Industrial design is one of the oldest activities in the world and is becoming one of the most influential professions of the digital age. There are few corporations that do not rely on expertise from industrial designers to help establish their identity, initiate a new strategy, develop a new product, or create an expanded market. The industrial design program at Virginia Tech, fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, prepares the individual to enter this dynamic field. Experiences and abilities of each student are developed by the curriculum to mesh with the world of product development, exhibit design, material research, flexible environments, corporate image, and information technology.

A rapidly expanding professional service, industrial design optimizes the technological, aesthetic, and ergonomic requirements of product design as an integral part of the physical, social, and cultural environment. It is the role of the industrial designer to not only respond to market trends, but also to project new territories of opportunity to help provide for a better and more meaningful life through design. Candidates are prepared to pursue a full range of professional and research responsibilities at the corporate management level as well as at the small design office.