https://www.pacific.edu/academics/product-design-degree-bs
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science
Majors Offered
Product Design and Entrepreneurship (BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Product Design and Entrepreneurship prepares students with an entrepreneurial mindset to develop user-centered designs and innovative solutions that create value and positively impacting society and the economy. the program is intended to promote interdisciplinary, science-and technology-based entrepreneurship to fill the gap created by the lack of a cohesive, coordinated approach to innovation and entrepreneurship. Students can choose a track based on their interest. The two tracks in the program are: Physical Design & Manufacturing and Digital User Experience & AI. These tracks align with the growing market demand for skills in new product development, product design, and User Experience (UX).
Bachelor of Science Major in Product Design and Entrepreneurship
Students must complete a minimum of 120 units of academic work in order to earn the bachelor of science in product design and entrepreneurship.
I. General Education Requirements
For more details, see General Education
Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:
A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)
| CORE 001 | Problem Solving & Oral Comm | 3 |
| CORE 002 | Writing and Critical Thinking | 4 |
Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.
B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)
| At least one course from each of the following areas: | ||
Artistic Process & Creation | ||
Civic & Global Responsibility | ||
Language & Narratives | ||
Quantitative Reasoning | ||
Scientific Inquiry | ||
Social Inquiry | ||
World Perspectives & Ethics | ||
Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.
C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement
| All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units) | ||
Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.
D. Fundamental Skills
| Students must demonstrate competence in: | ||
Writing | ||
Quantitative Analysis (Math) | ||
Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.
II. Major Requirements
| Students must complete all the required courses and five courses from a selected track. | ||
| PDEP 010 | Product Design and Entrepreneurship Seminar | 2 |
| PDEP 057 | AI for Designers | 4 |
| MATH 045 | Introduction to Finite Mathematics and Calculus | 3 |
| or MATH 051 | Calculus I | |
| MATH 037 | Introduction to Statistics and Probability | 4 |
| BUSI 031 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4 |
| BUSI 053 | The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | 4 |
| BUSI 090 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 4 |
| BUSI 105 | Financial Management | 4 |
| BUSI 107 | Marketing Management | 4 |
| BUSI 109 | Management and Organizational Behavior | 4 |
| BUSI 141 | Marketing Research | 4 |
| ECON 053 | Introductory Microeconomics | 4 |
| PDEP 195 | Capstone I | 4 |
| BUSI 173 | Entrepreneurial Management Practicum | 4 |
| BUSI 180 | Entrepreneurship and Business Strategy | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Digital Narratives | ||
| Digital Communication | ||
| Data Visualization and Storytelling | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Social Science Research Methods | ||
| Political Science Research | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Introduction to Digital Humanities | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Cognitive Science | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Behavioral Psychology | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Engineering Design Thinking | ||
| Design Thinking | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Design and Innovation and Design and Innovation Lab | ||
| Product Innovation | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Entrepreneurial Finance | ||
| Intermediate Financial Management | ||
| For Physical Design + Manufacturing Track | ||
| ARTS 009 | Principles of 3-D Design | 4 |
| MECH 015 | Mechanical Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| PDEP 046 | Material Processing and Selection | 4 |
| Select one Manufacturing electives: | ||
| Manufacturing Processes and Manufacturing Process Lab | ||
| Sculpture | ||
or EMGT 145 | Product Design & Additive Manufacturing | |
| For Digital User Experience + AI Track | ||
| ARTS 010 | Introduction to Digital Design | 3 |
| COMP 051 | Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| or COMP 061 | Introduction to Programming for Data Science | |
| COMP 135 | Human-Computer Interface Design | 3 |
| PDEP 157 | UI Techniques and Applications | 4 |
| Select one UX Design elective: | ||
| Digital Marketing | ||
| Media Tools | ||
| Principles of Storytelling | ||
| Digital Well-Being | ||
| Electives - select two out of the following: | ||
| Design Thinking | ||
| Sculpture | ||
| Entrepreneurial Finance | ||
| Intermediate Financial Management | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Personal Selling and Sales Management | ||
| Product Innovation | ||
| Marketing Analytics | ||
| Digital Marketing | ||
| International Management | ||
| Leadership and Change | ||
| Strategic Management and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Digital Communication | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Data Visualization and Storytelling | ||
| Design and Innovation and Design and Innovation Lab | ||
| Product Design & Additive Manufacturing | ||
| Introduction to Digital Humanities | ||
| Engineering Design Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Mobile Robotics | ||
| Social Science Research Methods | ||
| Digital Narratives | ||
| Media Tools | ||
| Principles of Storytelling | ||
| Introduction to Cognitive Science | ||
| Digital Well-Being | ||
| Business Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Political Science Research | ||
| Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Behavioral Psychology | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
Intrdiscip Prod Des Ent Courses
PDEP 010. Product Design and Entrepreneurship Seminar. 2 Units.
