The automotive industry is experiencing a revolution unlike anything since its inception, presenting unprecedented opportunities for visionary designers. For aspiring creatives passionate about shaping the future of vehicles, understanding car design and mastering the necessary skills is paramount. While hands-on experience remains crucial, the digital age has opened doors to invaluable online resources and information about car design programs, making it easier than ever to explore this dynamic field. ArtCenter’s Transportation Design program stands at the forefront, offering a comprehensive curriculum that blends historical knowledge with cutting-edge design practices, preparing students to lead the charge in automotive innovation.
Program Overview: Crafting Tomorrow’s Vehicles
At ArtCenter, the Transportation Design major transcends traditional automotive aesthetics. Students learn to perceive vehicles as complex entities deeply intertwined with society, performance, and user experience. The program cultivates a holistic approach, integrating comfort, safety, and usability with forward-thinking perspectives on sustainable mobility, product lifecycle considerations, and brand identity. You’ll develop robust expertise in essential skills, including sketching, physical and digital modeling, understanding vehicle architecture, material science, and aerodynamics. To tailor your skillset, you can specialize in one of three concentrations: Vehicle Exteriors, Vehicle Interiors (encompassing UI/UX design), or Alternative Transportation, which explores diverse vehicle types from aircraft to personal mobility solutions.
This image alt text: Digital car design sketch on tablet showcasing vehicle exterior, relevant to online car design program discussions.
Join Our Automotive Design Legacy: Shaping the Industry for Generations
ArtCenter boasts a rich heritage of shaping automotive design, fostering beauty, innovation, and meaningful transportation solutions. Our alumni network reads like a who’s who of the automotive world, leading design studios at virtually every major manufacturer globally. From iconic muscle cars and high-performance supercars to family vehicles and groundbreaking concept cars unveiled annually at prestigious auto shows, ArtCenter’s influence is undeniable. This legacy extends beyond cars, with graduates designing everything from Tesla’s Cybertruck and Ducati Monster motorcycles to luxury yachts and even spacecraft. By joining ArtCenter, you not only embark on a journey to become a leading designer but also become part of this influential global network of problem-solvers driving the next wave of vehicle innovation.
This image alt text: Automotive interior design studio environment with students engaged in physical modeling, demonstrating hands-on learning in a car design program.
Transportation Design Careers: Drive the Future of Mobility
The future of transportation is being written now, and ArtCenter’s program empowers you to be a key author. Equipping you with the skills and vision to make impactful decisions across the entire spectrum of automotive and alternative transportation design, the Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design program focuses on building a strong, career-launching portfolio. Through hands-on projects, often sponsored by leading automotive brands, you will gain real-world experience and build connections with top designers from studios worldwide. These industry leaders recognize and value the commitment to design excellence that is the hallmark of an ArtCenter education. Graduates are prepared to pursue diverse and exciting careers, including:
- Automotive Concept Design
- Interior and Exterior Automotive Design
- Automobile Accessories Design
- Motorcycle Design
- Recreational Vehicle Design
- Watercraft Design
- Public Transit Design
- Alternative Personal Transportation Design
- Transit and Urban Planning
- Specialist Vehicle Design
- Aircraft Interior Design
- Automotive Design Strategist
- Transportation Product Strategy
- Vehicle Customization
This image alt text: Diverse portfolio of transportation design projects showcasing cars, motorcycles, and aircraft, illustrating career paths from a Car Design Program Online research.
