The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers specialized track in Transportation Design

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is now offering a 12-course track in its Industrial Design bachelor’s degree program offering students the opportunity to specialize in Transportation Design.

The introduction of the specialization responds to student interest in automotive design as well as the transportation industry's changing needs. With complex environmental and changing social concerns, the demand for designers and responsible problem-solvers for subway systems, human-powered and recreational vehicles, watercrafts, and rail transportation continues to increase. The program also includes studies in researching and designing toy and model cars as well as aftermarket products, a rapid-growth division of the automotive industry.

"The Transportation Design track was developed with expertise of experienced faculty and input from industry professionals and international organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)," said Terri Laurenceau, Academic Department Director for Industrial Design at The Art Institute. "We've combined in-depth coursework in ergonomics, fabrication, sculpting, aerodynamics, principles of engineering with a traditional foundation in design so that a graduate can become proficient in all aspects of the transportation industry." According to Laurenceau, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is one of only a handful of colleges in the United States where a student can combine traditional industrial design, general education studies and specialized coursework in the transportation industry.

Students who select the Transportation Design track are required to take two thesis courses designed to serve as the culmination of their coursework and challenge problem-solving skills. Upon graduation, students will have prepared a portfolio with requirements established by industry professionals to help ensure that students are graduating with the skills that employers need.