top of page

Find Your Place in Design

Explore design fields in more depth, see where they can lead, and draw on our global experience in arts and design education to find programs that truly fit you.

Team Collaboration

Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design

Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design is for students who are curious about how buildings, rooms, and landscapes shape daily life.  On this path, you’ll move from site and user research to drawings, models, and material studies, turning ideas about safety, sustainability, and atmosphere into spaces that support people and communities over time.

Paths within Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design

Within Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Architecture – Design buildings and spatial systems that balance structure, light, circulation, and human experience within a broader urban or natural context.

Environmental & Sustainable Design – Focus on low‑carbon, energy‑efficient, and climate‑responsive strategies that reduce environmental impact across buildings, interiors, and sites.

Exhibition & Spatial Experience Design – Create temporary and permanent spatial experiences—exhibitions, installations, branded environments—that guide how people move, look, and interact with content.

Interior Architecture & Interior Design – Shape how people live, work, and gather inside spaces by planning layouts, materials, lighting, and furnishings that support comfort, function, and identity.

Landscape Architecture – Plan and design outdoor environments—parks, campuses, streetscapes, and ecological systems—that connect people with land, water, and plant life.

Urban Design & Planning – Think at the scale of neighborhoods and cities, coordinating buildings, public spaces, mobility, and infrastructure to support more livable, equitable communities.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

You don’t need to show up to Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design with everything figured out, but you should be ready to think spatially, work through complex problems, and communicate your ideas visually and verbally. Helpful preparation includes:

High school coursework in art, design, or technology (for example, visual art, design & technology, engineering, or digital media).

Openness to critique and iteration, since architecture and interior design education are highly studio- and project-based.

  • Basic drawing or sketching experience, even at a beginner level.
  • Comfort with making—model building, crafting, DIY projects, or other hands-on work with materials.
  • Early experience noticing how spaces feel and function (for example, paying attention to light, circulation, accessibility, and comfort in everyday environments).
  • A developing portfolio that shows curiosity, experimentation, and process (sketches, models, photos of projects), not just polished final pieces.

Key Skills for Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design

Spatial thinking and visualization – Imagining how spaces, forms, and structures will feel and function in three dimensions.

Ethical and sustainability awareness – Considering environmental impact, accessibility, and equity when shaping spaces.

  • Observation and environmental awareness – Noticing light, materials, circulation, and how people actually use spaces.
  • Systems and problem-solving mindset – Balancing many constraints (users, safety, codes, climate, budget) to arrive at workable solutions.
  • Persistence and resilience – Staying with complex projects over time, revising ideas, and learning from critique and setbacks.
  • Communication and storytelling – Explaining spatial ideas clearly through words, sketches, diagrams, and presentations.
  • Collaboration and listening – Working with clients, peers, and specialists, and integrating feedback into the design process.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Hand sketching and diagramming – Quick plans, sections, perspectives, and concept diagrams on paper or tablet.
  • 2D drafting tools – Basic familiarity with digital drafting for plans, elevations, and details.
  • 3D modeling software – Building simple massing models and interior layouts with digital 3D tools.
  • Physical model-making – Working with chipboard, foam, wood, or 3D printing to build study and presentation models.
  • Visualization and rendering – Creating basic visualizations of spaces using rendering tools or compositional techniques.
  • Environmental and daylight analysis tools – Using simple digital tools to study light, climate, and performance at a basic level.
  • Presentation tools – Laying out boards, slides, or digital portfolios that combine drawings, text, and images in a clear manner.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design complete a specialized undergraduate degree in architecture or a related design field; some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Architectural Studies or Environmental Design
    • BArch (Bachelor of Architecture)
    • BFA in Interior Architecture or Interior Design
    • BS in Landscape Architecture
    • BS in Urban Design or Urban Planning
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Environmental Design, or Architectural Studies
    • MArch (Master of Architecture)
    • MLA (Master of Landscape Architecture)
    • MUP or MURP (Master of Urban Planning or Urban and Regional Planning)
    • Post-professional or research-focused degrees (e.g., MSc, MDes, or PhD) in architecture, urbanism, or the built environment

As you look at programs in this area, notice whether you’re more drawn to designing interiors and spaces, engineering how they work, or shaping cities and communities—programs often lean more strongly in one of these directions.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design offers roles that range from early-career design support positions to licensed architects and senior leaders, with salaries that grow as you gain experience, responsibility, and specialization.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

• Junior Architectural Designer
• Architectural Intern / Designer
• Interior Design Assistant
• Junior Interior Designer

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $40,000–$65,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, firm size, and whether the role is in architecture, interiors, or related environmental design.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

• Architect (licensed)
• Project Architect
• Interior Designer (mid-level)
• Urban Designer / Planner (mid-level)

Mid-level roles often range from about $70,000–$100,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to licensure, project leadership, and specialized expertise.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

• Senior Architect
• Design Director (Architecture / Interiors)
• Principal / Partner, Architecture Firm
• Senior Urban Designer / Planning Director

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $110,000–$180,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting firm ownership, strategic responsibilities, and the scale of projects managed.

Is Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design Right for You?

Check your fit

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Find yourself noticing how rooms, buildings, and public spaces feel and function.

  • Like sketching floor plans, rearranging furniture, or imagining how spaces could work better.

  • Are curious about how light, materials, and circulation shape people’s experiences.

  • Care about sustainability, accessibility, and how design can support communities over time.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more interested in designing objects, products, or tools than whole spaces (Consider Product & Industrial Design or Packaging Design).
  • Prefer working with textiles, fabrics, and personal style rather than buildings, rooms, interiors, and landscapes (Consider Fashion & Textiles).
  • Are drawn to digital interfaces, apps, and interactive systems instead of physical environments (Consider Digital & Interaction Design or Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design).
  • Want to focus on exhibitions, performances, or visitor journeys in cultural spaces rather than the architecture itself (consider Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design programs that fit your goals.

Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design programs differ in how they balance creativity, technical training, and real-world project experience. Some emphasize conceptual studio work, while others focus more on building systems, sustainability, or community impact.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design? See our global Locations page.

Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design

Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design is for students who are excited by emerging tools, systems, and interfaces, and who care deeply about who gets to use them. You’ll move from research and prototyping to testing and iteration, turning ideas about access, equity, and user experience into digital products, services, and environments that work for a wide range of bodies, cultures, and abilities.

Paths within Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design

Within Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Assistive & Inclusive Product Design – Create products, tools, and services that center disabled, neurodivergent, and marginalized users, resulting in assistive devices, adaptive products, and inclusive everyday tools and services.

Accessible UX & Service Design – Map whole journeys across touchpoints and design systems, policies, and interfaces that become accessible websites, apps, service blueprints, and multi‑channel experiences for a wide range of users.

Creative Technology – Use code, algorithms, and interactive systems as creative materials to build interactive installations, custom tools, data‑driven artworks, and experimental interfaces.

Game, XR & Immersive Media –  Design interactive worlds, games, AR/VR experiences, and simulations that become playable prototypes, narrative environments, and immersive learning or entertainment experiences.

