Master of Industrial Design
Certificate Year
The Master of Industrial Design (MID) Certificate Year at Georgia Tech is designed for students who hold undergraduate degrees in fields other than industrial design. This intensive prep year provides the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for success in graduate-level industrial design studies.
Through intensive design coursework, students develop fundamental design methodologies, visualization techniques, and theoretical understanding of the field. This preparation provides the requisite background that enables students to transition smoothly into the MID program, equipping them with the principles and skills to tackle complex, interdisciplinary design challenges successfully.
Ngodoo Iye
B.S. Biology
"I love that even though I'm coming from a biology background, I still get to use research in the design process. It's a lot like what I did as a biology major, where I was always curious and asking questions. Moving into Industrial Design has been great because I still get to explore and discover new things in design, just like I did in science."
Xingyi Luo
B. Architecture
“I believe the year spent earning this certificate is a time to pause, reconnect with our hands and hearts, and observe the world through drawing. It’s also a chance to explore the physical properties of objects and their relationship with humans by cutting and assembling models. These foundational skills are crucial to becoming a mature designer. I am deeply grateful for everything I’ve learned during this year, as it has given me confidence and solidity in every step I take moving forward.”
Anderson Yang
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
"The certificate year is absolutely worthwhile for someone like me. I've had a passion for cars for as long as I can remember, and I truly enjoyed learning automotive design sketching and package drawings from top experts during the certificate year during an elective course. It's an incredibly valuable foundational skill set to have as a designer. Plus, spending this initial prep year allowed me to connect with more people and make friends around the studio, who have played a significant role in helping me achieve my dream."
Julio de Pereda
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
"With an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, I entered the certificate year feeling a mix of excitement and concern about not having a design background. What I discovered upon starting the three-year program was an open learning environment with like-minded peers, all eager to explore industrial design. The certificate year prepares you with the fundamental skills needed to complement your diverse academic background. This is a place where various academic backgrounds are valued for the unique perspectives they bring to the world of design."
The 2-year program is suitable for students with a design or industrial design background. Students without such a background will be placed into the 3-year program, which consists of a 1-year certificate preparatory year followed by the 2-year master's program. In the certificate year, students will develop design skills in preparation for the rest of the program. Placement into each program is determined on an individual basis during the application process.
Interacting and working with people from diverse backgrounds enables a creative learning environment. Your classmates' backgrounds will range from business, marketing, and psychology to mechanical engineering, architecture, and beyond. This diversity of experience creates a unique atmosphere where you can gain valuable insights from your peers. Having a non-design background can have its own advantages, as you can bring a different perspective to the program while acquiring the necessary design skills.
Placement into the 2-year or 3-year program is decided on a case-by-case basis during the application process. To ask questions about your specific situation, please contact the MID Program Coordinator Tim Purdy, at tp40@gatech.edu.
It's important to remember that your classmates will come from diverse backgrounds. You all have different skill sets that are valuable to the MID program. There's no expectation for you to be at a specific level in your design skills. However, if you'd like to get a head start on the basic building blocks covered in the program, researching topics such as design thinking, product sketching, Illustrator, InDesign, Arduino, 3D modeling, graphic design principles, and human factors and ergonomics can be helpful.
Even without a design background, your portfolio can be strong and competitive if you focus on showcasing your work and strengths in a compelling way. Highlight the knowledge and skills that form the basis of your application to the master's program. Use effective visuals, even if not developed by you, to illustrate the projects you're highlighting. Be sure to provide proper credit and clearly explain your role in each project. Focus your message on your contributions, strategies, reflections, and successes. Describe how you approached problem-solving in specific projects, including your research methods and decision-making processes. Be deliberate with the information you provide, demonstrating your ability to simplify complex ideas while remaining effective, compelling, and resourceful. Remember to prioritize quality over quantity, showcasing your best work.
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