Best Online Product Design Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Arizona State University is a public research university founded in 1885. The institution provides students with associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. You can access any of its programs online or on campus. Find out more about the online product design master's degree program in industrial design below.

Master of Science in Industrial Design

The Master of Science program is excellent in encouraging online students in design thinking and innovation. You can use this program to boost your career in product design as it teaches the development of ecological, imaginative, and aesthetic products.

Master in Industrial Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $543 to $1343/credit hour
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 24 months
• Learning Format: Online, In-Person
• NCES School Graduation rate: 66%

Master in Industrial Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $70 (domestic); $115 (international)
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Other Requirements: A statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, electronic portfolio

Applying to Arizona State University

1. Create an account on Arizona State University's official website.
2. Fill out the online application form.
3. Submit unofficial transcripts for evaluation.
4. Provide GRE scores.
5. Check the status of the application through your MyAsu account.

Founded in 1839, Boston University is a private university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in multiple fields of study. You have a high chance of acceptance into the online Master’s Degree in Product Design program as Boston University has an acceptance rate of 84 percent.

Master of Science in Product Design and Manufacture

This program is excellent for engineers to learn engineering design, product manufacturing, and business skills. You will learn to create practical designs for the mass production of new products. By the time you complete the program, you will be able to design and develop new products effectively. You should also expect to master computer-aided design and artificial intelligence.

Master of Science in Product Design and Manufacture Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $955/credit hour
• Required Credits: 32 credits
• Program Length: 24 months
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 89%

Master of Science in Product Design and Manufacture Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum but 3.0 recommended
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $85
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, resume, academic reference, personal statement

Applying to Boston University

1. Create an account on Boston University's official website and wait for a confirmation email.
2. Log in to the account and click on apply.
3. Fill in your personal details, program choice, and education history.
4. Submit all the required documents.
5. Pay a non-refundable application fee.

Carnegie Mellon University , founded in 1900, provides high-quality accredited degree programs. The institution offers bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Given its low acceptance rate of 17 percent, you must be competitive to enroll in its top-notch programs.

Master of Science in Product Management

The graduate degree program covers product management, business communications, and digital service innovation. Carnegie Mellon University states that its graduates earn a median salary of $144,000 per year. Most graduates work for top companies like Microsoft, PayPal, Amazon, Walmart, and Meta (Facebook).

Master of Science in Product Management Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $707/credit hour
• Required Credits: 54 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 93%

Master of Science in Product Management Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS
• Application Fee: $125
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Essays, official test scores, resume, unofficial transcripts

Applying to Carnegie Mellon University

1. Formulate your goals and essays before applying to the degree program.
2. Create an account on the official page and click on apply.
3. Complete the online application.
4. Provide the required documents.
5. Pay the application fee.

Florida State University is a public university offering over 283 professional, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. It maintains a strict 21-to-1 student-teacher ratio to maintain its high-quality education.

Master of Arts in Product Design

The degree program will help you master different product design concepts. You will learn to approach a design concept from ideation to completion. With a combination of theoretical and practical aspects, you can expect to have the professional experience required to navigate the industry.

Master of Arts in Product Design Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $444/credit (in-state); $1,075/credit (out-of-state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 24 months
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 84%

Master of Arts in Product Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE score
• Application Fee: $30
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Residence affidavit, resume, and application essay

Applying to Florida State University

1. Fill out the online application.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Check the application status and submit the required documents.
4. Fill out the residency application form.
5. Wait for a decision from the school.

Full Sail University offers students degree programs in entertainment, media, and technology. The private university offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree programs on-campus and online. The school encourages hands-on experience in creative problem-solving in the design industry.

Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Full Sail University offers an online Master’s Degree in Product Design that helps students learn new approaches to design, dynamic professional paths, and creative collaborations. The two-year degree program will touch on digital media, filmmaking principles, effective strategies, and instructional design.

Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $867/credit hour
• Required Credits: 41.5 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 44%

Master of Science in Instructional  Design and Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Other Requirements: Resume, letter of intent

Applying to Full Sail University

1. Visit the official school website and go through the admission guidelines and requirements.
2. Create an account and search for the desired program.
3. Click on apply and fill out your details.
4. Provide all the official documents.
5. Pay the application fee and submit your application.

Northwestern University , founded in 1851, is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The institution offers high-quality degree programs and has a low acceptance rate of nine percent.

Master of Science in Product Design and Development

The master’s program will teach you to create high-quality products in a collaborative environment. The degree program will help you master product management, execution, and design. You can expect to cover innovation, design, user research, and creativity.

Master of Science in Product Design and Development Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $11,458/quarter
• Required Credits: 24 credits
• Program Length: 9 months to two years
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 95%

Master of Science in Product Design and Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $95
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, portfolio, three years of work experience related to product development

Applying to Northwestern University

1. Complete the online application form on the university’s website.
2. Provide the official transcripts.
3. Have an interview with the program director.
4. Pay the application fee.
5. Check the application status.

Oregon State University is a public university that offers students more than 200 degree programs and a series of graduate and doctoral degrees. You can access some of these high-quality programs in-person or online, depending on your preferred mode of study.

