Sustainable Product Design & Innovation
Engineering a Sustainable Future
This degree is one-of-a-kind, attracting makers and innovators interested in a more sustainable 21st century. The Sustainable Product Design and Innovation program is a unique, interdisciplinary major at the intersection of engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing. You will learn by doing, with project-based courses starting in your first year. The program will challenge you to think critically and creatively as you learn to design and manufacture products that are functional and beautiful but also cost-efficient, environmentally sound, and socially responsible.
Product Design Option
This option is for the student who thrives on the entire design process, from initial concept to final prototype. You'll focus on developing your skills in design thinking, sketching, 3D modeling, and prototyping.
You will learn how to create innovative and user-centered products that solve real-world problems. Best of all, you will actually make and test the products you design in our full-accessible workshops.
Manufacturing Engineering Option
If you are fascinated by how things are made, this option is for you. In addition to the Product Design core, you will dive deep into the world of advanced manufacturing, learning about materials, processes, and the latest technologies.
You will gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art workshops and labs, preparing you for a career in the ever-evolving world of manufacturing.
General Engineering Option
This flexible option is perfect for students who want a broad-based engineering education with a focus on product design. Centered around the Product Design core, you will build a strong foundation in engineering principles while still having the opportunity to explore your creative side.
This option is a great choice for students who may be considering graduate school or who want to keep their career options open.
Which Option is Right For You?
This is a great question! Choose product design if you're most interested in the "what" and the "why" of a product. This is for you if:
- You consider yourself a maker of any kind.
- You love the entire creative journey, from a blank-page idea to a physical prototype.
- You enjoy thinking about the user and how to solve their problems.
- Skills like sketching, 3D modeling, and design thinking sound exciting to you.
Choose manufacturing engineering if you're fascinated by "how" things are made. This is for you if:
- You find yourself taking things apart just to see how they are made.
- You're interested in the materials, machinery, and processes that turn a design into a real, manufacturable product.
- You want to get hands-on experience in labs with advanced manufacturing technology.
Choose general engineering if you want to build a strong, flexible foundation in engineering. This is for you if:
- You love to figure out how things work.
- You want a deep understanding of core engineering principles that you can apply to product design.
- You might be thinking about graduate school or want to keep your future career options as open as possible.
- You enjoy both the technical engineering challenges and the creative design process.
Ultimately, think about where you want to focus your energy: on the initial idea (Product Design), the physical creation (Manufacturing), or the underlying principles (General Engineering). We also encourage you to talk with a faculty advisor
Career Opportunities
No matter which path you choose, the SPDI Sustainable Product Design program will prepare you to become a leader in the field of sustainable design and innovation. You wi'll graduate with a strong portfolio of work, the technical skills to bring your ideas to life, and the critical thinking abilities to create a more sustainable future.
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Admissions Office
603-358-2276
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435