This course provides students with a unified cohort experience and essential skills for success in the Product Design and Entrepreneurship major at Pacific. Students actively participate in curriculum planning, explore techniques for college and career success, and implement strategies for continuous improvement. Students learn about research and internship opportunities and are introduced to campus resources.
PDEP 046. Material Processing and Selection. 4 Units.
This course introduces the student to the concepts of materials processing and selection and the criteria used in these processes. The broad scope of manufacturing and processing technologies for metals, ceramics and polymers are introduced. This is followed by the development of a deeper appreciation of the influence of processing upon the structure and properties of these materials. Prerequisite: MECH 015 with a “C-“ or better.
PDEP 057. AI for Designers. 4 Units.
This course provides an exploration of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of design, tailored for students in the Product Design and Entrepreneurship program. Focusing on generative AI, the course covers both theoretical concepts and practical tools that enable designers to enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and develop innovative products and experiences. Students engage with AI tools to design both physical products and digital experiences, preparing them for the evolving landscape of design industries. By the end of the course, students develop a portfolio of AI-assisted design projects and an understanding of how AI can be integrated into the design process. Prerequisite: PDEP 010 with a “C-“ or better.
PDEP 157. UI Techniques and Applications. 4 Units.
This course explores the principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on advanced design techniques, emerging technologies, and critical evaluation of user interfaces. Students study complex interaction paradigms, conduct comprehensive usability studies, and work on sophisticated interface design projects. The course emphasizes the integration of AI, virtual/augmented reality, and multimodal interfaces, preparing students to tackle cutting-edge challenges in HCI. Prerequisite: COMP 135 with a “C-“ or better.
PDEP 195. Capstone I. 4 Units.
In this capstone course, students focus on the advanced application of product modeling and design simulation. They are challenged to develop a product, app, or solution that requires the integration of design specifications and simulation practices, such as finite element analysis and mold flow analysis for manufacturing, as well as prototyping and usability testing for UX. The course emphasizes the identification of market opportunities, creative brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping, all within the context of the chosen theme. Students take a new product from concept to virtual development, creating prototypes that align with consumer demands. Prerequisites: Completion of all Fundamental Skills and Senior Standing and EMGT 142 or BUSI 143 with a “C-“ or better.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ability to apply creative and critical thinking skills to develop innovative, user-centered designs and solutions that address real-world challenges.
- Students will develop their communication and storytelling abilities, allowing them to effectively convey the value and impact of their ideas to various stakeholders through a variety of media.
- Students will connect diverse ideas and concepts, integrating knowledge from various disciplines to generate innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Students will develop and build prototypes using an iterative design process, incorporating feedback from stakeholders to ensure that strategy, planning, and implementation are grounded in the needs and experiences of the end-user.
- Students will effectively collaborate on teams whose members collectively provide leadership and create an inclusive work environment.
- Student sill develop conceptual design, product (digital/physical) modeling, and prototyping skills to enhance the functionality and effectiveness of their designs and solutions.
- Students will demonstrate curiosity by actively exploring new concepts, emerging technologies, and new market trends, seeking to identify and engage with potential opportunities for innovation.
- Students will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, including hte ability to conduct market research and financial forecasts to drive innovation that positively impacts society and the economy.
- Students will develop reliable, high-quality products with market appeal, within the budgets and time demanded by competitive businesses.