Interaction & Interface Design – Prototype and test digital interactions across screens, devices, and physical interfaces to create apps, interfaces, connected objects, and design systems that feel intuitive.

Speculative & Critical Design – Build what‑if objects, prototypes, and stories that show possible futures with new technologies.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

You don’t need to arrive in Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design as an expert coder or engineer, but you should be curious about how technology works, how it can improve systems and lives,  and how it can remove barriers for people. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in computer science, digital media, engineering, or related technology subjects.
  • Basic experience with coding, scripting, or visual programming tools—even small personal or school projects.
  • Comfort experimenting with digital tools (for example, game engines, creative coding platforms, prototyping tools, or no‑code builders).
  • Interest in accessibility, disability justice, or inclusive design—such as paying attention to who is left out of everyday products, interfaces, or spaces.
  • Experience working on collaborative projects where you explain technical ideas to non-technical teammates (or vice versa).
  • Openness to iterative problem-solving: testing ideas, debugging, and learning from things that don’t work the first time.

Key Skills for Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design

  • Empathy and user-centered thinking – Paying attention to how different people, especially marginalized users, experience products, services, and systems.
  • Curiosity about technology – Wanting to understand how digital tools, devices, and algorithms work, beyond just using them.
  • Inclusive and accessibility mindset – Noticing how existing designs or processes may be exclusionary and  an interest looking for ways to reduce barriers.
  • Experimental problem-solving – Trying out ideas, prototyping, testing, and learning from what doesn’t work.
  • Collaboration across disciplines – Working comfortably with people from technical, creative, and lived-experience backgrounds.
  • Communication across languages and formats – Explaining complex or technical ideas in clear, accessible ways to different audiences.
  • Ethical reflection – Considering privacy, bias, power, and long-term impact when designing with technology.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Creative coding environments – Basic experience with tools or languages used for interactive or generative work.
  • Prototyping tools – Using digital or physical prototyping platforms to test interactions, flows, and behaviors.
  • Accessibility testing tools – Applying basic checkers or assistive technologies to evaluate access and usability.
  • Interface and interaction design tools – Working with design software to create screens, components, and interaction specs.
  • Version control and collaboration platforms – Using shared repositories or collaborative tools to manage evolving projects.
  • Data and sensor tools – Experimenting with inputs (for example, sensors, APIs, or simple hardware) to drive interactive experiences.
  • Documentation and handoff tools – Capturing decisions, flows, and specifications so others can build, test, and maintain systems.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design complete a specialized undergraduate degree in design, computing, or human-centered technology, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Interaction Design or Experience Design
    • BA or BSc in Inclusive Design, Disability Studies, or Accessibility Studies
    • BDes in Creative Technologies, Interaction Design, or Service Design
    • BFA in New Media, Digital Arts, or Interactive Media
    • BS in Computer Science, Human–Computer Interaction, or Information Science
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, or User Experience Design
    • MA or MS in Inclusive Design, Disability Studies, or Accessibility and Assistive Technology
    • MDes in Service Design, Strategic Design, or Experience Design
    • MFA in Design and Technology, New Media, or Interactive Media
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MSc or PhD) in HCI, design research, or accessible technology

Instead of locking in a specific degree right now, pay attention to whether you’re more excited by coding and creative technology, designing inclusive experiences and services, or speculative and experimental work—this can help you spot which programs are a better fit for you.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design offers roles that blend design, technology, and accessibility, with salaries that increase as you take on more complex projects, technical depth, and leadership responsibilities.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

• Junior UX Designer
• Accessibility Design Assistant
• Junior Interaction Designer
• Creative Technologist (entry-level)

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $55,000–$75,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, company type (agency, startup, in-house), and technical skill set.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

• UX / Product Designer
• Interaction Designer (mid-level)
• Inclusive / Accessibility Designer
• Creative Technologist (mid-level)

Mid-level roles often range from about $80,000–$115,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to strong portfolios, cross-functional collaboration, and ownership of key features or experiences.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

• Senior UX / Product Designer
• Senior Interaction Designer
• Design Lead for Accessibility & Inclusive Design
• Creative Technology Lead

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $115,000–$160,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting strategic influence, team leadership, and responsibility for complex, high-impact digital products.

Check your fit

Is Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Are curious about how technology can remove barriers rather than create them;

  • Notice when apps, devices, or systems are hard for some people to use—and want to fix that;

  • Like experimenting with new tools, prototypes, or interfaces to see how people respond;

  • Care about access, equity, and designing with many different bodies, cultures, and abilities in mind.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more interested in visual storytelling, branding, and communication than in systems and tools (consider Visual & Communication Design);

  • Prefer focusing on physical spaces, interiors, or landscapes instead of digital or hybrid systems (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design);

  • Are drawn more to crafting performances, exhibitions, or themed environments rather than platforms and services (consider Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries);

  • Want to concentrate on detailed interface design and product UX (consider Digital & Interaction Design).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design programs that fit your goals.

Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design programs can vary in how much they emphasize coding, interaction design, accessibility, or emerging media. Some lean toward experimental creative work, while others focus more on technical skills, user research, or inclusive product development.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design  programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design? See our global Locations page.

Design For Entertainment,
Museums & Galleries

Shape how audiences step into stories, histories, and imagined worlds across stages, screens, and cultural spaces. In this path, you’ll move from narrative concepts and research to spatial layouts, sets, and exhibition plans, turning ideas into immersive environments, installations, and experiences that guide how people see, feel, and move.

Paths within Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries

Within Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Curatorial & Collections Studies – Shape exhibitions and programs by researching, selecting, and contextualizing works within museum and gallery collections.

Exhibition Design – Design museum and gallery exhibitions that guide how visitors move, look, and learn from objects and stories.

Experience & Environmental Graphics Design – Create large‑scale graphics, signage, and visual systems that shape how people navigate and feel inside cultural and entertainment spaces.

Interpretive Planning & Museum Education – Plan interpretive strategies, labels, and learning tools that help visitors connect with collections and ideas.

Scenic & Production Design – Develop sets, props, and visual worlds for theater, film, television, and live events

Themed Entertainment Design – Design attractions, themed environments, and visitor experiences for parks, resorts, and branded destinations.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

For Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries, it helps to arrive with some experience thinking about how stories, spaces, and audiences interact, even if your projects have been small or informal. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in the visual arts, theatre, film, media studies, history, or literature that builds your sense of story and context.
  • Experience with performance, exhibitions, or events—such as school plays, concerts, gallery shows, or community programs (onstage, backstage, or behind the scenes).
  • Comfort and enjoyment making things that shape experiences: set pieces, props, installations, posters, programs, or simple interactive displays.
  • Practice observing how audiences move, react, and feel in different spaces (for example, museums, theme parks, theatres, or public events).
  • A developing portfolio that might include sketches, drawings, models, photos of sets or installations, scripts, storyboards, or documentation of events you helped create or present.
  • Desire and ability to collaborate closely with others—directors, performers, curators, technicians—and to revise your ideas based on feedback and practical constraints.

