technology.
- Curriculum
- The proposed curriculum combines courses in humanities, sciences, business, art and architecture with coursework in product design and material studies. The curriculum will emphasize creativity and innovation, sustainable design, communication skills, hands-on experience with materials and technology, and independent research. The program will partner with Oregon manufacturers and design firms and other organizations to provide real-world experience through internships, guest lecturers and corporate workshops.
- Faculty
- The proposed initiative will be administered as a collaboration between the department of art and the interior architecture program, with faculty drawn from art, architecture and interior architecture. The program could also involve faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Lundquist College of Business, and the School of Law.
- Anticipated enrollment
- Once the proposed program receives approval, the school hopes to enroll a total of 150 students in the undergraduate program.
- Who to contact
- Kate Wagle, head of the department of art, (541) 346-3610, kwagle@uoregon.edu, or Karen Johnson, assistant dean, external relations and communications, (541) 346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu.