Product Design and Development program
At Weber State University, Product Design and Development is an academic program that combines engineering principles with creative design and business strategies to prepare students for careers in designing and developing new products. The program focuses on equipping students with skills in areas such as 3D modeling, prototyping, materials science, and manufacturing processes, as well as project management and problem-solving. Students engage in hands-on projects and real-world applications, often collaborating with industry partners, to prepare for roles in industries like consumer products, aerospace, and medical devices.
Product Design and Development Degrees and Programs
Bachelor of Science
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate of Proficiency
Minor
What is Product Design and Development?
Product Design and Development is the process of creating new products or improving existing ones, encompassing everything from concept and design to final production. It involves multidisciplinary teams working on aspects like functionality, aesthetics, usability, and marketability to meet customer needs. The process typically includes research, prototyping, testing, and refining before a product is launched into the market.
What does a Product Design and Development do?
A Product Design and Development professional is responsible for taking a product idea from concept to reality. They design and prototype new products, considering factors like functionality, aesthetics, user experience, and manufacturability. Their role often involves collaborating with engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure the product meets customer needs, adheres to budget constraints, and is ready for mass production.
What will I study in Product Design and Development at WSU?
- Tool Design
- Machines and Mechanisms
- Applied Kinematic Analysis
- Parametric Design Graphics
- Introduction to CATIA V5
- Advanced Mechanical Design
- Advanced CATIA V5
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Applications
- Engineering Technology Materials
- Mechanics of Materials
- Statics for Engineering Technology
- Computer Aided Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping
- Mechanical Measurements and Instrumentation
- Engineering Design using Solid Modeling
- Plastic and Composite Manufacturing
What jobs are available in Product Design and Development?
- Product Designer: Focuses on creating the look, feel, and functionality of products, often using CAD software for design and prototyping.
- Product Development Engineer: Works on the technical aspects of bringing a product to market, including materials selection, manufacturing processes, and testing.
- Industrial Designer: Combines art, business, and engineering to create products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and marketable.
- Design Engineer: Bridges the gap between design and engineering, ensuring that products are not only innovative but also feasible to produce.
- Project Manager: Oversees the entire product development process, coordinating teams, managing timelines, and ensuring that the project stays within budget.
What is the salary for a Product Design and Developer?
For a Product Developer, the average salary in Utah is approximately $69,688, with a typical range from $63,024 to $76,391. These salaries can vary based on experience, location within the state, and the specific demands of the role
Nationally, the salary for a Product Developer averages around $73,324 annually, with a typical range between $65,989 and $79,987 depending on experience, location, and the company.
*salary.com
ABET Accreditation
The Product Design and Development BS Program at Weber State University is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
Product Design and Development Description
The Product Design and Development: An Engineering Technology (PDD) degree will prepare graduates with knowledge, problem solving ability, and hands on skills to enter careers in drafting and basic design of mechanical/manufacturing components. Graduates will demonstrate competency in the application of manuals, handbooks, material and/or equipment specifications, and related software in advanced drafting/design. Graduates will demonstrate competency in the application of current codes and standards with open-ended design experiences that integrate materials, manufacturing, design analysis, and graphics. Graduates will understand concepts relating to the environmental and economic impacts of design. Graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter careers in applied mechanical design environment using the following software programs; Solidworks, Catia V5, PTC Creo, NX and other applicable software.
Purpose of Degree
The PDD degree will allow students to prepare for job opportunities in the Mechanical & Product Design industry working for aerospace, automotive, and various product manufacturing companies, contractors and engineering firms.
Program Educational Objectives
The program educational objectives of the PDD program are to prepare graduates to establish themselves as successful professionals in the drafting and design of mechanical systems, or related areas during the first few years of their careers by having demonstrated their ability to:
- Address and solve increasingly complex technical problems related to the field of design engineering technology.
- Make well educated, responsible and ethical decisions that will have a positive impact on their organization and society.
- Undertake more complex tasks possibly leading to a supervisory role.
- Grow personally and professionally.
Program Student Outcomes
- an ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems in Product Design and Development Engineering Technology related to applied mechanical design using advanced software tools and techniques.
- an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems in Product Design and Development Engineering Technology.
- an ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes
- an ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams
- an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
Academic Year |
Declared Majors* |
AAS Graduates |
BS Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 53 | 7 | 12 |
| 2022-2023 | 51 | 9 | 8 |
| 2021-2022 | 30 | 11 | 4 |
| 2020-2021 | 87 | 7 | 7 |
| 2019-2020 | 67 | 11 | 6 |
| 2018-2019 | 75 | 6 | 9 |
| 2017-2018 | 65 (DET Program) | 7 | 10 |
| 2016-2017 | 60 (DET Program) | 11 | 15 |
| 2015-2016 | 50 (DET Program) | 9 | 10 |