Key Skills for Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries

  • Story and narrative thinking – Understanding how ideas, histories, or themes can be shaped into clear, engaging experiences for audiences.
  • Audience awareness – Noticing how different people move, feel, and respond in spaces like theatres, museums, galleries, and attractions.
  • Visual and spatial imagination – Envisioning how sets, exhibits, graphics, light, and sound work together in three dimensions.
  • Collaboration and ensemble mindset – Working well with directors, performers, curators, technicians, and other team members and specialists.
  • Flexibility and problem-solving – Adapting ideas to real constraints like time, budget, safety, and technical limits.
  • Communication across and through media – Using sketches, models, scripts, storyboards, or diagrams to share ideas with others.
  • Resilience and openness to feedback – Revising work based on critique, rehearsals, and audience response.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Sketching and storyboarding tools – Creating quick visual sequences for scenes, exhibits, or visitor journeys.
  • 2D design and layout software – Designing graphics, signage, labels, and interpretive panels.
  • 3D modeling tools – Building basic sets, exhibition spaces, or scenic elements in digital 3D.
  • Lighting and sound basics – Using simple tools or software to plan and test lighting and audio for experiences.
  • Drafting and documentation tools – Preparing plans, elevations, and technical drawings for fabrication or installation.
  • Production and project management tools – Tracking schedules, budgets, and tasks across teams.
  • Digital media and projection tools – Working with video, projection, or interactive media in spatial environments.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries complete a specialized undergraduate degree in design, theater, or museum-related studies, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Theatre Design, Scenic Design, or Production Design
    • BA or BSc in Museum Studies, Curatorial Studies, or Public History
    • BFA in Scenic Design, Production Design, or Themed Entertainment Design
    • BFA in Exhibition Design, Experience Design, or Environmental Graphics
    • BDes or BFA in Communication Design, Graphic Design, or Visual Communication (with a focus on cultural or entertainment contexts)
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Museum Studies, Curatorial Practice, or Exhibition Studies
    • MA or MS in Theatre Design, Scenic Design, or Production Design
    • MA or MS in Arts Administration, Arts Management, or Cultural Management
    • MFA in Scenic Design, Production Design, or Themed Entertainment Design
    • MFA in Exhibition Design, Experience Design, or Environmental Graphics
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MA, MSc, or PhD) in museum studies, performance design, or visual culture

As you compare programs in this area, notice whether you’re more drawn to designing spaces and experiences, shaping stories and interpretation, or planning how audiences move through museums and attractions—this kind of self-check can make it easier to see which options fit you best.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries offers roles that shape how audiences experience stories, spaces, and collections, with salaries that grow as you take on larger productions, more complex environments, and creative leadership.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Assistant Scenic Designer

  • Exhibit Design Assistant

  • Junior Experience / Environmental Graphics Designer

  • Museum Education or Interpretation Assistant

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $40,000–$60,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, type of institution (museum, theater, studio, agency), and project scale.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • Scenic Designer

  • Exhibit / Exhibition Designer

  • Experience / Environmental Graphics Designer (mid-level)

  • Museum Exhibit Developer or Interpretive Planner

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $60,000–$90,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to specialized skills, strong portfolios, and responsibility for leading projects or exhibit areas.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior Scenic Designer or Production Designer

  • Senior Exhibit / Experience Designer

  • Creative Director for Themed Entertainment or Experiences

  • Director of Exhibitions or Experience Design (museum or institution)

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $90,000–$150,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting oversight of major productions or institutions, team leadership, and long-term creative strategy.

Check your fit

Is Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Like thinking about how audiences move through stories, spaces, and experiences.
  • Notice the details of sets, exhibitions, lighting, and sound when you visit shows or museums.
  • Enjoy sketching scenes, environments, or visitor journeys and imagining how they could feel.
  • Are excited by collaboration with artists, curators, performers, and technical teams.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more interested in designing the buildings and landscapes themselves than the experiences inside them (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design).
  • Prefer working on interfaces, apps, and digital products rather than physical environments (consider Digital & Interaction Design or Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design).
  • Are drawn to clothing, textiles, and personal style, or characters/costumes, instead of large-scale environments (consider Fashion & Textiles).
  • Want to focus on brand systems, campaigns, and visual communication across media rather than spatial storytelling (consider Visual & Communication Design).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries programs that fit your goals.

Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries programs differ in how they balance storytelling, spatial design, and technical production. Some focus on immersive experiences and exhibition design, while others emphasize set design, lighting, or collaboration with performers, curators, and creative teams.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on  Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Design For Entertainment, Museums & Galleries? See our global Locations page.

Digital & Interaction Design

Digital & Interaction Design is for students who are curious about how people think, feel, and move through digital spaces—and who want to make those experiences clearer, kinder, and more engaging. You’ll move from user research and concept sketches to prototypes and refined interfaces, turning ideas about behavior and communication into apps, websites, and interactive systems people actually enjoy using

Paths within Digital & Interaction Design

Within Digital & Interaction Design , you can focus on disciplines such as:

Design Systems & Operations – Build shared patterns, components, and guidelines that keep large digital products consistent over time.

Interaction Design – Design how people move through digital products, focusing on flows, feedback, and states.

Physical Computing & Tangible Interaction – Create interactive objects and installations where people interact through touch, motion, or sensors, not just screens.

Product Design (Digital) – Define and design end‑to‑end digital products that solve real problems for specific users and markets.

User Experience (UX) Design – Research, map, and prototype digital experiences so products feel useful, usable, and clear.

User Interface (UI) Design – Shape the visual look and layout of screens, components, and design systems for digital products.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

Students entering Digital & Interaction Design benefit from experience thinking about how people move through digital products and systems, and from practice turning those ideas into simple visual or interactive prototypes. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in art, design, computer science, media studies, or related subjects that build both visual and analytical skills.
  • Experience sketching interfaces, screens, or user flows—even as rough wireframes on paper or in simple digital tools.
  • Comfort using digital tools such as presentation software, design apps, or basic prototyping tools to communicate ideas visually.
  • Practice noticing how apps, websites, and devices succeed or fail for different users (for example, paying attention to clarity, accessibility, and ease of use).
  • Participation in projects where you gather feedback from others to revise your designs, even on small school or personal projects.
  • Desire and ability to collaborate with peers in different roles (research, content, development) and to explain your design decisions clearly.

