Online Vehicle Design Schools: How to Choose

The artists who specialize in commercial or industrial design are the ones who create the look of an automobile. These professionals generally have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in industrial design, architecture or engineering. However, the opportunities available online in vehicle design are generally limited to industrial design & engineering.

How to Select an Online Vehicle Design School

Accreditation

The National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) is one of the largest bodies accrediting design schools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 40 NASAD locations offer industrial design (www.bls.gov). When possible, students will want to choose a design school accredited by NASAD in order to maximize the effectiveness of their degree. Additionally, engineering majors should look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology.

Appropriate Training for Vehicle Design

Some students may choose to transition from engineering programs into the field of design. Many different online engineering programs exist for engineers, but vehicle design students should be careful to ensure that these programs include computer-aided design (CAD), drafting technologies & other mechanical drawing topics. Students in an online engineering program will want to discuss design possibilities with their advisor.

Career Prospects

Commercial & industrial design is a competitive field, with vehicle design being a small part. According to BLS data, the automotive industry is expected to see an almost 17% drop in employment from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). This will make entry into the world of vehicle design difficult. Vehicle designers can make themselves more desirable to employers by having a strong background in engineering as well as computer-aided design. BLS also states that many industrial designers are making themselves stand out by completing master's degree programs in business administration.

List of Online Industrial Design Programs

Online Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design

Though exceptionally rare, there are some online bachelor's degree programs in industrial design available. These programs help students develop technical proficiency in the execution of 2-dimensional & 3-dimensional product designs, including automobile components. Students will also learn how to present their designs in a professional manner. Online learners will need access to a computer, as well as design software.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

There are many different fields of engineering available as online degree programs. Students wishing to become vehicle designers should choose mechanical engineering or another specialty that emphasizes CAD design principles. Some schools offer specialized programs in automotive engineering or vehicle design, but these programs are exceedingly rare. A bachelor's degree in engineering consists of online lectures, discussions & assignments. Some lab courses may require on-campus participation.

Online Sustainable Design Degrees: Program Overviews

Sustainable design is an environmentally conscious branch of architectural design that is concerned with the comfort & health of building occupants as well as a building's relationship to its natural & human environments. It is a relatively young discipline, but several schools offer online certificates in sustainable design & Master of Architecture degrees with a concentration in the field.

Online Certificate Program in Sustainable Design Overview

Online certificate programs in sustainable design are widely available & offered by several schools. These programs incorporate a curriculum that emphasizes the design & construction of buildings that conserve resources & interact with public spaces in an environmentally sound way. Most schools design these programs for students who already have an undergraduate degree in architecture & for professional architects looking to broaden their outlook on design & planning.

Program Details & Requirements

Typically, online sustainable design certificate programs can be completed within one year, & most schools allow students to complete coursework at their own pace. Although many of these certificate programs can be completed entirely online, some programs also require students to complete an internship at a professional architectural firm & submit final reports to their instructors.

In order to access & work on online course materials, students need to be running an updated browser & operating system. They also need a reliable broadband Internet connection. Some programs require that students use software like Adobe Reader & Adobe Acrobat, in addition to media programs like Windows Media Player or RealPlayer. Some schools may also require students to have an updated copy of architectural design software like AutoCAD.

List of Common Sustainable Design Certificate Courses

Design For Community Course

Students in this course study how design must adapt to accommodate environmental changes in local & global communities. Students critique public spaces from the view of environmentally conscious architects as well as concerned citizens.

Innovation & Sustainability Course

This class investigates different avenues for architectural innovation that can lead to naturally healthy & effectively sustainable designs. As part of the course, students submit creative plans to alter pre-existing structures or construct entirely new buildings that are environmentally sound & promote sustainability.

Sustainability & Business Course

Students learn how to pitch & sell sustainable designs to prospective clients during this course. The curriculum covers the complex relationships between architects & clients, between companies & consumers, & between buildings & the environment.

Opportunities for Continuing Education

Some schools offer master's degree programs in architecture with a focus on sustainable design. A handful of these advanced degree programs are offered as hybrid programs, with coursework that can be completed both online & in a traditional classroom.

Online Safety Technician Courses Overview

Online courses in health & safety technician training are available individually & as part of certificate or degree programs. Some courses may be taught in hybrid format in which some classes must be attended on-campus or at a work site. Students can also find online courses which provide preparation for certification exams.

Overview of Online Safety Technician Courses

Safety technicians ensure all safety measures are up to compliance at workplaces like construction sites. Work sites need to be current on all regulations & procedures set by the federal government in order to account for proper protection & health of workers, property & the environment. Online courses in the field can be found as part of certificate, undergraduate or graduate degree programs in occupational safety. These classes explain the local & federal safety laws as well as proper safety procedures.

Many safety technicians are employed by government agencies & private sector businesses. Some job titles include certified safety professional, occupational health specialist & certified loss control specialist.

Course Requirements

Online courses require access to a computer with an Internet connection. Media players may be used for video lectures & demonstrations. Students use e-mail & online forums to communicate with classmates & instructors. Software such as Adobe Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint & Excel may be used for coursework completion. Some courses & programs include internships or on-site projects that can't be completed online.

List of Online Courses

OSHA Construction Course

Some states require workers at construction sites to take at least a ten hour course in OSHA regulations. In this introductory course, students learn about compliance with OSHA rules & regulations as applicable to construction work sites. OSHA inspection procedures, fire protection & aisle safety are discussed. Students are familiarized with safety procedures for electrical work, welding & cutting & scaffolding.

OSHA General Industry Course

This course is offered as an introduction to general OSHA regulations. The class covers federal rules for preventative safety measures & safety procedures on industrial sites of different types. It is generally geared toward safety supervisors or managers.

Safety Management Course

Students in a safety management class learn to identify major hazards in workplace settings, design & implement safety programs & protocols, & adhere to proper reactive safety procedures. Class also covers data collection & interpretation.

Hazardous Materials Course

In this course, students learn about the different categories & characteristics of hazardous materials. Proper handling & disposal procedures are discussed. Coursework includes study of the legal requirements & correct procedures in responding to hazardous waste accidents.