Master of Science in Sports in Product Design

If you prefer a sports-based degree in product design, you should consider this two-year program. The university began offering the master’s degree after winning the first national student design award (Oregon Manifest bicycle design and prototype) in 2008.

The program takes students through product creation, design, marketing, and branding. You will develop key skills in innovation methodology that can land you in any of the 800 partnered sports companies.

Master of Science in Sports in Product Design Overview

• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Tuition: $498/credit
• Required Credits: 73 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 69%

Master of Science in Sports in Product Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Four-year bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Test scores, transcripts, letters of reference, resume, writing samples, statement of objectives

Applying to Oregon State University

1. Visit the official school website and create an account.
2. Search for the desired degree program and click on apply.
3. Fill out the application form with your personal details and education history.
4. Provide the required documents.
5. Pay the application fee or submit the fee waiver.

Rochester Institute of Technology , founded in 1829, is one of the top universities offering a wide range of degree programs in various disciplines. The campus offers degree programs in business, game design, science, environmental studies, communications, art, and engineering.

Master of Science in Product Development

This online Master’s Degree in Product Design is a leadership program based on engineering and business concepts. You will develop essential skills to see a product through creation, design, launch, and support. You should also expect to learn Agile development and project management.

Master of Science in Product Development Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $2,171/credit hour
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 12 months
• Learning Format: Online, In-person
• NCES School Graduation rate: 71%

Master of Science in Product Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Letter of recommendation, statement of education, TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students), resume

Applying to Rochester Institute of Technology

1. Visit the school’s website and go over the application requirements for graduate students.
2. Create an account on the online portal.
3. Fill out the application form.
4. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
5. Submit the supporting documents electronically.

This is a leading private research institution offering students in-person and online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Stanford University features seven different schools to help you achieve your career goals.

Prospective students can seek a degree in humanities, law, medicine, business, engineering, and education. With a research budget of $1.69 billion, you will develop hands-on skills in any degree program.

Master of Science in Engineering, Product Design

This master’s is a joint program delivered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Art and Art History. The degree program bases the entire curriculum on technical, business, and human interactions. You will cover topics such as advanced product design, human value, and manufacturing.

Master of Science in Engineering, Product Design Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $1,352/credit
• Required Credits: 60 to 62 credits
• Program Length: 12 months
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation rate: 95%

Master of Science in Engineering, Product Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.75
• Standardized Tests: GRE, TOEFL
• Application Fee: $125
• Minimum Education: Contact admissions
• Other Requirements: Resume, GRE, TOEFL scores, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose

Applying to Stanford University

1. Review the application requirements and deadlines before you start the application process.
2. Create your account.
3. Fill in the application form.
4. Provide necessary documents.
5. Check your application status.

The University of Southern California is a private research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The campus was founded in 1880 and is reputable for helping high school students transition into their respective workforce seamlessly. Its low acceptance rate of 16 percent may make it challenging to gain entry into the prestigious institution.

Master of Science in Product Development Engineering

The Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and the Daniel J. Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Departments jointly offer the master’s program. You will cover management and engineering concepts which will give you the essential skills to see a product through invention, design, production, and service.

Master of Science in Product Development Engineering Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $2,309/credit
• Required Credits: 27 credits
• Program Length: 1.5 to 2 years
• Learning Format: Online, In-person
• NCES School Graduation rate: 92%

Master of Science in Product Development Engineering Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $90
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Resume, recommendation letters, test scores

Applying to University of Southern California

1. Visit the school’s official website and review the application requirements.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Pay your application fee.
4. Submit application materials.
5. Submit your official test scores and transcripts.

A product marketing manager oversees the creation and distribution of a company’s products. The professional is responsible for designing marketing campaigns for quality product marketing. To complete the job responsibilities, you must be excellent at product development, marketing strategies, and customer segmentation.

• Average Salary: $133,380
• Job Outlook: 10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 316,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Virginia

As a senior game designer , you will develop gaming systems and interfaces. The position may also require you to develop the core mechanics and entire structure of a game. This includes rules, features, and systems. Often game designers only require a bachelor’s degree. Professionals with a Master’s Degree in Product Design or relevant degree can land the senior job position.

• Average Salary: $77,200
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 199,400
• Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Washington, Rhode Island, Maryland, District of Columbia

An industrial designer is responsible for developing concepts for manufacturing products. They take into account the usability, aesthetics, and production cost of developing a new product. Often, professionals rely on computer software to develop virtual designs. They create prototypes and examine material requirements to factor in production costs.

• Average Salary: $77,030
• Job Outlook: 6% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 31,500
• Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, California, Rhode Island

A CAD technician provides engineering support during product development and is involved during the design process. They create drawings and prototypes essential for use in manufacturing and construction processes. Companies rely on them to ensure the designs meet industry standards, especially federal regulations.

• Average Salary: $60,290
• Job Outlook: -2% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 191,800
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia

Graphic designers are professionals responsible for the production of designs for applications or websites. They use digital illustrations to create designs. Most of these professionals are well versed in Adobe tools and design best practices. In addition to creating visual concepts, graphic designers present the concepts to stakeholders or clients.

• Average Salary: $50,710
• Job Outlook: 3% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 254,100
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, California