Key Skills for Digital & Interaction Design

  • User-centered thinking – Focusing on what people need, feel, and do as they move through products, services, and systems.
  • Systems and flow awareness – Seeing how screens, states, and touchpoints connect into clear, coherent journeys.
  • Visual communication – Using layout, hierarchy, and visual rhythm to guide attention and understanding in interfaces.
  • Curiosity about user behavior – Noticing how different users interact with apps, websites, and devices, and being inquisitive about uses and motivations.
  • Iterative mindset – Testing ideas early, learning from usability issues, and refining designs through multiple rounds
  • Collaboration with technical and content partners – Working productively with developers, writers, researchers, and stakeholders.
  • Clear explanations of design decisions – Articulating the reasoning behind choices so others can give useful feedback for improved implementation.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Wireframing and prototyping tools – Creating low- and mid-fidelity screens, flows, and interactive prototypes.
  • Interface design software – Designing detailed UI components, layouts, and design systems.
  • User research and testing tools – Running basic usability tests, surveys, or interviews and capturing findings.
  • Information architecture tools – Mapping site structures, user flows, and service blueprints.
  • Design handoff and collaboration platforms – Sharing specs, assets, and documentation with developers and stakeholders.
  • Basic front-end awareness – Understanding how interfaces are built (for example, HTML/CSS concepts) to design more implementable solutions.
  • Analytics and behavior tools – Using simple analytics or session insights to understand how people actually - and best - use digital products.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Digital & Interaction Design complete a specialized undergraduate degree in interaction design, user experience, or a related digital design field, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Interaction Design or Experience Design
    • BA or BSc in User Experience Design, Service Design, or Information Design
    • BDes in Interaction Design, Product Design (Digital), or Experience Design
    • BFA in Digital Media, New Media, or Interactive Media
    • BS in Human–Computer Interaction, Information Science, or Informatics
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Interaction Design, User Experience Design, or Service Design
    • MA or MS in Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Science, or Informatics
    • MDes in Interaction Design, Experience Design, or Strategic Design
    • MFA in Digital Media, New Media, or Interactive Media
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MSc or PhD) in HCI, design research, or digital media

As you look at Digital & Interaction Design programs, notice whether you’re more energized by researching users, designing interfaces and visuals, or shaping systems and product strategy—seeing which of these feels most like you can help narrow down the programs to explore.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Digital & Interaction Design offers roles that shape how people move through digital products and services, with salaries that grow as you take on more complex systems, broader product ownership, and leadership responsibilities.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Junior UX Designer

  • Junior Product Designer

  • Junior Interaction Designer

  • UI Designer (entry-level)

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $55,000–$75,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, company size, and the mix of research, interaction, and visual skills you bring.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • UX / Product Designer

  • Interaction Designer (mid-level)

  • Product Designer (mid-level)

  • UX Researcher (mid-level)

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $80,000–$115,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to strong portfolios, cross-functional collaboration, and ownership of key product areas or journeys.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior UX / Product Designer

  • Senior Interaction Designer

  • Design Lead or Product Design Lead

  • UX Manager or Head of Product Design

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $115,000–$160,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting responsibility for strategy, team leadership, and the design direction of major products or platforms.

Check your fit

Is Digital & Interaction Design Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Often notice when apps, websites, or devices feel confusing—and think about how to improve them.

  • Like sketching screens, flows, or wireframes and imagining how people will move through them.

  • Are curious about user research, testing, and how small design changes affect behavior.

  • Enjoy combining visual design with logic, systems thinking, and clear communication.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more excited by physical spaces, interiors, or landscapes than by screens and interfaces (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design).

  • Want to focus on immersive environments, exhibitions, or performances rather than digital products (consider Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries).

  • Prefer working on brand systems, typography, and visual storytelling across many formats rather than detailed UX flows (consider Visual & Communication Design).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Digital & Interaction Design programs that fit your goals.

Digital & Interaction Design programs can vary in how much they emphasize visual design, UX research, prototyping, or front-end development. Some focus on designing interfaces and products, while others lean more into service design, user testing, or emerging interactive technologies.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on  Digital & Interaction Design programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Digital & Interaction Design? See our global Locations page.

Fashion & Textiles

Fashion & Textiles is perfect for individuals passionate about clothing, tactile materials, and cultural aesthetics who wish to transform concepts into physical garments and textile goods. This journey takes you from initial sketches to technical patterns and complete runway collections. It bridges the gap between artistic vision and commercial viability, spanning luxury fashion, independent design houses, functional apparel, and experimental textiles in an exciting and rapidly changing global industry.

Paths within Fashion & Textiles

Within Fashion & Textiles, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Accessories & Footwear Design – Design bags, shoes, and accessories that support both function and identity.

Fashion Communication & Styling – Shape how fashion is presented through styling, imagery, editorial, and media.

Fashion Design – Design collections and individual garments that express a concept, brand, or story.

Fashion Futures & Sustainability – Explore circular systems, new materials, and more ethical ways of designing and producing fashion.

Fashion Merchandising – Plan assortments, pricing, and in-store or online presentation so collections reach the right customers and markets.

Fashion Product Development – Translate design concepts into production-ready products across sizes, markets, and price points.

Knitwear Design – Create knit-based garments and accessories that balance structure, comfort, and surface pattern.

Textile Design – Develop woven, knit, printed, and experimental fabrics for fashion, interiors, or products.

Textile Engineering – Focus on applying engineering principles to the technical design, high-performance production, and scientific testing of fiber and apparel systems.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

You don’t need to arrive as a fully formed designer, but you should be ready to build visual work, practice regularly, and respond to feedback. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in art, design, or technology (for example., visual art, design & technology, or digital media).

  • Basic drawing or sketching experience, even at a beginner level. 

  • Comfort with making—sewing, crafting, DIY, or other hands-on projects. 

  • A developing portfolio that shows curiosity, experimentation, and effort, not just finished pieces. 

  • Openness to critique and iteration, as much of fashion education is studio and project-based.

Key Skills for Fashion & Textiles

  • Visual curiosity and observation - Noticing details in garments, people, and culture.

  •  Resilience and time management - Managing long projects, deadlines, and revisions. 

  • Collaboration and communication – Working with pattern-makers, technicians, photographers, and marketers. 

  • Cultural awareness – Understanding how fashion interacts with identity, histories, and communities.

  • Openness to critique – Using feedback to improve designs rather than taking things personally.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Pattern-making and draping – Translating ideas into 2D patterns and 3D garment shapes. 

  • Sewing and garment construction – Building samples and understanding how clothes are made. 

  • Textile knowledge– Knowing fibers, fabrics, and material behavior in use and care. 

  • Digital tools – Using fashion CAD, illustration, or 3D tools (depending on the program). 

  • Trend and market research – Analyzing references, runways, and consumer data. 

  • Sustainable decision-making – Considering lifespan, sourcing, and impact in design choices.

