The Product Design Minor offers students the opportunity to develop basic skills utilized in a variety of consumer product related industries through studio courses in Visual Communication, Digital Design, prototype and model making techniques related to industry applications. Communication of these creative concepts through thoughtful execution of projects displays student abilities in an organized body of work. Product Design minors will not be assigned a desk in the Product Design department, but they may work at the common work tables in the studios. They may also participate in the Product Design Department's senior show on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Department Chair.

Eligibility

The Product Design minor is open to students majoring in Communication Arts, Digital Media, and Fine Arts. Because of their curricular requirements Environmental Design, Fashion Design and Toy Design majors will only be approved to enroll on a case-by-case basis. Students must be on track in their major and in good academic standing, with no more than 6 credits behind and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Product Design minors will not be assigned a desk in the Product Design department, but they may work at the common work tables in the studios. They may also participate in the Product Design Department’s Senior Exhibition on a case-by-case with approval from the Department Chair.

Required Courses

*ALI majors can substitute 2 credits of electives in Product Design in place of PRDS272 or PRDS370. Communication Arts majors can substitute 2 credits of electives in Product Design in place of PRDS272. Digital Media majors can substitute 5 credits of electives in Product Design in place of PRDS273 and PRDS370. Toy Design majors can substitute 10 credits of electives in Product Design in place of PRDS252, PRDS253, PRDS273 and PRDS370. Electives must be approved by the Product Design Chair or Assistant Chair. 

Course Descriptions are listed in the Product Design section of the Course Catalog.

Download the following PDF to see how the Product Design minor fits into your chosen major:
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2018-19 (class of 2022):
Product Design Minor Academic Plan 18-19
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2019-20 (class of 2023):
Product Design Minor Academic Plan 19-20
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2020-21 (class of 2024):
Product Design Minor Academic Plan 20-21
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2021-22 (class of 2025):
Product Design Minor Academic Plan 21-22

Learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies, eligibility requirements, and the application process.