Product Development Prototyping

Explore the exciting world of product development and prototyping with this hands-on program. You’ll dive into core design concepts, testing analysis, and rapid prototyping using modern graphic software, laser scanning technology, and industry-standard equipment.

Who Is This Program For?

  • Students aiming for a career in product development
  • Professionals looking to upgrade their skills
  • Entrepreneurs eager to bring their ideas and products to life

What Does Rapid Prototyping Involve?
Rapid prototyping often overlaps with the responsibilities of industrial designers, who create concepts for products like cars, home appliances, and toys. Combining art, business, and engineering, industrial designers focus on crafting functional and stylish products that enhance user experiences.

Where Do Industrial Designers Work?
Industrial designers work in diverse industries, primarily in office settings. However, they may also travel to:

  • Testing facilities
  • Design centers
  • Clients' exhibit sites
  • Users’ homes or workplaces
  • Manufacturing locations

This program provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the dynamic field of product development and prototyping!

What’s the Job Outlook for Industrial Designers?

The employment of industrial designers is projected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, June 2024, Industrial Designers

60
credits required to complete an Product Development Prototyping AAS
24
credits required to complete an Introduction to Rapid Prototyping: Short-Term Certificate
21
credits required to complete an Advanced Rapid Prototyping: Short-Term Certificate
$76,250
median annual wage for industrial designers as of May 2023

What’s Required to Complete the Product Development Prototyping  Program?

An AAS in Product Development Prototyping from WCCCD requires 60 total credits. An Introduction to Rapid Prototyping: Short-Term Certificate requires 24 credits. An Advanced Rapid Prototyping: Short-Term Certificate requires 21 credits. 

As a Product Development Prototyping student at WCCCD, you’ll take both general education courses and courses required for a Product Development Prototyping major.

Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Product Development Prototyping Degree?

Most Product Development Prototyping students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AAS degree prerequisites and required courses.  

What Will I Learn as a Product Development Prototyping Student?

WCCCD Product Development Prototyping students learn core design concepts, testing analysis, and rapid prototyping through the use of modern graphic software, laser scanning technology, and industry standard rapid prototyping equipment. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including design concepts and rapid prototyping. 

Recommended course sequencing

Semester 3 Total: 12 Credits


Semester 5 Total: 12 Credits


A.A.S. Program Total: 60 Credits


Note: Program total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 2 Total: 9 Credits


Certificate Total: 21 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Certificate Total: 24 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Where is WCCCD’s Product Development Prototyping Program Offered?

The Product Development Prototyping Program is offered at our Eastern CampusAs a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.

It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

Contact Info

Phone: 313-496-2600

Email: edaffairs@wcccd.edu