Typical Degrees & Programs

Most people working in Fashion & Textiles complete a specialized undergraduate degree, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees

    • BFA in Fashion Design

    • BFA in Textile Design

    • BS in Textile Engineering or Fiber Science

    • BA/BSc in Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Communication, or Fashion Business

  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)

    • MFA in Fashion Design, Textiles, or Knitwear

    • MA in Fashion Studies, Fashion Curation, or Sustainability in Fashion

    • MBA or MS with a focus on fashion, retail, or product management

You don’t need to know your exact degree path right now, but it helps to notice whether you’re more drawn to creative making, technical materials and engineering, or business and strategy—most programs lean more strongly in one of these directions.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Fashion & Textiles offers roles that span design, development, communication, and production, with salaries that grow as you build experience, technical depth, and responsibility for collections, products, or teams.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Assistant Fashion Designer

  • Design Assistant (Apparel or Accessories)

  • Textile Design Assistant

  • Product Development Assistant

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $40,000–$60,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, type of company (luxury, mass market, independent), and whether the role is more creative or production-focused.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • Fashion Designer (mid-level)

  • Textile Designer (prints, knits, or wovens)

  • Product Developer / Merchandiser

  • Technical Designer (mid-level)

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $60,000–$90,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to brand size, category ownership, and responsibility for driving successful seasons or product lines.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior Fashion Designer

  • Senior Textile Designer

  • Design Director (Apparel, Accessories, or Textiles)

  • Head of Product or Merchandising

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $90,000–$150,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting creative direction, team leadership, and strategic responsibility for brand or category performance.

Check your fit

Is Fashion & Textiles Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Constantly notice clothing details, silhouettes, and styling choices.

  • Like sketching outfits, textures, or patterns in the margins of your notes.

  • Take pleasure in working with your hands - cutting, sewing, assembling and experimenting with materials,

  • Are curious about how garments are constructed, and not just how they look.

  • Are interested in how fashion connects to culture, identity, story-telling (costume design) and sustainability.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more excited by designing spaces, buildings, or public environments (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design).

  • Prefer working with digital interfaces and systems (consider Digital & Interaction Design or Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design).

  • Are drawn to shaping experiences in museums, galleries, or performances rather than clothing or costumes (consider Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries).

  • Want to focus on physical products like furniture, tools, or devices instead of apparel or fabrics (consider Product & Industrial Design or Packaging Design).

  • Enjoy the expressive aspects of fashion, but are drawn to more philosophical or psychological aspects of experience and the senses (consider Fragrance).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Fashion & Textiles programs that fit your goals.

Fashion & Textiles programs vary widely in focus, facilities, and industry connections. Some emphasize creative direction and collection design, while others lean into textiles, sustainability, or the business side of fashion. You’ll also see differences in studio access, technology, and how closely programs work with brands and industry partners.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Fashion & Textiles programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Fashion & Textiles?

See our global Locations page.

Fragrance

Fragrance is an interesting option for students who are fascinated by scent, memory, and storytelling, and who want to shape how people experience the world through scent. You’ll move from raw ingredients and olfactory families to structured formulas, testing, and refinement, turning abstract concepts into perfumes, home fragrances, and scented products that carry clear narratives for brands and clients.

Paths within Fragrance

Within Fragrance, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Aroma Chemistry & Materials – Study and develop natural and synthetic aroma materials that make up modern fragrances.

Fragrance Evaluation & Development – Test, refine, and guide fragrances from early trials to market‑ready products.

Fragrance Marketing & Brand Development – Position, name, and communicate fragrances so they connect with specific audiences and markets.

Home, Body & Product Fragrance Design – Create scents for candles, home care, personal care, and everyday products.

Olfactory Art & Scent Design – Use scent as a creative medium to shape mood, memory, and experience in spaces and installations.

Perfume Creation & Composition – Design scent formulas that balance top, heart, and base notes into finished fragrances.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

Students entering Fragrance-related programs benefit from a mix of scientific curiosity, sensory awareness, and comfort working carefully with materials and data. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in chemistry, biology, or related sciences that builds comfort with lab work, measurement, and basic scientific concepts.
  • Experience paying close attention to scent in everyday life—such as noticing how scents can evoke thoughts and memories, change over time, and in different environments, or on different materials.
  • Comfort following detailed procedures, whether in science labs, cooking, or other activities that require precision and safety.
  • Practice keeping simple notes or logs about observations (for example, tracking how a recipe, experiment, or project changes when you adjust variables).
  • Curiosity about the fragrance industry, such as learning basic terminology, reading about perfumers, or exploring how scent is used in products, spaces, and experiences.
  • Openness to combining creative intuition with structured experimentation, and to revising ideas based on test results and feedback.

Key Skills for Fragrance

  • Sensory awareness and attention to detail – Noticing subtle differences in scent, intensity, and how scents change over time.
  • Patience and persistence – Working through many small tests and adjustments to refine formulas or scent concepts.
  • Carefulness and responsibility – Following safety guidelines and procedures when working with chemicals and materials.
  • Analytical thinking – Comparing, categorizing, and describing scents in a structured way, even when impressions are subjective.
  • Curiosity about people and context – Thinking about how different cultures, environments, and uses shape the meaning of scent.
  • Communication and descriptive language – Finding clear words and references to explain olfactory experiences to others.
  • Openness to feedback – Listening to reactions from peers, mentors, or clients and using that input to refine work.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Lab techniques and safety protocols – Following standard procedures for measuring, mixing, labeling, and storing materials.
  • Basic chemistry tools – Using balances, pipettes, glassware, and other lab equipment accurately and consistently.
  • Olfactory evaluation methods – Practicing structured smelling sessions, blotter use, and note-taking for scent evaluation.
  • Formula-building software or spreadsheets – Recording, adjusting, and scaling fragrance formulas in an organized way.
  • Raw material libraries – Working with and cataloging essential oils, aroma chemicals, and bases.
  • Stability and performance testing – Running simple tests to see how scents behave over time, on skin, or in different products.
  • Documentation and regulatory awareness – Keeping clear records and being aware of basic safety, allergen, and labeling guidelines.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Fragrance complete a specialized undergraduate degree in chemistry, fragrance science, or a related design or business field, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Biology
    • BA or BSc in Fragrance Science, Cosmetic Science, or Olfactory Science (where offered)
    • BSc in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science (with a focus on consumer products)
    • BBA or BS in Marketing, Brand Management, or Luxury Business (with a focus on beauty or fragrance)
    • BFA or BA in Fashion, Product, or Communication Design (with coursework or projects related to scent or beauty)
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Fragrance Science, Cosmetic Science, or Olfactory Science
    • MA or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science (with a focus on fragrance, cosmetics, or consumer products)
    • MBA or MS in Marketing, Brand Management, or Luxury Business (with a focus on beauty or fragrance)
    • Specialized post-graduate diplomas or certificates in perfumery, cosmetic science, or sensory evaluation
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MSc or PhD) in chemistry, sensory science, or related fields

As you explore Fragrance programs, notice whether you’re more intrigued by lab science and aroma chemistry, composing scents and experiences, or brand, marketing and product strategy—being honest about which of these pulls you most can guide you toward better-fit options.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Fragrance offers roles that blend chemistry, creativity, and brand storytelling, with salaries that grow as you deepen your technical expertise, creative authorship, and influence over products and portfolios.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Fragrance Lab Technician

  • Evaluation Assistant / Fragrance Assistant

  • Junior Fragrance Development Assistant

  • Regulatory or Compliance Assistant (Fragrance / Personal Care)

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $45,000–$65,000 per year in the U.S., depending on whether the role is more lab-based, evaluative, or marketing/brand support, and on company size.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • Fragrance Evaluator (mid-level)

  • Fragrance Development Manager or Specialist

  • Fragrance Marketing or Brand Manager (mid-level)

  • Application Scientist / Technical Manager (Fragrance, Home, or Personal Care)

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $70,000–$105,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to managing client briefs, guiding product launches, and owning categories or key accounts.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior Perfumer or Senior Fragrance Evaluator

  • Creative Director (Fragrance)

  • Senior Fragrance Development or Category Director

  • VP or Head of Fragrance / Scent Strategy

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $110,000–$180,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting authorship of major fragrances, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and responsibility for brand or portfolio strategy.

