Bachelor's Degree in Product Design
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Product Design is perfect for students who are creative problem-solvers with a passion for designing innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products. This program prepares graduates for careers as industrial designers, UX/UI designers, product developers, or design engineers, equipping them with the skills to work in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive design, or sustainable product development.
Program Overview
Product design is a strategic problem-solving process that drives innovation, builds business success, and leads to a better quality of life through innovative products, systems, services, and experiences. It combines aesthetics with the utility of objects. Values, ideals, and aspirations of a culture are expressed through material objects, systems and now digital footprints; these become imperative to understanding our current circumstance and to inventing our future.
Related Careers
- Vehicle / Automotive Design
- Medical Product Design
- Digital Product Design
- Housewares
- Athletic Gear
- Outdoor Products
- Clothing Design
- Smart Textiles
- Furniture Design
- User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
- Toy Design
- Packaging Design
- Industrial and Hardware Design
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
Register Now
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Product Design program focuses on the creative and technical processes involved in developing innovative, functional, and user-centered products. Students explore areas such as design thinking, materials and manufacturing, digital modeling, user experience, and sustainable design practices. The curriculum blends artistic vision with engineering principles and hands-on prototyping, preparing students to design products that are both aesthetically engaging and practically effective.
Students are encouraged to use the 23 elective credits required in the Product Design bachelor's degree to pursue personal interests across the university. These open credit hours can be used to earn a minor or to gain wide exposure to the diverse course offerings at the University of Kentucky.
Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Once you select Product Design as your undergraduate major (either in Common App or UK application), a secondary application will appear. The secondary application consists of:
- A written essay. In 500 words or less, tell us about your goals for studying Product Design at UK and articulate why you believe this is the right program for you. We want to know how you describe design and your aspirations for your education.
- A photo essay. How do you notice and describe existing “good designs” in the world around you? In five self-authored photographs, show us what you see that qualifies — for you — as good design and explain why.
- A portfolio. This portion of the application gives us a glimpse into the creative activities in which you’re already involved and is a chance to show us not only your existing skills but also what excites you about your various interests.
The link to upload with portfolio and photo essay will be emailed to students within 24 hours after they submit their application.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
-
Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
-
Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
-
Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
-
Fall
- 08/01/2025
-
Spring
- 11/15/2025
-
Summer
- 04/15/2025
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Maryland
South Carolina
Tennessee
West Virginia
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