Check your fit

Is Fragrance Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Enjoy telling stories and expressing ideas through subtle, sensory details rather than visuals alone.

  • Find yourself noticing scents in everyday life and how they change your mood or evoke memories.
  • Are curious about the “structure” behind perfumes, candles, or scented products—not just how they smell.
  • Like the idea of blending creativity with chemistry, testing, and careful refinement.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Want to focus on digital products, interfaces, and interactive systems rather than material ingredients and lab work (consider Digital & Interaction Design or Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design).

  • Prefer designing the visual identity, bottles, packaging, and campaigns for fragrance products (consider Visual & Communication Design or Packaging Design).

  • Are more interested in how things look or feel than how they are sensed (consider Fashion & Textiles).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Fragrance programs that fit your goals.

Fragrance programs can differ a lot in how they blend science, creativity, and business. Some focus on fragrance chemistry and formulation, while others emphasize brand storytelling, sensory experience, or product development within beauty and lifestyle industries.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Fragrance programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Fragrance?

See our global Locations page.

Packaging Design

Packaging Design is for students who are drawn to the moment when a product meets a person—on the shelf, in the mail, or in their hands. In this path, you’ll move from brand stories and material choices to structural mockups and visual systems, turning ideas about function, sustainability, and emotion into packages that protect, inform, and invite people to engage

Paths within Packaging Design

Within Packaging Design,  you can focus on disciplines such as:

Brand & Graphic Packaging Design – Design logos, typography, color, and layout on packs so brands stand out and feel clear.

Luxury & Specialty Packaging – Design high‑touch packaging for beauty, fragrance, food, and gifts that signals craft and value.

Packaging Production & Materials – Work with printing, substrates, and manufacturing processes to move designs into large‑scale production.

Retail & Shelf Experience Design – Plan how packages work together on shelf or online so shoppers can find, compare, and choose products.

Structural Packaging Design – Shape the form, opening, and protection of packages so they are functional, efficient, and memorable.

Sustainable Packaging Design – Create packaging systems that reduce waste, use better materials, and support circular practices.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

Preparation for Packaging Design at the university level is stronger when students have practiced thinking about both how things look and how they work in real-world contexts. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in art, design, engineering, or technology that builds visual skills and basic understanding of materials or structures.
  • Experience creating 2D and 3D work—such as posters, product mockups, simple boxes, or models made from paper, cardboard, or other everyday materials.
  • Comfort working through multiple versions of an idea, from quick sketches to more refined prototypes.
  • Practice noticing how packaging communicates information (for example, hierarchy, typography, color) and how it functions (protection, opening, reuse, sustainability).
  • A developing portfolio that may include drawings, dieline experiments, models, or photos of packaging projects you have created or reimagined.
  • Ability to balance creative ideas with practical constraints like cost, materials, sustainability, and manufacturing.

Key Skills for Packaging Design

  • Visual hierarchy and clarity – Organizing information so that what matters most is easy to see, read, and understand at a glance.
  • Spatial and structural thinking – Imagining how flat layouts become three-dimensional forms that protect and present products.
  • Attention to detail – Catching small issues in copy, dielines, alignment, and color that affect quality and legibility.
  • Empathy for users and contexts – Considering how different people will open, handle, store, and dispose of packaging.
  • Balancing creativity and constraints – Generating strong ideas while respecting limits around cost, materials, regulations, and sustainability.
  • Collaboration with cross-function teams – Working with marketers, engineers, printers, and manufacturers to bring designs to life.
  • Iterative mindset – Testing prototypes, learning from failures, and refining designs based on feedback and real-world use.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • 2D design and layout software – Creating packaging graphics, typography, and information hierarchy.
  • Dieline and structural design tools – Building and editing flat templates that fold into three-dimensional forms.
  • 3D visualization tools – Mocking up packages in 3D to evaluate form, graphics, and shelf presence.
  • Prepress and print production tools – Preparing files with correct color, bleeds, and specifications for printing.
  • Materials and sustainability knowledge – Understanding common packaging materials, finishes, and basic sustainability considerations.
  • Prototyping tools and equipment – Cutting, scoring, and assembling physical mockups for testing and presentation.
  • Specification and documentation tools – Creating clear specs for manufacturers, including dimensions, materials, and finishing details.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Packaging Design complete a specialized undergraduate degree in graphic design, industrial design, or a related design or packaging field, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or Visual Communication
    • BDes in Packaging Design, Communication Design, or Industrial Design
    • BFA in Graphic Design, Illustration, or Visual Communication (with a focus on packaging or brand design)
    • BS in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Materials Science (with a focus on packaging)
    • BBA or BS in Marketing, Brand Management, or Retailing (with coursework or projects related to packaging)
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Packaging Design, Communication Design, or Brand Design
    • MA or MS in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Materials Science (with a focus on packaging)
    • MDes in Communication Design, Strategic Design, or Experience Design (with emphasis on packaging or brand systems)
    • MBA or MS in Marketing, Brand Management, or Retailing (with a focus on consumer products or packaging)
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MA, MSc, or PhD) in design, materials, or sustainability related to packaging

As you review Packaging Design programs, notice whether you’re more drawn to brand and visual design, structural and materials problem-solving, or sustainability and packaging strategy—seeing which focus feels most natural to you can help you choose where to look more closely.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Packaging Design offers roles that connect brand, structure, and sustainability, with salaries that grow as you take on more complex projects, technical constraints, and leadership across product lines or categories.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Junior Packaging Designer

  • Structural Packaging Design Assistant

  • Graphic / Brand Packaging Designer (entry-level)

  • Packaging Production or Prepress Assistant

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $45,000–$65,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, whether the role is more structural or graphic, and the type of company (agency, in-house brand, or manufacturer).

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • Packaging Designer (mid-level)

  • Structural Packaging Designer

  • Packaging Engineer or Development Specialist

  • Brand or Category Packaging Designer

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $65,000–$95,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to managing key accounts, leading projects from concept to production, and expertise in materials and sustainability.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior Packaging Designer

  • Senior Structural Packaging Designer or Packaging Engineer

  • Packaging Design Director or Creative Director (Packaging)

  • Head of Packaging Innovation or Sustainability

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $95,000–$150,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting responsibility for packaging strategy, cross-functional leadership, and the impact of packaging on brand, cost, and sustainability goals.

Check your fit

Is Packaging Design Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

• Notice how boxes, bottles, and labels look and feel when you pick them up in stores.
• Are curious about how packaging protects products, communicates information, and shapes first impressions.
• Like working with both structure and graphics—thinking about form, materials, and visual systems together.
• Care about waste, sustainability, and how design can reduce environmental impact.

You might prefer another path if you:

• Are more interested in designing the products themselves than the packages around them (consider Product & Industrial Design).
• Prefer focusing on brand identity, campaigns, and multi-channel storytelling rather than physical containers (consider Visual & Communication Design).
• Want to shape retail or distribution spaces, interiors, or visitor journeys rather than individual product touchpoints (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design or Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Packaging Design programs that fit your goals.

Packaging Design programs can vary in how they balance brand strategy, structural design, and sustainability. Some emphasize visual identity and shelf impact, while others focus more on materials, engineering, and how packaging functions across retail, e-commerce, and unboxing experiences.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Packaging Design programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Packaging Design?

See our global Locations page.

Product & Industrial Design

Product & Industrial Design is for students who are curious about how everyday objects are imagined, engineered, and brought into people’s lives. You’ll move from user insights and sketch models to 3D prototypes and production plans, turning ideas about form, function, and sustainability into physical products that solve problems at scale.

Paths within Product & Industrial Design

Within Product & Industrial Design, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Consumer Product Design – Design everyday objects and devices that balance usability, aesthetics, and cost.

Design Engineering & Product Development – Translate concepts into detailed, manufacturable products with attention to mechanics and materials.

Design for Mobility & Transportation – Develop vehicles, mobility systems, and related products for how people and goods move.

Furniture & Lighting Design – Create furniture and lighting that shape how people sit, work, rest, and gather.

Medical & Assistive Product Design – Design tools, devices, and equipment that support health, care, and accessibility.

Sustainable & Circular Product Design – Rethink products, materials, and lifecycles to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

Strong preparation for Product & Industrial Design usually combines hands-on making, visual thinking, and an interest in how objects solve real problems for people. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in art, design, engineering, or technology that builds skills in drawing, problem-solving, and understanding how things are made.
  • Experience sketching objects, mechanisms, or everyday products from observation and imagination, even in a loose or exploratory way.
  • Comfort building simple models or prototypes from materials like cardboard, foam, wood, or 3D-printed parts.
  • Habit of analyzing products you encounter—how they feel in the hand, how they function, how they might be improved, and how sustainable they are.
  • A developing portfolio that may include sketches, process work, models, or photos of objects and prototypes you have designed, modified, or repaired.
  • Willingness to iterate: testing ideas, learning from failures, and balancing user needs, aesthetics, engineering, and environmental impact.

Key Skills for Product & Industrial Design

  • Curiosity about how things work – Taking an interest in mechanisms, materials, and how everyday objects are put together.
  • Spatial and form thinking – Visualizing objects in three dimensions and understanding how form affects function and experience.
  • Problem-solving mindset – Framing design challenges around user needs, constraints, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Comfort with iteration – Exploring many versions of an idea, learning from failures, and refining designs over time.
  • Empathy for users – Considering comfort, safety, accessibility, and delight for different kinds of people.
  • Collaboration with technical partners – Working with engineers, fabricators, and other specialists to make ideas manufacturable.
  • Balance of creativity and practicality – Generating bold concepts while respecting constraints like cost, durability, and sustainability.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • 2D drawing and CAD tools – Creating precise drawings, orthographic views, and basic technical documentation.
  • 3D modeling software – Building digital models of products, components, and assemblies.
  • Rapid prototyping tools – Using 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC to create and test physical prototypes.
  • Materials and manufacturing knowledge – Understanding common materials, processes, and basic design-for-manufacture principles.
  • Ergonomics and human-factors methods – Applying simple measurements, guidelines, and tests to improve comfort and usability.
  • Visualization and rendering tools – Producing images or animations that communicate form, materials, and context.
  • Testing and evaluation methods – Running simple functional tests, user trials, or stress checks on prototypes.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Product & Industrial Design complete a specialized undergraduate degree in industrial design, product design, or a related design or engineering field, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Industrial Design or Product Design
    • BDes in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Transportation Design
    • BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering (with a strong design component)
    • BFA in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, or 3D Design
    • BS in Human Factors, Ergonomics, or Engineering Psychology (with applications in product design)
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Transportation Design
    • MA or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering (with a focus on product development)
    • MDes in Industrial Design, Strategic Design, or Experience Design
    • MFA in Industrial Design, 3D Design, or Furniture Design
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MSc or PhD) in design, engineering, or human factors related to products and systems

When looking at Product & Industrial Design programs, notice whether you’re more taken by form and user experience, engineering and making things work, or systems, sustainability and product strategy—clarifying which of these appeals most to you can make it easier to spot programs that fit.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Product & Industrial Design offers roles that shape physical products and systems, with salaries that grow as you take on more complex projects, technical constraints, and leadership across product lines or industries.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Junior Industrial Designer

  • Product Design Assistant

  • Design Engineer (entry-level)

  • Model Maker or Prototyping Technician

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $50,000–$70,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, industry (consumer, medical, mobility, etc.), and the balance of design vs. engineering responsibilities.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • Industrial Designer (mid-level)

  • Product Designer (physical products)

  • Design Engineer (mid-level)

  • Experience or Systems Designer (products and services)

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $70,000–$105,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to owning product lines, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing, and delivering successful launches.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior Industrial Designer

  • Senior Product Designer (physical products)

  • Design Manager or Studio Lead (Product / Industrial Design)

  • Director or Head of Product / Industrial Design

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $105,000–$160,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting responsibility for design strategy, team leadership, and the performance of major product portfolios.

Check your fit

Is Product & Industrial Design Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Often wonder why everyday objects are shaped the way they are—and how they could work better.
  • Like sketching or modeling physical things such as furniture, tools, devices, or household products.
  • Are curious about how form, ergonomics, and engineering come together in real-world use.
  • Enjoy balancing user needs, aesthetics, and manufacturing constraints to solve concrete problems.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more interested in designing the spaces objects live in than the objects themselves (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design).
  • Prefer working with clothing, textiles, and styling, rather than hard products (consider Fashion & Textiles).
  • Are drawn to brand systems, campaigns, and visual communication instead of 3D form and mechanics (consider Visual & Communication Design).
  • Want to focus on digital interfaces, apps, and interactive systems rather than physical products (consider Digital & Interaction Design or Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Product & Industrial Design programs that fit your goals.

Product & Industrial Design programs can differ in how they emphasize form-giving, engineering, and user-centered research. Some focus on physical products and manufacturing, while others lean into design strategy, sustainability, or connected devices and smart products.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Product & Industrial Design programs.

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Product & Industrial Design? See our global Locations page.

Visual & Communication Design

Visual & Communication Design is for students who are drawn to images, words, and systems—and how they shape what people notice, feel, and understand. You’ll move from research and concept development to typography, layout, and visual storytelling, turning ideas about culture, identity, and information into campaigns, publications, and digital content that clearly communicate a point of view.

Paths within Visual & Communication Design

Within Visual & Communication Design, you can focus on disciplines such as:

Brand & Identity Design – Develop logos, visual languages, and brand tools that express an organization’s voice.

Editorial & Publication Design – Plan and design books, magazines, and long‑form content across print and screen.

Graphic Design – Create visual systems of type, image, and layout for print and digital media.

Information & Data Visualization – Turn complex information into clear diagrams, charts, and visual explanations.

Motion & Visual Storytelling – Use animation, motion graphics, and time‑based media to communicate ideas and narratives.

Typography & Type Design – Design with type, or design typefaces themselves, to shape tone, legibility, and hierarchy.

Academic Preparation & Readiness

Students entering Visual & Communication Design are best prepared when they have practiced organizing visual information, experimenting with image and type, and thinking about how messages reach different audiences. Helpful preparation includes:

  • High school coursework in visual art, graphic design, media studies, journalism, or related subjects that build visual and communication skills.
  • Experience creating layouts or compositions—such as posters, zines, social media graphics, school publications, or simple brand experiments.
  • Comfort working with both images and text, including basic familiarity with typography, hierarchy, and visual rhythm (even at a beginner level).
  • Habit of noticing how visual communication works in the world—for example, how brands, signage, interfaces, or campaigns guide attention and understanding.
  • A developing portfolio that may include sketches, process work, finished pieces, and experiments that show curiosity and range, not just polished outcomes.
  • Openness to critique and revision, and willingness to explain the thinking behind your visual choices.

Key Skills for Visual & Communication Design

  • Visual curiosity and observation – Noticing how images, type, color, and layout are used in everyday communication.
  • Composition and hierarchy sense – Organizing elements so that information reads clearly and feels intentional.
  • Sensitivity to typography – Paying attention to type choices, spacing, and rhythm, even at a basic level.
  • Conceptual thinking – Connecting ideas, research, and references into clear visual concepts and narratives.
  • Openness to critique – Receiving feedback on your work and using it to refine both ideas and execution.
  • Communication and storytelling – Explaining the thinking behind your visual choices in simple, clear language.
  • Reliability and follow-through – Managing time, meeting deadlines, and carrying projects from idea to finished piece.

Technical Skills and Tools Used in this Path

  • Vector-based design tools – Creating logos, icons, illustrations, and scalable graphics.
  • Layout and publication software – Designing posters, spreads, zines, and multi-page documents.
  • Image editing tools – Adjusting, retouching, and compositing photos and raster images.
  • Typography tools and features – Working with type families, styles, spacing, and OpenType features.
  • Motion and basic animation tools – Creating simple motion pieces, title sequences, or animated graphics.
  • Asset preparation for print and digital – Exporting files with correct color, resolution, and formats for different outputs.
  • Digital collaboration and handoff tools – Sharing design systems, specs, and assets with writers, developers, and clients.

Typical Degree Paths & Programs

Most professionals in Visual & Communication Design complete a specialized undergraduate degree in graphic design, communication design, or a related visual design field, and some go on to graduate study. Common options include:

  • Undergraduate degrees
    • BA or BSc in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or Visual Communication
    • BDes in Communication Design, Graphic Design, or Interaction Design
    • BFA in Graphic Design, Illustration, or Motion Design
    • BA or BSc in Information Design, Data Visualization, or Experience Design
    • BFA or BA in Typography, Type Design, or Publication Design
  • Graduate and advanced study (optional)
    • MA or MS in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or Visual Communication
    • MA or MS in Information Design, Data Visualization, or Experience Design
    • MDes in Communication Design, Strategic Design, or Interaction Design
    • MFA in Graphic Design, Illustration, or Motion Design
    • Research-focused degrees (e.g., MA, MSc, or PhD) in design, visual communication, or related fields

As you explore Visual & Communication Design programs, notice whether you’re most excited by typography and visual systems, storytelling and motion, or information and brand strategy—seeing which of these feels most like your way of working can help you focus your search.

Career Paths and Salary Ranges

Visual & Communication Design offers roles that shape how information, brands, and stories are seen and understood, with salaries that grow as you take on more complex systems, campaigns, and creative leadership.

Entry Level Roles

Entry-level roles in this area include:

  • Junior Graphic Designer

  • Junior Brand or Identity Designer

  • Junior Visual Designer (marketing or product)

  • Production Designer or Layout Designer (entry-level)

 

Entry-level roles in this area typically range from about $40,000–$60,000 per year in the U.S., depending on location, type of employer (agency, in-house, studio), and the mix of print, digital, and motion work.

Mid Level Roles

Mid-level roles in this area include:

  • Graphic Designer (mid-level)

  • Brand or Identity Designer (mid-level)

  • Visual Designer or Marketing Designer

  • Information or Communication Designer

 

Mid-level roles often range from about $60,000–$90,000 per year in the U.S., with higher salaries tied to owning campaigns, systems, or key brand touchpoints.

Senior Roles

Senior and leadership roles in this area include:

  • Senior Graphic or Brand Designer

  • Senior Visual Designer or Art Director

  • Creative Director (Brand, Campaigns, or Visual Design)

  • Design Manager or Head of Visual / Communication Design

 

Senior and leadership roles can range from about $90,000–$150,000+ per year in the U.S., reflecting responsibility for creative direction, team leadership, and the visual expression of brands or organizations.

Check your fit

Is Visual & Communication Design Right for You?

You might enjoy this path if you:

  • Pay close attention to posters, book covers, interfaces, and logos—and how they make you feel.

  • Like working with type, color, images, and layout to organize information and tell stories.

  • Are curious about how design choices shape what people notice, remember, and trust.

  • Enjoy translating complex ideas into clear, accessible visuals for different audiences.

You might prefer another path if you:

  • Are more interested in 3D objects, furniture, or devices than in 2D communication (consider Product & Industrial Design or Packaging Design).

  • Prefer designing spaces, interiors, or landscapes rather than graphics and media (consider Architecture, Interior & Environmental Design or Design for Entertainment, Museums & Galleries).

  • Are drawn to clothing, textiles, and how people wear and style things instead of visual systems (consider Fashion & Textiles).

  • Want to focus on interfaces, flows, and interactive systems more than on broader visual storytelling (consider Digital & Interaction Design or Creative Technologies & Inclusive Design).

Next step: get guidance

Get guidance on Visual Design & Communication programs that fit your goals.

Visual & Communication Design programs can vary in how they balance typography, image-making, and strategy. Some focus on branding and visual identity, while others emphasize editorial design, motion graphics, or designing systems for digital and print.

If this path sounds exciting but you’re unsure which schools or degrees fit you best, we can help you compare options and understand what different programs prepare you for.

If you would like to talk about how this path might fit your goals and timelines, you are welcome to contact us for guidance on Visual & Communication Design programs.  

Contact Us About This Path

Curious about where you can study Visual & Communication Design? See our global Locations page.

Support & Guidance

If you’re drawn to more than one path—or not sure where you fit—write to us. We’ll help you understand what each discipline asks of you and how your interests, strengths, and story can shape a design future that feels like yours.

bottom of page